Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Average Rating: 8.1/10
Reviews Counted: 104
Fresh: 97 | Rotten: 7
Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic, Shakespeare in Love is a delightful romantic comedy that succeeds on nearly every level.
Average Rating: 8/10
Critic Reviews: 27
Fresh: 25 | Rotten: 2
Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic, Shakespeare in Love is a delightful romantic comedy that succeeds on nearly every level.
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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 223,978
Movie Info
William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is on a cold streak. Not only is he writing for Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), owner of "The Rose," a theatre whose doors are about to be closed by sadistic creditors, but he's got a nasty case of writer's block. Shakespeare hasn't written a hit in years. In fact, he hasn't written much of anything recently. Thus, the Bard finds himself in quite a bind when Henslowe, desperate to stave off another round of hot-coals-to-feet application, stakes The Rose's
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Cast
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Joseph Fiennes
William Shakespeare -
Gwyneth Paltrow
Viola De Lesseps -
Geoffrey Rush
Philip Henslowe -
Judi Dench
Elizabeth I -
Simon Callow
Tilney Master of the... -
Colin Firth
Lord Wessex -
Imelda Staunton
Nurse -
Ben Affleck
Ned Alleyn -
Tom Wilkinson
Hugh Fennyman -
Jim Carter
Ralph Bashford -
Martin Clunes
Richard Burbage -
Rupert Everett
Christopher Marlowe -
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Shakespeare in Love Trailer & Photos
All Critics (104) | Top Critics (27) | Fresh (97) | Rotten (7) | DVD (27)
A ripely emotional comedy-fantasia.
Top CriticAccessible, entertaining and fun for modern audiences. Exquisitely acted, tightly directed and impressively assembled, this lively period piece is the kind of arty gem with potentially broad appeal that Miramax certainly knows how to sell.
It's easy to suspend disbelief and embrace this historically creative fiction, whose clever relationship to what's known and what's unresolved is part of what makes it so intriguing and so romantic.
It's Tom Stoppard's witty, intelligent script which proves so satisfying.
It's a literary burlesque, remarkably clever and quick on its feet. It is ardently romantic but is at its best when it is funny. And it's funny.
Seems the Bard is badly blocked.
Entertaining, witty and acutely funny, with the ability to appeal to more than Shakespeare buffs. But for real fans of the Bard, it's a glorious treat that's smart and humorous, with highly appealing performances all round.
A brilliant and witty script by Tom Stoppard is brought to life by a great cast.
A cleverly scripted reworking of a period comedy.
Wastes no time setting itself up as a rowdy, colloquial piece of popular entertainment -- the furthest thing from a fussy biopic of the Bard.
It is clear that everyone in the film is having a great time with the material, and it is contagious.
Henslowe may be onto something when he jokes that all audiences want is love and a bit with the dog, but this film delivers much more.
A sumptuous fictional glimpse into the creative mind of one of history's most brilliant theatrical minds.
A rare crowd pleasing movie that's smartly written and splendidly acted, representing a combination of poetry, art, and entertainment that does justice to the Bard's own comedies.
It's the performances which push this to a very high level.
Shakespeare in Love moves fast, and may deserve multiple viewings. It's a delicious feast of lowbrow and highbrow mixed with romance.
The matter of fact telling of just how young Will got many of his ideas is leavened with all the elements of great film and [director John] Madden balances them all with grace, style and skill.
Although Shakespeare in Love benefits from a delightful screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard -- and a flattering one, for viewers who can congratulate themselves on recognizing this or that tatter of the Bard -- the film's virtues peter out.
It has powerful language and a wealth of talent as its distinguishing marks, but it shies away, curiously, from poetry, subtlety, and art whenever the lovers embrace, and we're left with no heroes or heroines worth swooning for.
A nothing movie. Gossamer-thin, the slightest breeze will blow it from our collective memories.
The greatest enjoyment of the film is for those who are familiar with Shakespeare's plays.
Audience Reviews for Shakespeare in Love
Super Reviewer
Movies Like Shakespeare in Love
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- Viola De Lesseps: I don't know. It's a mystery.
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- William Shakespeare: Love denied blights the soul we owe to God.
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- Viola De Lesseps: This is not life, Will. It is a stolen season.
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- William Shakespeare: Can you love a fool?
- Viola De Lesseps: Can you love a player?
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- Lord Wessex: I have spoken to your father.
- Viola De Lesseps: So, my lord? I speak with him every day.
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- Hugh Fennyman: Henslowe! Do you know what happens to a man who doesn't pay his debts? His boots catch fire!
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Latest News on Shakespeare in Love
December 16, 2010:
Miramax and Weinsteins Plan Sequels to Shakespeare in Love, Rounders, and MoreMiramax and the Weinstein Company have announced a new partnership that will yield sequels and...
February 4, 2009:
Exclusive: Inside Pinewood/Shepperton - A Photo TourEvery year, the BAFTA film awards present a trophy for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema....
July 21, 2008:
Brush Up On Your Shakespeare With Our List Of The Bard's Best FilmsFriends, readers, Tomato-fans, lend me your ears. Not stepping o'er the bounds of modesty, we at RT...
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Foreign Titles
- Shakespeare enamorado (ES)
The performances are a joy. For only eight minutes of total screen time, Judi Dench is especially memorable as the Queen. Her initial appearance marks one of the wittiest moments of the film itself. These scenes feature Dench swiftly dismissing each attempt Paltrow, who just as well delivers a jaw-dropping performance, makes to impress her. Paltrow bows down; Dench snaps, "Stand up straight." Paltrow breathes, "Your Highness," as an honorary salute; Dench retorts, "I know who I am." It's the condescending tone that is taken to an entirely new level in her character.