Director: John Madden
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola De Lesseps Joseph Fiennes as William Shakespeare Judy Dench as Queen Elizabeth I Geoffrey Rush as Philip Henslowe Ben Affleck as Ned Alleyn Tom Wilkinson as Hugh Fennyman Colin Firth as Lord Wessex
Year: 1998
Summary: Will Shakespeare is a known but struggling poet, playwright and actor who not only has sold his next play to both Philip Henslow and Richard Burbidge but now faces a far more difficult problem: he is bereft of ideas and has yet to begin writing. He is in search of his muse, the woman who will inspire him but all attempts fail until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps. She loves the theatre and would like nothing more than to take the stage but is forbidden from doing so as only men can be actors. She is also a great admirer of Shakespeare’s work. Dressing as a man and going by the name of Thomas Kent, she auditions and is ideal for a part in his next play. Shakespeare soon sees through her disguise and they begin a love affair, one they know cannot end happily for them as he is already married and she has been promised to the dour Lord Wessex. As the company rehearses his new play. Will and Viola’s love is transferred to the written page leading to the masterpiece that is Romeo and Juliet.
Commentary: The movie is not applicable for young audiences, because it contains a sex. But for adult it is very nice movie and cinematography. Will and Viola felt so much in love with each other, they fight for their love but not that happy ending.
Insight: Some of the aspects of love I have looked at are more important than others; romantic and true love shown by Juliet is the type of love that Shakespeare shows us can and will conquer all.