Review of Shakespeare in Love (1998) by Janet H — 19 Jun 2009

Best Picture Winner and hailed by audiences, this traditional romantic comedy with a Shakespearian flavour is perfection. Joseph Fiennes plays William Shakespeare, and Gwyneth Paltrow plays his muse and lover, Viola. The pair act wonderfully well and the chemistry sparks almost hit you in the face in their love scenes. Ben Affleck, Geoffrey Rush and Judi Dench also add brilliant performances. The costumes and set decoration are exquisite and the acting is superb. The best performances came from Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck, Geoffrey Rush and especially Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth. Also, it features a wonderful array of British actors such as Tom Wilkinson, Simon Callow, Rupert Everett, Mark Williams and Martin Clunes as minor but comic roles.

Overall, an emotional, funny and romantic tale that, though fictional, is easily believable and deserves success. Splendid! 95%.