Shakespeare in Love

Starring:Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Tom Wilkinson, Antony Sher, Martin Clunes, Jim Carter, Judi Dench, Mark Williams, Simon Callow, Steve O'Donnell, Tim McMullen, Steven Beard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Barlow, Sandra Reinton, Colin Firth, Bridget McConnell, Georgie Glen, Nicholas Boulton
Director: John Madden
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
One of the most winning and intelligent romantic comedies of the '90s, Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny romance, snappy one-liners, and devilish cleverness that it's absolutely irresistible. At the 1999 Academy Awards, this dark-horse costume comedy sneaked off with seven Oscars, besting the highly favored Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks young Will Shakespeare's overwrought battle with writer's block and the efforts of theater owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to stage Will's latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. Most of the jokes in the first one-third of the film are along these lines: Will's anachronistic therapist session, a mug inscribed "A Souvenir from Stratford-Upon-Avon," Henslowe's battles to pay off his debts, and the backstage high jinks of pre-production. However, once Will sets his eyes on the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), joking takes a backseat to ravishing romance. Well, almost--turns out Viola wants to break into the world of male-only theater, and disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition. She wins the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Soon enough, Will's pirate comedy becomes a beautiful, tragic romance, and Ethel is shoved aside for a woman named Juliet. Will and Viola's romance, however, is equal parts comedy and tragedy--he's married, and she's betrothed to the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin Firth), and it doesn't take an English major to figure out that it's not all's well that ends well.

Amazon.com

One of the most endearing and intelligent romantic comedies of the '90s, the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny romance, snappy one-liners, and devilish cleverness that it's absolutely irresistible. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks young Will Shakespeare's overwrought battle with writer's block and the efforts of theater owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to stage Will's latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. Jokey comedy, though, soon takes a backseat to ravishing romance when the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition in the all-male cast, and wins both the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Soon enough, Will's pirate comedy becomes the beautiful, tragic Romeo and Juliet, reflecting the agony and ecstasy of Will and Viola's romance--he's married and she's set to marry the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin Firth) in the near future.

The way that Oscar-winning screenwriters Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard enfold their story within the parameters of Romeo and Juliet (and even Twelfth Night) is nothing short of brilliant--it would take a Shakespearean scholar to dissect the innumerable parallels, oft-quoted lines, plot developments, and thematic borrowings. And most amazingly, Norman and Stoppard haven't forgotten to entertain their audience in addition to riding a Shakespearean roller coaster, with director John Madden (Mrs. Brown) reigning in his huge ensemble with rollicking energy. Along the way there are small gems to be found, including Judi Dench's eight-minute, Oscar-winning turn as a truly regal Queen Elizabeth, but the key element of Shakespeare in Love's success rests on the milky-white shoulders of its two stars. Fiennes, inexplicably overlooked at Oscar time, is a dashing, heartfelt Will, and as for Best Actress winner Paltrow, well, nothing she'd done before could have prepared viewers for how amazing she is here. Breathtakingly beautiful, fiercely intelligent, strong-willed, and lovestruck--it's a performance worthy of Shakespeare in more ways than one. By the film's end, you'll be thoroughly won over--and brushing up your Shakespeare with newfound ardor. --Mark Englehart

Description

Triumphant winner of 7 Academy Awards(R) -- including Best Picture -- this witty, sexy smash features Oscar(R)-winning Best Actress Gwyneth Paltrow (SLIDING DOORS, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) and an amazing cast that includes Academy Award-winners Judi Dench (Best Supporting Actress), Geoffrey Rush (Best Actor -- SHINE), and Ben Affleck (GOOD WILL HUNTING, PEARL HARBOR). When Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes -- ELIZABETH) needs passionate inspiration to break a bad case of writer's block, a secret romance with the beautiful Lady Viola (Paltrow) starts the words flowing like never before! There are just two things he'll have to learn about his new love: not only is she promised to marry someone else, but she's successfully impersonating a man in order to play the lead in Will's latest production! A truly can't-miss motion picture event with outstanding critical acclaim to match its impressive collection of major awards -- everyone will love this funny behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the greatest love story ever told!

Customer Reviews:

if you have any theater experience.......2007-06-27

It has a great pace and a great turn of phrase. If you have any theater experience at all you will be in on the jokes. It makes one appreciate good acting from great acting. Their perfomances pull you in even when they are acting at acting.

Brilliant and So Clever.......2007-05-16

This is my all time favorite movie. I have always adored Romeo and Juliet. I love Shakespeare's poetic language. This movie is both funny and moving and poignant. The first time I watched it I was thrilled. And it has gotten better every single time I have watched it. And by now, I have probably watched it 35 times. It still makes me laugh. It still makes me cry. It still makes me sigh. It still makes me put my hand over my heart and gently shake my head at it's brilliance.

Bill's Great Works.......2007-05-14

Although the history may incomplete, this film transports one back to the glory days of Elizabeth 1, who we owe so very much to; her father might also be in line for a little credit! On one hand, it is frightening to think of living back then, but the excitement of what was happening is amazing.
Since Bill's complete known works can be downloaded via the Guttenberg project, this movie can lead to an obsession with all things English. When we realize how much that small piece of real estate has contributed (Calculus, Physics, Chemistry......) it seems like a valid obsesssion.
There would also seem to be an important political lesson, which many need to go back and consider, if they can read...hint hint.

Timeless Love .......2007-04-28

I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this movie. The screenplay is very well written, incorporating mainly Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet into the movie while also adding other various works of Shakespeare's. The movie has a semi-historical basis to it and portrays vast romantic comedy throughout. One of my favorite feel good romantic comedies to watch! Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow have great chemistry on set!

The best Shakespeare.......2007-04-04

Well done, moving.
The music, the acting, the classic performances from Romeo and Juliet.
Loved it

Average customer rating:

if you have any theater experience
Brilliant and So Clever
Bill's Great Works
Timeless Love
The best Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Love
Starring: Geoffrey Rush , Joseph Fiennes , Tom Wilkinson , Antony Sher , and Martin Clunes
Director: John Madden
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Elizabeth
Much Ado About Nothing
The English Patient (Miramax Collector's Edition)
William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)
Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

ASIN: B00000JGOH
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Amazon.com

One of the most winning and intelligent romantic comedies of the '90s, Shakespeare in Love is filled with such good will, sunny romance, snappy one-liners, and devilish cleverness that it's absolutely irresistible. At the 1999 Academy Awards, this dark-horse costume comedy sneaked off with seven Oscars, besting the highly favored Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, at its outset the film tracks young Will Shakespeare's overwrought battle with writer's block and the efforts of theater owner Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush, in rare form) to stage Will's latest comedy, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter. Most of the jokes in the first one-third of the film are along these lines: Will's anachronistic therapist session, a mug inscribed "A Souvenir from Stratford-Upon-Avon," Henslowe's battles to pay off his debts, and the backstage high jinks of pre-production. However, once Will sets his eyes on the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), joking takes a backseat to ravishing romance. Well, almost--turns out Viola wants to break into the world of male-only theater, and disguises herself as a young man to wangle herself an audition. She wins the part of Romeo and, after much misunderstanding, the playwright's heart. Soon enough, Will's pirate comedy becomes a beautiful, tragic romance, and Ethel is shoved aside for a woman named Juliet. Will and Viola's romance, however, is equal parts comedy and tragedy--he's married, and she's betrothed to the slimy Lord Wessex (Colin Firth), and it doesn't take an English major to figure out that it's not all's well that ends well.

Customer Reviews:

if you have any theater experience.......2007-06-27

Brilliant and So Clever.......2007-05-16

Bill's Great Works.......2007-05-14

Timeless Love .......2007-04-28

The best Shakespeare.......2007-04-04

Well done, moving.
The music, the acting, the classic performances from Romeo and Juliet.
Loved it

Charlie Rose with Tom Stoppard (December 30, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Tom Stoppard (December 30, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

Tom Stoppard discusses his latest screenplay for Shakespeare in Love, his forays into film apart from theater, the difficulty of translating writing, his creative process, his experiences under totalitarianism, and his fame.

Average customer rating:

Shakespeare in Love
Starring: Joseph Fiennes , Geoffrey Rush , Tom Wilkinson , Antony Sher , and Martin Clunes
Director: John Madden
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Very Thought of You

ASIN: B000065KB3

Charlie Rose with John Madden, Michael Dell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Tom Stoppard (February 24, 1999)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with John Madden, Michael Dell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Tom Stoppard (February 24, 1999)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

Emma / Shakespeare in Love
Starring: Emma , and Shakespeare in Love
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

if you have any theater experience
Brilliant and So Clever
Bill's Great Works
Timeless Love
The best Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Love [Region 2]
Starring: Geoffrey Rush , Joseph Fiennes , Tom Wilkinson , Antony Sher , and Martin Clunes
Director: John Madden
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Elizabeth
Much Ado About Nothing
The English Patient (Miramax Collector's Edition)
William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)
Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

ASIN: B00004RYT4

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

if you have any theater experience.......2007-06-27

Brilliant and So Clever.......2007-05-16

Bill's Great Works.......2007-05-14

Timeless Love .......2007-04-28

The best Shakespeare.......2007-04-04

Well done, moving.
The music, the acting, the classic performances from Romeo and Juliet.
Loved it

Miramax Award Winners Collection (Shakespeare in Love/The English Patient/Good Will Hunting/Sling Blade/The Cider House Rules/Life is Beautiful/Il Postino) - Amazon.com Exclusive

Average customer rating:

Miramax Award Winners Collection (Shakespeare in Love/The English Patient/Good Will Hunting/Sling Blade/The Cider House Rules/Life is Beautiful/Il Postino) - Amazon.com Exclusive
Starring: Jane Alexander , Erykah Badu , Kathy Baker , Michael Caine , and Kieran Culkin
Director: Lasse Hallström
Manufacturer: Miramax Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00006RSKL
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Description

Good Will Hunting - DVD- Collector's Series A true motion picture phenomenon, this triumphant story was nominated for 9 Academy Awards(R) -- winning Oscars for Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor) and hot newcomers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (Best Original Screenplay). The most brilliant mind at America's top university isn't a student ... he's the kid who cleans the floors! Will Hunting (Damon) is a headstrong, working-class genius who's failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor (Williams), who might be the only man who can reach him! With acclaimed performances from Academy Award(R)-nominee Minnie Driver (GROSSE POINTE BLANK) and Ben Affleck (ARMAGEDDON) -- you'll find GOOD WILL HUNTING a powerful and unforgettable movie experience. Il Postino (The Postman) - English/French/Italian DVD- Collector's Edition Cheered by critics and audiences everywhere, IL POSTINO (THE POSTMAN) is the record-breaking Academy Award(R)-winning (Best Dramatic Score, 1995) romantic comedy that delivers heartfelt laughs! Mario is a bumbling mailman who's madly in love with the most beautiful woman in town ... and who's too shy to tell her how he feels. But when a world-famous poet -- Pablo Neruda -- moves into town, Mario is inspired. With Neruda's help, he finds the right words to win the woman's heart! This unforgettably funny comedy proves that passion ... with some artful deception ... can win the most improbable love! Life Is Beautiful - DVD- Collector's Edition An inspired motion picture masterpiece, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL was nominated for 7 Academy Awards(R) -- winning 3 Oscars, including one for Best Actor Robert Benigni. In this extraordinary tale, Guido (Benigni) -- a charming but bumbling waiter who's gifted with a colorful imagination and an irresistible sense of humor -- has won the heart of the woman he loves and created a beautiful life for his young family. But then, that life is threatened by World War II ... and Guido must rely on those very same strengths to save his beloved wife and son from an unthinkable fate! Honored with an overwhelming level of critical acclaim, this truly exceptional, utterly unique achievement will lift your spirits and capture your heart. Shakespeare In Love Special Edition - DVD- Miramax Collector's Series Triumphant winner of 7 Academy Awards(R) -- including Best Picture -- this witty, sexy smash features Oscar(R)-winning Best Actress Gwyneth Paltrow (SLIDING DOORS, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS) and an amazing cast that includes Academy Award-winners Judi Dench (Best Supporting Actress), Geoffrey Rush (Best Actor -- SHINE), and Ben Affleck (GOOD WILL HUNTING, PEARL HARBOR). When Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes -- ELIZABETH) needs passionate inspiration to break a bad case of writer's block, a secret romance with the beautiful Lady Viola (Paltrow) starts the words flowing like never before! There are just two things he'll have to learn about his new love: not only is she promised to marry someone else, but she's successfully impersonating a man in order to play the lead in Will's latest production! A truly can't-miss motion picture event with outstanding critical acclaim to match its impressive collection of major awards -- everyone will love this funny behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the greatest love story ever told. Sling Blade - English/French/Spanish DVD- Now see for yourself -- the powerful motion picture applauded by critics and moviegoers alike, written, directed, and starring Billy Bob Thornton. Twenty five years after committing an unthinkable crime, a quiet man named Karl (Thornton) is finally returning home. Once there, he is befriended by a fatherless boy and his mother. But when his newfound peace is shattered by the mother's abusive boyfriend (Grammy-winner Dwight Yoakam), Karl is suddenly placed on a collision course with his past. Also featuring Robert Duvall, John Ritter, and J.T. Walsh, SLING BLADE is an unforgettable movie experience. The Cider House Rules - English/French DVD- Collector's Series Honored with two Academy Awards(R) -- Best Supporting Actor, Michael Caine, and Best Adapted Screenplay, John Irving -- THE CIDER HOUSE RULES tells a compelling and heartwarming story about how far a young man must travel to find the place where he truly belongs! Homer Wells (Tobey Macguire -- PLEASANTVILLE, THE ICE STORM, WONDER BOYS) has lived nearly his entire life within the walls of St. Cloud's Orphanage in rural Maine. Though groomed by its proprietor, Dr. Larch (Caine), to be his successor, Homer nonetheless feels the need to strike out on his own and experience the world outside. Then, while working at an apple orchard, Homer falls for the beautiful Candy (Charlize Theron -- REINDEER GAMES, THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE) and learns some powerfully indelible lessons about life, love, and home! Based on John Irving's best-selling American classic and featuring a sensational all-star cast including Delroy Lindo and newcomer Erykah Badu, this entertaining motion picture earned raves from critics and moviegoers everywhere. The English Patient - DVD- Widescreen Winner of 9 Academy Awards(R), including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Binoche), this unforgettable story is the motion picture event of the year! During World War II, when a mysterious stranger (Ralph Fiennes -- SCHINDLER'S LIST) is rescued from a fiery plane crash, he is cared for by American allies unaware of the dangerous secrets of his past. Yet, as the mystery of his identity is slowly revealed, an incredible tale of passion, intrigue, and adventure unfolds! Also starring Kristin Scott Thomas (FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL) and Willem Dafoe (CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER), THE ENGLISH PATIENT is a powerful cinematic triumph sure to entertain you

Average customer rating:

if you have any theater experience
Brilliant and So Clever
Bill's Great Works
Timeless Love
The best Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Love [Region 2]
Starring: Geoffrey Rush , Joseph Fiennes , Tom Wilkinson , Antony Sher , and Martin Clunes
Director: John Madden
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Elizabeth
Much Ado About Nothing
The English Patient (Miramax Collector's Edition)
William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition)
Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

ASIN: B00004CZAP

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

if you have any theater experience.......2007-06-27

Brilliant and So Clever.......2007-05-16

Bill's Great Works.......2007-05-14

Timeless Love .......2007-04-28

The best Shakespeare.......2007-04-04

Well done, moving.
The music, the acting, the classic performances from Romeo and Juliet.
Loved it

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Tom Stoppard (December 30, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

Tom Stoppard discusses his screenplay for the acclaimed movie Shakespeare in Love, which stars Gwyneth Paltrow, his forays into film apart from theater, the difficulty of translating writing, his creative process, his early experiences under totalitarianism, and his personal reaction to his fame.

DVD:

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