As You Like It
Romance... or Something Like It
Emmy award winner Kenneth Branagh, the man who redefined Shakespeare for a whole new generation with Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet, brings the Bard's most delightful comedy to sensational life! Rosalind is a young woman living in the court of her uncle when she falls in love with Orlando, a young gentleman of the kingdom. When Rosalind is banished, she flees into the forest of Arden disguised as a man...only to encounter Orlando who has also been exiled! But can she win his heart, disguised as she is? With a setting inspired by 19th century Japan and a star-studded cast including Kevin Kline (Dave, A Prairie Home Companion), Bryce Dallas Howard (Spider-Man 3, The Lady In The Water) and Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2, The Da Vinci Code), As You Like It once again proves that all the world's a stage. Come enjoy!
Member Reviews
Great notion, but missing something - Gaucho
The idea behind this-British colonies in Japan, merging western drama with eastern naturalism-works and is a very clever idea. However, I found it missing something: perhaps the acting (Howard is plucky and spunky, but not very deep; Kline is allright, playing a different type of character we're used to seeing him; Molina is fantastic, givinen the best lines) or direction (maybe Branagh held back?). I don't know.
Good film to see and an "okay" Shakespeare is still much better than most other flicks around. And Branagh hardly dissappoints.And like it I mostly did. - cathyottawa
I don't know that I completely loved Branagh's decision to set this in Japan - there's a Sumo wrestling scene in the first act that is a little bit silly, and had me wondering if he could pull this off.
But as soon as the action leaves the court, and centers on the outcasts in the forest, this film gets very enjoyable.
Branagh seems to always be going for the same tone in his Shakespeare comedies that he achieved in Much Ado About Nothing - a sort of over-the-top joyousness that you'll either love, or find too melodramatic.
This isn't as funny or charming as Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing - but it is quite witty. Bryce Dallas Howard is really very good as Rosalind (be sure to watch her in the epilogue after the closing credits begin - very good).
Alfred Molina also gives a standout performance as Touchstone the fool (partly because he has some of the best lines). Kevin Kline was good, if a little morose for a comedy.
Like FilmJunkie, I can't say this is my favourite of the Bard's works - but once again, Branagh has given it his golden touch, making it accessible, but not dumbed down, entertaining, and fun.Colourful and Charming, If Over-Emotional - FilmJunkie
Perhaps no modern filmmaker has the connection to the works of William Shakespeare that Kenneth Branagh has. He has spent much of his career attempting to revitalize interest in the great playwright and poet.
Here Branagh has taken one of the Bard's most popular comedies and reimagined it in 19th century Japan. He has made Orlando (David Oyelowo) an African prince and cast Japanese actors in various supporting roles. Bryce Dallas Howard plays the role of the cross-dressing Rosalind.
This is not one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, I much prefer 'Twelfth Night', however the lively score, art direction and acting bring it fully to life. The audience is swept up into the many love stories as well as the comedic musings of Jacques (Kevin Kline).
All in all, it is a solid remaking and Howard is great at bringing the words to a new generation. The film is at times over-emotional and self-indulgent, however the overall love story between Orlando and Rosalind is a charmer.
Member Reviews
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Great notion, but missing something - Gaucho
The idea behind this-British colonies in Japan, merging western drama with eastern naturalism-works and is a very clever idea. However, I found it missing something: perhaps the acting (Howard is plucky and spunky, but not very deep; Kline is allright, playing ...And like it I mostly did. - cathyottawa
I don't know that I completely loved Branagh's decision to set this in Japan - there's a Sumo wrestling scene in the first act that is a little bit silly, and had me wondering if he could pull this off.
But as soon as the action leaves the court, and ...Colourful and Charming, If Over-Emotional - FilmJunkie
Perhaps no modern filmmaker has the connection to the works of William Shakespeare that Kenneth Branagh has. He has spent much of his career attempting to revitalize interest in the great playwright and poet.
Here Branagh has taken one of the Bard's ...