Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (1996)
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74% of critics liked it
(31 reviews) -
76% of users liked it
(7,650 ratings)
The classic Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity and gender confusion is brought to the screen once again in this British production, courtesy of screenwriter-director Trevor Nunn. Nunn has transferred the time period to the Victorian Era of the late 19th century. Two twins, Viola (Imogen… More The classic Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity and gender confusion is brought to the screen once again in this British production, courtesy of screenwriter-director Trevor Nunn. Nunn has transferred the time period to the Victorian Era of the late 19th century. Two twins, Viola (Imogen Stubbs) and Sebastian (Steven MacKintosh), are separated when their ship capsizes. Each believes that the other has drowned. Viola washes ashore on the coast of Illyria. She disguises herself as a man and assumes the name Cesario so that she can take a position as an aide to the Duke, Orsinio (Toby Stephens). Orsinio desires Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter), who refuses his attentions. He also flirts with Maria (Imelda Staunton), Olivia's maid. Orsinio sends Cesario as an emissary to Olivia. The foppish Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard E. Grant) also seeks Olivia's love. He is a friend of her besotted uncle, Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith). With the clownish philosopher Feste (Ben Kingsley), all these members of Olivia's household plot to embarrass the dour Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne), a butler who has no tolerance for frivolity. They fool Malvolio into thinking that Olivia desires him, and when he confesses his love, Olivia orders him imprisoned as a madman. Sebastian then turns up and is mistaken for Cesario. A series of mishaps follows. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Directed By
- Trevor Nunn
- Written By
- Trevor Nunn
- Genres
- Drama, Television, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jul 1, 1998 Wide
- Studio
- New Line Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Todd McCarthy, Variety
A handsome, agreeably performed rendition that fails to ignite much laughter or any real emotion.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The direction is assured, and the cast is masterly.
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Stephen Holden, New York Times
A comic meditation on desire, disguise and inherent bisexuality.
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Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
An entertaining movie. No more, no less.
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Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Only fitfully do the actors actually seem to become the characters they are playing.
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Cast
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Helena Bonham Carter
as Olivia
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Imogen Stubbs
as Viola
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Nigel Hawthorne
as Malvolio
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Ben Kingsley
as Feste
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Mel Smith
as Sir Toby Belch
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Richard E. Grant
as Sir Andrew Aguecheek
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Imelda Staunton
as Maria
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Toby Stephens
as Orsino
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Steven Mackintosh
as Sebastian
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Timothy Bentinck
as Officer
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Rod Culbertson
as Officer
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Nicholas Farrell
as Antonio
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Sidney Livingstone
as Captain
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James Walker
as Priest
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Peter Gunn
as Fabian
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Alan Mitchell
as Valentine
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Jeff Hall
as Gardener
