Interesting story, but a disappointing portrayal of Shakespeare

Rating: 7/10 (26 February 2007)

I love Joseph Fiennes and he was excellent in this movie. Dame Judi Dench and Gwyneth Paltrow also turn in top-notch performances. However, the main problem I have with this movie is the script by Tom Stoppard. Stoppard is excellent: I love his Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead and Arcadia,and I know he knows Shakespeare and his time.That is why I find the frequent historical inaccuracies (references to American colonies,incorrect order of the plays, etc) so glaring. Stoppard wrote them, not some hotshot scriptwriter without a clue. He knew and he still messed it up. I like this movie, but as a Shakespeare devotee, I find it sorely lacking. Sadly,this is how most people see Shakespeare. Shame on you, Stoppard.