This is probably one of the best film adaptations of any Shakespeare play.
Upon writing his plays Shakespeare could only imagine what the worlds he set his stories in could possibly look like and the same goes for audience. The stage, especially at Shakespeare's time was remarkably limited of props and pretty much the only thing was dialog and some costumes. With today's film audience thirsty for visual spectacle a film maker must bring those world's to life to attract a larger audience. This film does that in a terrific way and the sets, costumes, and cinematography is brilliant and truly puts Shakespeare's work on the screen. Each setting, from the streets of Venice to Portia's estate, every costume, from extras to key players, looks alive and there very little details have been overlooked.
Next is the cast, which is one most directors would probably kill for. A fantastic set of actors does a terrific job, from the minor roles, like the Prince of Morocco to leads like Antonio. However, special note must be made of Al Pacino's superb performance as Shylock. The play has been criticized, over many many years, for anti-semitic tones and are they here? Without a doubt, but director Michael Radford coasts the fine line and Shylock's image isn't really that of a villain as much as a victim. This point is made rather dully by a on screen text at the film's opening, but that is necessary as, inevitably, not everyone is familiar with the play's background.
Whether someone is a Shakespeare aficionado or some has never seen the Bard's work on screen or on-stage, this is a film to see. 10/10
Rated R, rather ridiculously, for a few scenes of momentary nudity.
Upon writing his plays Shakespeare could only imagine what the worlds he set his stories in could possibly look like and the same goes for audience. The stage, especially at Shakespeare's time was remarkably limited of props and pretty much the only thing was dialog and some costumes. With today's film audience thirsty for visual spectacle a film maker must bring those world's to life to attract a larger audience. This film does that in a terrific way and the sets, costumes, and cinematography is brilliant and truly puts Shakespeare's work on the screen. Each setting, from the streets of Venice to Portia's estate, every costume, from extras to key players, looks alive and there very little details have been overlooked.
Next is the cast, which is one most directors would probably kill for. A fantastic set of actors does a terrific job, from the minor roles, like the Prince of Morocco to leads like Antonio. However, special note must be made of Al Pacino's superb performance as Shylock. The play has been criticized, over many many years, for anti-semitic tones and are they here? Without a doubt, but director Michael Radford coasts the fine line and Shylock's image isn't really that of a villain as much as a victim. This point is made rather dully by a on screen text at the film's opening, but that is necessary as, inevitably, not everyone is familiar with the play's background.
Whether someone is a Shakespeare aficionado or some has never seen the Bard's work on screen or on-stage, this is a film to see. 10/10
Rated R, rather ridiculously, for a few scenes of momentary nudity.