As good as they are saying and better

Rating: Null/10 (5 January 1999)

This movie is perfect. I can't think of any way it could have been improved. I've never been much of a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow. However, after this movie, I learn it was not because she has no talent, but rather there hasn't been a movie until now which aptly displayed her talent. (Although I did think she was very touching in Seven. Tiny part though.)
I predict that now Joseph Fiennes will become something of a matinee idol. His eyes just about make you want to jump on the screen. Although he's not as conventionally handsome as Ralph, I must say he is much more sexy because he exudes a kind of warmth, energy and vitality which Ralph seems to lack. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't put either of them out if they showed up at my doorstep.
However, I digress. The supporting cast is superb. The plot is incredibly clever. The weavings in and out between the play being performed and the story on the screen are jaw-droppingly well-done. The production values and costuming and make-up right down to the rotted-out teeth are completely authentic-looking. I can't say they are authentic because I didn't live then but they sure seemed to be. Kudos to the editors of this film. The pacing is downright stimulating.
And being a Shakespeare lover, I'm excited to think that a rash of new Shakespeare aficionadoes may be awakened by this movie.
I must also say that it is incredibly, meltingly romantic and I'm a very very hard person to impress on that level. I cried buckets and wanted to cry more but held back because I was in the middle of a sold-out theater. There is unbelievable chemistry between Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. This is probably going to sound shallow but I was amazed considering Gwyneth's real squeeze, Ben Affleck, was in the cast and probably present for a lot of the physical contact between her and JF. What an acting coup! IF she doesn't win the Oscar, I will be very disappointed.
Geoffrey Rush was a scene stealer, and I also enjoyed Tom Wilkinson from Full Monty as the theater owner/apothecary. Took me awhile to figure out who he was. Always enjoy seeing Simon Callow too.