Review of Shakespeare in Love (1998) by Nery C — 06 Apr 2012

I admittedly love John Madden's "Shakespeare in Love." Do I think it deserved to be named Best Picture of 1998, of course not, but it certainly has many charms. This original period comedy features a fine cast of actors all doing their best with, at times, goofy material.

Gwyneth Paltrow is radiant (in an Oscar winning performance) and Joseph Fiennes is sexy and confident. Peppered through it's supporting cast are wonderful actors like Tom Wilkinson, Ben Affleck, Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Imelda Staunton and Judi Dench (in her Academy Award winning performance as Queen Elizabeth).

The film is witty, well written and engaging. It's also very romantic and just a whole lot of fun. "Shakespeare in Love" is not high art by any means but it's a well crafted crowd pleaser.

("Shakespeare in Love" is a nice 90s touchstone for where pop culture and classic literature sensibilities combine.).