Shakespeare in Love (1998)

93% of critics liked it
(102 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(202,063 ratings)

William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is on a cold streak. Not only is he writing for Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), owner of "The Rose," a theatre whose doors are about to be closed by sadistic creditors, but he's got a nasty case of writer's block. Shakespeare hasn't written a hit in years. In… More William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is on a cold streak. Not only is he writing for Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), owner of "The Rose," a theatre whose doors are about to be closed by sadistic creditors, but he's got a nasty case of writer's block. Shakespeare hasn't written a hit in years. In fact, he hasn't written much of anything recently. Thus, the Bard finds himself in quite a bind when Henslowe, desperate to stave off another round of hot-coals-to-feet application, stakes The Rose's solvency on Shakespeare's new comedy, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." The problem is, "Romeo" is safely "locked away" in Shakespeare's head, which is to say that not a word of it is written. Meanwhile, the lovely Lady Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) is an ardent theatre-goer -- scandalous for a woman of her breeding -- who especially admires Shakespeare's plays and, not incidentally, Bill himself. Alas, she's about to be sold as property into a loveless marriage by her mercenary father and shipped off to a Virginia tobacco plantation. But not before dressing up as a young man and winning the part of Romeo in the embryonic play. Shakespeare soon discovers the deception and goes along with it, using the blossoming love affair to ignite his muse. As William and Viola's romance grows in intensity and spirals towards its inevitable culmination, so, too, does the farcical comedy about Romeo and pirates transform into the timeless tragedy that is Romeo and Juliet. ~ Merle Bertrand, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 2 min.
Directed By: John Madden
Written By: Marc Norman, Tom Stoppard
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Dec 25, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Aug 10, 1999
Studio: Miramax

Critic Reviews

Lael Loewenstein, Variety
Accessible, entertaining and fun for modern audiences. Exquisitely acted, tightly directed and impressively assembled, this lively period piece is the kind of arty gem with potentially broad appeal that Miramax certainly knows how to sell.
Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
It's easy to suspend disbelief and embrace this historically creative fiction, whose clever relationship to what's known and what's unresolved is part of what makes it so intriguing and so romantic.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
It's a literary burlesque, remarkably clever and quick on its feet. It is ardently romantic but is at its best when it is funny. And it's funny.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Seems the Bard is badly blocked.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
A happy conceit smoothly executed, this is one of those entertaining confections that's so pleasing to the eye and ear you'd have to be a genuine Scrooge to struggle against it.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
With glittering shows of erudition and playfulness, Shakespeare in Love mixes history, fiction, comedy and romance to create a pure joy of a movie!
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs
A brilliant and witty script by Tom Stoppard is brought to life by a great cast.
, Film4
A cleverly scripted reworking of a period comedy.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Wastes no time setting itself up as a rowdy, colloquial piece of popular entertainment -- the furthest thing from a fussy biopic of the Bard.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
It is clear that everyone in the film is having a great time with the material, and it is contagious.
Sandra Contreras, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Henslowe may be onto something when he jokes that all audiences want is love and a bit with the dog, but this film delivers much more.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
A sumptuous fictional glimpse into the creative mind of one of history's most brilliant theatrical minds.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A rare crowd pleasing movie that's smartly written and splendidly acted, representing a combination of poetry, art, and entertainment that does justice to the Bard's own comedies.
Garth Franklin, Dark Horizons
It's the performances which push this to a very high level.
Derek Adams, Time Out
It's Tom Stoppard's witty, intelligent script which proves so satisfying.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Shakespeare in Love moves fast, and may deserve multiple viewings. It's a delicious feast of lowbrow and highbrow mixed with romance.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The matter of fact telling of just how young Will got many of his ideas is leavened with all the elements of great film and [director John] Madden balances them all with grace, style and skill.
Stuart Klawans, Nation
Although Shakespeare in Love benefits from a delightful screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard -- and a flattering one, for viewers who can congratulate themselves on recognizing this or that tatter of the Bard -- the film's virtues peter out.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
It has powerful language and a wealth of talent as its distinguishing marks, but it shies away, curiously, from poetry, subtlety, and art whenever the lovers embrace, and we're left with no heroes or heroines worth swooning for.
Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
A nothing movie. Gossamer-thin, the slightest breeze will blow it from our collective memories.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Daniel P

I never thought it possible, but on the Gwyneth Paltrow's breasts front, I have to say: too much, too soon. I know, I know, it had to be established that this was a passionate love affair, and to the knukcle-dragging boyfriends watching this movie, there had to be a reason to… More
I never thought it possible, but on the Gwyneth Paltrow's breasts front, I have to say: too much, too soon. I know, I know, it had to be established that this was a passionate love affair, and to the knukcle-dragging boyfriends watching this movie, there had to be a reason to keep watching, but the sex scenes in the early going actually had a negative impact. It got really boring by about the 45-minute mark, with the love affair having peaked early, leaving only the lacklustre Joseph Fiennes to invest in - very little was actually happening. Thankfully, though, the few plot pieces that were tediously laid down did knit together a great second half, one in which even Ben Affleck did his damnedest to not suck (and more or less succeeded). Gwyneth Paltrow carried the movie in a few spots, balancing her two characters very well. Best Actress-well? The Academy thought so... The story is at worst a plausible fiction, and contains many references to Shakespeare's life and work; the best and worst part of these references, however, is that they're playful, sometimes being clever and sometimes dragging the film down into camp. The film feels inauthentic, but it's quite glossy too... I'm not sure that it was better than Saving Private Ryan in 1998, but despite itself it turned out to be a rather good film.
Brad W

Great film, but not better than Saving private Ryan. The plot is amazing and funny. The cast is tremendous. The makeup and production was incredible, was it worthy of Best Picture, no. Was it worthy of many Oscars, yes.
Wildaly M

This was quite a good film but it just didn't seem Oscar worthy. I do concede that it was very original and funny.Not Oscar worthy but worth watching.
Chris W

This a romantic dramedy (mostly a comedy though) about Shakespeare that is very Shakespearean. Shakespeare is trying to write what will become Romeo and Juliet, but is poor and suffering from writer's block. A chance encounter with a noble woman who wants to act leads her to… More
This a romantic dramedy (mostly a comedy though) about Shakespeare that is very Shakespearean. Shakespeare is trying to write what will become Romeo and Juliet, but is poor and suffering from writer's block. A chance encounter with a noble woman who wants to act leads her to disguise herself as a man to take part in theater, which leads her to begin an affair with Will, causing him to end his writer's block thanks to his new muse. This movie has it all: comedy, drama, romance, intrigue, mistaken identities, gender bending and disguises, female empowerment. the works. There's all sorts of references to Shakepeare's works and, while the film is fiction, many of the characters are fictionalized versions of real human beings. I think this is a very fun and entertaining movie, and while it is a good and solid affair, I don't think it is really a truly great film. I can see why it was nominated for Best Picture, but I don't feel that it should have won, especially not when it was up against Saving Private Ryan. The sets, costumes, and all of that are fantastic. I said the film is funny, but most of the humor is of the wit and in-joke varities. The drama is slight, but adds some emotional weight. The cast are all pretty good (a large cast with lots of knowns), and they all give pretty good performances, some better tha nothers. Affleck is okay, but unlike Paltrow, has some trouble with the accent. Paltrow won her Oscar heres as did Dench, and they are both great, especially the former. Joseph Fiennes (who a friend of mine once compared me to) is also really good. He needs more work. He's not as good as his brother Ralph, but he's got talent. Rush looks like he's having fun hamming it up, and Firth makes for a decent "bad guy". All in all, a very well made and enjoyable film. The more you know about or enjoy Shakespeare, the more you'll probably like this. Even if you don't, you might find something worthwhile, especially if you enjoy a good tale of romance, forbidden love, or have an interest in the arts.
Steven C

I admittedly love John Madden's "Shakespeare in Love." Do I think it deserved to be named Best Picture of 1998, of course not, but it certainly has many charms. This original period comedy features a fine cast of actors all doing their best with, at times, goofy… More
I admittedly love John Madden's "Shakespeare in Love." Do I think it deserved to be named Best Picture of 1998, of course not, but it certainly has many charms. This original period comedy features a fine cast of actors all doing their best with, at times, goofy material. Gwyneth Paltrow is radiant (in an Oscar winning performance) and Joseph Fiennes is sexy and confident. Peppered through it's supporting cast are wonderful actors like Tom Wilkinson, Ben Affleck, Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Imelda Staunton and Judi Dench (in her Academy Award winning performance as Queen Elizabeth). The film is witty, well written and engaging. It's also very romantic and just a whole lot of fun. "Shakespeare in Love" is not high art by any means but it's a well crafted crowd pleaser. ("Shakespeare in Love" is a nice 90s touchstone for where pop culture and classic literature sensibilities combine.)
Drew S

By no means will I begrudge Shakespeare in Love its strengths, but period comedy just doesn't really sit with me. It isn't actively heinous like Cheri or Stage Beauty, but I found it sort of tedious most of the time - and not really all that funny. Gwyneth Paltrow's… More
By no means will I begrudge Shakespeare in Love its strengths, but period comedy just doesn't really sit with me. It isn't actively heinous like Cheri or Stage Beauty, but I found it sort of tedious most of the time - and not really all that funny. Gwyneth Paltrow's savvy and thoughtful performance of an admittedly thin character, and in that vein her surprisingly apt handling of certain scenes in Romeo and Juliet, definitely buoy the film. I wouldn't have given her an Oscar, but the field was not strong that year (and I'm guessing Supporting Actress wasn't either because Judi Dench winning for this is a complete joke). Really, this movie pulled a fast one on the Academy; having never actually seen Saving Private Ryan, I can't really join the chorus of slighted fanboy voices, but a cursory look at the IMDB page for the year reveals a much more appealing slate of awards-worthy films. Joseph Fiennes is sort of a wallpaper Shakespeare. I guess they didn't have the money to get his brother. Honestly, he and just about everyone else are already puddling in my mind. The movie just strikes me as a big blob of medieval brown. Not offensive in any way, and certainly strong through some passages, but totally skippable.
Spencer S

A great love story that makes you want to find your own muse.
Jennifer D

When Joseph Fiennes came out of her room dressed as a woman, I near about died laughing. This was really not the downer movie I was expecting, but as many as Romeo and Juliet filmic adaptations I have seen, this had to be one of the best, considering it's not really a Romeo and… More
When Joseph Fiennes came out of her room dressed as a woman, I near about died laughing. This was really not the downer movie I was expecting, but as many as Romeo and Juliet filmic adaptations I have seen, this had to be one of the best, considering it's not really a Romeo and Juliet adaptation. I almost hate to admit it, but I truly believe that every actor in here was completely phenomenal. I don't care for Gwyneth much, but I'm okay with overlooking it. Geoffrey Rush was amazing as usual. Joseph Fiennes was heart-skipping (not sure that's a popular term) and it's truly a rare occasion when I say I even liked Ben Affleck! Probably one of the best romantic, dramedies I've ever seen. Hysterical and sweet as true poetry.
Dan S

A witty, fresh fantasy tale chronicling Shakespeare and how he wrote "Romeo and Juliet" when he fell in love with an upper-class beauty. Fiennes is a fine fit, and Paltrow is a delight, with an uncharacteristic comic performance from Geoffrey Rush as well. The movie knows… More
A witty, fresh fantasy tale chronicling Shakespeare and how he wrote "Romeo and Juliet" when he fell in love with an upper-class beauty. Fiennes is a fine fit, and Paltrow is a delight, with an uncharacteristic comic performance from Geoffrey Rush as well. The movie knows its ridiculous and that none of these events ever happened, so instead of trying to make this feel realistic or dramatic, the approach is purely comical and silly, and it surprisingly works extremely well. While I still don't believe it should've won "Best Picture" over "Saving Private Ryan", this movie is still a treat.
Tim S

A very nice love story.
Wahida K

This was a great Idea.
Anthony L

Littered with Shakespearean nods and winks, Shakespeare in Love is subtle but not as clever or as entertaining as it has been made out to be.
Mike S

As sure as Shakespeare is a brilliant writer, I knew this movie was gonna be an above-average viewing experience. The sets and costumes are a real eye-pleaser and the script no less beautiful in its dialogue and choice of words. Even Gwyneth Paltrow, who I normally don't like as… More
As sure as Shakespeare is a brilliant writer, I knew this movie was gonna be an above-average viewing experience. The sets and costumes are a real eye-pleaser and the script no less beautiful in its dialogue and choice of words. Even Gwyneth Paltrow, who I normally don't like as an actress, did an impressive job with her character. It's the kind of movie that makes you wish you could travel back in time, to the Shakespearean era when his plays were all new to the world. Anyone with a taste for fine acting, and equally brilliant writing, should make it a priority to watch this.
Jens S

The (fictitious) story of struggling writer William Shakespeare and the events that lead to his writing of Romeo and Juliet is a pleasure for the eyes, ears and the heart. Carried by a beautiful soundtrack the film combines the creme de la creme of British cinema in a script that… More
The (fictitious) story of struggling writer William Shakespeare and the events that lead to his writing of Romeo and Juliet is a pleasure for the eyes, ears and the heart. Carried by a beautiful soundtrack the film combines the creme de la creme of British cinema in a script that shows all features of Shakespeare's work, full of quotes from his oeuvre and manages to capture his spirit perfectly. The result is funny, dramatic, sad, in short: all around wonderful. And the last five minutes are pure movie magic. A triumph!
Film C

its not my cup of tea really so im probably bias as im not thinking what this film actually accomplishes but i didnt like it i thought it was boring
Candy R

Excellent rom com. Very funny lines. Shakespeare falls in love with the leading lady who is a pretending to be a boy to get in the play! Judi Dench is excellent. Well deserved Oscar!
Morgan G

Saw it in English Lit class, surprisingly good.
Ken S

I think this deserved to win over Saving Private Ryan...yes I know I'm the only one... Second movie to ever make me cry
Red L

The idea of Shakespeare needing to be in love to write Romeo and Juliet is quite feasible. This movie plays on what might have been. Will falls for Viola, is inspired, and the play just flows. It is more entertaining than my summary.
Al S

A gem. A tastefully romantic and wickedly funny movie. An endlessly enjoyable and enchanting romp filled with great laughs and wonderful characters. A perfect and fun ride. Great set pieces, costumes and music. A fantastic piece of work by Director, John Madden. A classic. A great… More
A gem. A tastefully romantic and wickedly funny movie. An endlessly enjoyable and enchanting romp filled with great laughs and wonderful characters. A perfect and fun ride. Great set pieces, costumes and music. A fantastic piece of work by Director, John Madden. A classic. A great period romance that dosent fail to be entertaining or amusing. Performed superbly by an all-star cast. Gwyneth Paltrow is extroadinary. Joseph Fiennes is outstanding. Geoffry Rush is outragiously brilliant. Ben Affleck is sensational and hilarious. Judie Dench is marvelous. Colin Firth is teriffic. Rupert Everett and Tom Wilkonson also turn in great performances.