Much Ado About Nothing
"Vibrant. Enchanting. Delightful!" -Newsweek
Full of "sparkling merriment" (The Hollywood Reporter), this sexy, sunny comedy positively sizzles as one set of lovers battles against a dirty trick, and another set simply battles -- each other! Adapted by Oscar® nominee Kenneth Branagh and featuring an all-star cast, this charming romp "casts the battle of the sexes in the form of an elegant dance" (The New York Times).
A military war has just ended, but the "merry war" between Beatrice (Emma Thomson) and Benedick (Branagh) rages on! Can their friends trick them into making love instead? For that matter, can another couple's devotion survive the evil Don John's (Keanu Reeves) vicious lies? It's up to blundering constable (Michael Keaton) to save the day so that the course of true love may yet run smooth!
Member Reviews
Great Scenery and Acting - Marilyn
It's been a long time since I read Shakespeare or attended a play at the Stratford Festival so I had some adjusting to do to tune my ear to the words being spoken. Once I did, however, I enjoyed the frivolity and fun. For a true Shakespeare fan it might be too much like Hollywood and for someone who never enjoyed this playwright it might not be a good choice.Great adaptations... - Port_Moresby
Kenneth Branagh's ability to adapt Shakespeare is exceptional. He manages to make it completely comprehensible to anyone with a high school English level but doesn't kill the poetry of Shakespeare's language either. Add to that the gorgeous cinematography, energetic direction and terrific performances (especially the eternally lovely Emma Thompson, who shines) and you have one of the most enjoyable film versions of a Shakespeare play that you could ever have the pleasure to see.Much Ado About Branagh & Thompson - cathyottawa
Nobody adapts Shakespeare like Kenneth Branagh. He knows just how to make it accessible and interesting to a modern audience, without dumbing it down.
He finds so much joy and laughter and fun in this comedy about love.
Branagh & Thompson were married at the time this movie was shot, and they have a lot of fun portraying Beatrice & Benedick, two people madly in love, but too proud to admit it. Watching them trade insults while secretly longing for each other - too much fun.
The supporting cast is wonderful as well (except maybe for Keanu Reeves), and includes Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton. Kate Beckinsale also glows as a woman in love.
This is about as much fun as you can have with Shakespeare. Everyone in the film is having a blast (except for Keanu), and you will too. Absolutely charming.
Member Reviews
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Great Scenery and Acting - Marilyn
It's been a long time since I read Shakespeare or attended a play at the Stratford Festival so I had some adjusting to do to tune my ear to the words being spoken. Once I did, however, I enjoyed the frivolity and fun. For a true Shakespeare fan it might be ...Great adaptations... - Port_Moresby
Kenneth Branagh's ability to adapt Shakespeare is exceptional. He manages to make it completely comprehensible to anyone with a high school English level but doesn't kill the poetry of Shakespeare's language either. Add to that the gorgeous cinematography, ...Much Ado About Branagh & Thompson - cathyottawa
Nobody adapts Shakespeare like Kenneth Branagh. He knows just how to make it accessible and interesting to a modern audience, without dumbing it down.
He finds so much joy and laughter and fun in this comedy about love.
Branagh & Thompson were ...