Does not hold up to the test of time.

Rating: 7/10 (25 March 2001)

I did not want to like this film when I first watched it. I was a little bitter from the Oscars, feeling that both Private Ryan and Thin Red Line had to be better. I was surprised to find that although I did indeed like the two previous films better, Shakespeare in Love was a terrific film. It was witty, stylish and had an excellent script. I could understand how it could have won Best Picture. Today, I can no longer say that. Upon repeated viewings, it simply does not remain a great film.
The witty reparte is no longer as witty the 2nd, 3rd and 4th viewings. In fact, Geoffrey Rush becomes rather annoying and absolutely unbelievable. Private Ryan and Thin Red Line are excellent each time I watch them because there is true art going on. Shakespeare is simply an entertaining story that gets old fast. Saving Private Ryan was clearly robbed of the Best Picture. Oh well, it will simply join Citizen Kane, Psycho, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Shawshank Redemption and numerous other films that have clearly outlasted the films which beat them out. Shakespeare in Love is a good film, don't get me wrong(7/10). Fiennes is terrific and Paltrow is passable. It simply is not the film Private Ryan is. I think that was clear in 1998, but it is undeniable in 2001. If you would like to see real Shakespearian drama, check Branagh's full-length version of Hamlet.