DVD : Shakespeare In Love [1999]

Rating: - Smug self satisfied whimsy
Didn't like the general air of smugness the film had, I found that really offputting, wasn't too keen on Paltrow's over controlled performance either. I suppose in a way it was one of those films waiting to be made, as there seemed to be a little unfilled niche for it, but apart from introducing us to other players in the Shakespeare story, which I am sure many people did not know of, I don't see a lot to recommend this self satisfied film. With such an idealised comedy, the subject of course can never be accurately portrayed, but then neither can the tone of the period the film is set in. Wouldn't it be better if someone decided to attempt a straight film portrayal of the great man's life, following the populist history of his life and career, instead of just a well marketed, titilating fantasy designed to do well at the awards?

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Rating: - The show must...........Go on!
What can you say about this film that hasn't already been said? Nothing, its absolutely brilliant, I noticed that someone gave it one star previously. Idiot. You do not have to have an intimate knowledge of The Bard to enjoy this film, a modicum of intelligence is useful but really anyone could & should enjoy this film. Its funny, witty, beautifully written & the acting is superb throughout, especially Tom Wilkinson who to be fair is brilliant in anything he is in anyway. Its also incredibly uplifting & the final scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow walking across the beach to the words of Twelth Night whilst Stephen Warbeck's incredible score grows ever louder in the background, never fail to inspire & move me to tears. A wondrous, wondrous film!

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Rating: - Save your time
this movie is an utter waste of time. No script, bad acting, and boring
from start to finish.

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Rating: - A Comedy About the Greatest Love Story Almost Never Told
"Shakespeare in Love" is a beautiful, lyrical masterpiece. Shakespeare's beautiful words, supported by Stephen Warbeck's music the beauty if its star, Gwyneth Paltrow, and its sumptuous costumes make this warmhearted and funny fantasy a pleasure from beginning to end. One does not have to know much about either Shakespeare or his times to enjoy the movie but if one does have a bit of this knowledge, the film is even more fun.

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Rating: - lovely film that makes me cry!
This is such a clever, witty, brilliantly acted (and written) film that somehow manages to straddle the divide between intellectual playfulness and real (romantic) emotion - always a very diffcult thing.

Gwyneth and Joseph Fiennes are both fabulous and the chemistry between them is utterly believable. The mini-portrait of John Webster is hilarious and yet thought-provoking (however untrue!) and Ben Affleck as Ned is superb. Rupert Everett was an odd Kit Marlowe, and the integration of his murder didn't quite work, but the rest of it I loved.

The Globe looks fantastic, Judi Dench is her usual superb self, and the whole film feels like one of Shaekespeare's own plays! Brilliant!