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68% Critic Match
Shakespeare in Love
“Love is the only inspiration.”
6.8 / 10• 1998• 2h 4m•R• English
RomanceHistoryComedy
Storyline
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Cast & Crew
Joseph Fiennes
Will Shakespeare
Lead
Gwyneth Paltrow
Viola De Lesseps
Geoffrey Rush
Philip Henslowe
Tom Wilkinson
Hugh Fennyman
Judi Dench
Queen Elizabeth
Imelda Staunton
Nurse
Colin Firth
Lord Wessex
Ben Affleck
Ned Alleyn
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. John Madden's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Shakespeare in Love is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
