Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

91% of critics liked it
(44 reviews)
82% of users liked it
(49,215 ratings)

Actor Kenneth Branagh made his directorial debut with a rousing screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henry V. Four years later, he returns to the bard's work with this lively version of one of Shakespeare's best comedies. Don Pedro (Denzel Washington), the Prince of Aragon, returns victorious… More Actor Kenneth Branagh made his directorial debut with a rousing screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henry V. Four years later, he returns to the bard's work with this lively version of one of Shakespeare's best comedies. Don Pedro (Denzel Washington), the Prince of Aragon, returns victorious from battle to the praises of the Governor of Messina, Leonato (Richard Briers). One of Don Pedro's bravest men, Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard), falls in love with Hero (Kate Beckinsale), Leonato's daughter, and they plan to marry. However, Don Pedro's devious half-brother Don John (Keanu Reeves) opposes the match, and he devises a plan to turn Hero against Claudio. Meanwhile, Benedict (Branagh), Don Pedro's second-in-command, detests Leonato's niece Beatrice (Emma Thompson), but Don Pedro cleverly brings them together by making each think that the other is secretly in love with them. Much Ado About Nothing also features Michael Keaton in a showy turn as Dogberry. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Kenneth Branagh
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: May 7, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Jan 1, 1998
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy, Variety
Continuously enjoyable from its action-filled opening to the dazzling final shot...
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Kenneth Branagh...has done it again.
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
The picture is overripe, and with few exceptions, so are the performances.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The key to the film's success is in the acting, especially in the sparks that fly between Branagh and Thompson.
Hal Hinson, Washington Post
Somehow, the movie feels insubstantial and uninspired.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Director Branagh, who altered the play imaginatively for the screen, gives wonderful import to this silliness from long ago.
Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media
Very accessible, jubilant Shakespeare with brief bawdiness.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Branagh's highly entertaining and accessible take on one of the Bard's zestiest comedies. [Blu-ray]
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A joyous romp whose forced jollity is only occasionally wearing.
, Film4
You can not fault Branagh's enthusiasm and his successful campaign to bring the Bard to the masses.
Rachel Sanders, Apollo Guide
The DVD is short on extras.
Rachel Sanders, Apollo Guide
Although Kenneth Branagh's interpretation does much to make Shakespeare's play comprehensible, it ultimately fails to create any kind of enduring watchability.
Derek Adams, Time Out
There's much to commend in Branagh's pruned, international version of Shakespeare's troubling comedy.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A lively and colorful adaptation of Shakespeare's play; Thompson and Branagh are especially fun to watch.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Wildaly M

Branagh and Thompson carry the film and shine in their roles.
Jens S

A wonderfully old-fashioned adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's comedies with a stellar cast. While it is hard to pick out someone, Michael Keaton is particularly awesome as confused constable. Of course drama, complications and evil plots ensue, but of course, since this… More
A wonderfully old-fashioned adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's comedies with a stellar cast. While it is hard to pick out someone, Michael Keaton is particularly awesome as confused constable. Of course drama, complications and evil plots ensue, but of course, since this is a comedy, justice will be done. In the ending it's all just singing, all dancing to Patrick Doyle's beautiful melodies. It shows that everyone had a lot of fun creating this in the gorgeous Tuscany landscape and that's infectious for an audience who can appreciate the old-fashioned dialogs and acting. Beautiful.
Spencer S

The love hate of Beatrice and Benedict was my favorite part, coupled with the enigmatic Denzel Washington.
Conner R

I don't know what Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington were doing in this movie, but they stuck out like sore thumbs. It's a "good" adaption, but certainly not special. When I think of the 60's Romeo and Juliet, that was memorable and a classic. This, not so… More
I don't know what Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington were doing in this movie, but they stuck out like sore thumbs. It's a "good" adaption, but certainly not special. When I think of the 60's Romeo and Juliet, that was memorable and a classic. This, not so much.
Anthony L

Great cast but it?s very far from being my cup of tea!
Jason S

Good times with a great cast.
Jennifer X

funny funny funny and emma thompson is GRREAT. plus, PATRICK DOYLE!
Cindy I

I really enjoyed this. Kenneth Branagh has always been good at bringing Shakespeare to the great unwashed masses, making it undertandable and entertaining. But it could have been better. What was KB smokin' when he decided casting Keanu Reeves was a good idea? Reeves is so bad in… More
I really enjoyed this. Kenneth Branagh has always been good at bringing Shakespeare to the great unwashed masses, making it undertandable and entertaining. But it could have been better. What was KB smokin' when he decided casting Keanu Reeves was a good idea? Reeves is so bad in this that he distracted me from the other actors. Stick to hanging out with Bill and Morpheus, dude. The Bard is not your cup of tea.
Tom E

Sterling cast great writing (hehehehe)
xGary X

A cast of Hollywood stars attempt to garner some credibility by doing Shakespeare. A decent adaptation which depends entirely on your ability to stomach Shakespearian comedy. Which I can't.
Lanning :

I hope Branagh does every Shakespeare play before he's done. He really knows how to bring the plays to life. If you've had trouble understanding Shakespeare, let Branagh's adaptations help you see the beauty of the Bard.
Marion R

There are performances to like, but the whole film felt dry.
Sunil J

Faithful to the Bard's work but not really fresh. Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh have great chemistry though.
Sarah B

Hero and Claudio may be insipid, surprising from Beckinsale and Dr. House's best friend, but the play was never really about them. This is Beatrice and Benedick's, Thompson and Branagh's show, show and boy is it good!
Dimitris S

The bard would approve.Craftsmanship for the scholars,Branagh enters the American department with untouchable perfectionism.Ah,the joys of amour and distinct circumstances.All this while Keaton delivers the weirdest performance of his career as Dogberry.
Leo L

A personal favorite.
Jessica v

FANTASTIC! Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson shine as Benedick and Beatrice. Shakespeare is honoured perfectly in the stunning Tuscan landscape. Michael Keaton is a joy as the sheriff. It would have been perfect... if not for two actors: Keanu Reeves and Robert Sean Leonard.… More
FANTASTIC! Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson shine as Benedick and Beatrice. Shakespeare is honoured perfectly in the stunning Tuscan landscape. Michael Keaton is a joy as the sheriff. It would have been perfect... if not for two actors: Keanu Reeves and Robert Sean Leonard. Reeves is totally monotone and boring. Leonard simply doesn't know how to deliver Shakespeare properly. Or act, for that matter. Still, 'tis but a tiny stain on that perfect page. Very, very good and highly recommended for those leerly of Shakespeare. This accessible film will have you rolling in the aisles.