Shakespeare in LoveSynopsis and Overview

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  • Shakespeare in Love
  • Opened December 11, 1998 | Runtime:2 hr. 2 min.
  • R
    sexuality
  • Information for parents: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 16+. Read More
  • ``Shakespeare in Love'' is a romantic comedy for the 1990s set in the 1590s. It imaginatively unfolds the witty, sexy and timeless tale behind the creation of the greatest love story ever told. A young Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is out of cash and Read More
  • Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench
  • Director: John Madden
  • Genres: Romantic Comedy, Comedy Drama, Period Film, Romance, Showbiz Comedy

Shakespeare in Love Recent Fan Reviews

  • Go

    I loved the feel of this movie

    by AllySue

    This was Gwyneth Paltrow's best role. She's very good. Joseph Fiennes is also good in this story about young Shakespeare, who is out of ideas, when a woman inspires him to write a great play.

    John Madden directs it with lots of romance floating around in the movie, which comes from the romantic script by :Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard.

  • Must Go!

    Shakespeare's Beautiful Love.

    Many people who are shallow minded,and can't think outside of the box usually dislike Shakpeare In Love,only because "it stole Saving Private Ryan's Best-Picture Oscar."Let me make one thing clear,THIS WAS THE FLAT-OUT BEST-PICTURE OF 1998,AND FLAT-OUT DESERVED THAT OSCAR FOR BEST-PICTURE.You have to think about this movie,and it's material.How many war movies have been made?!A countless number of them.How many about Shakespeare,and his life have been made?!One,and that is Shakespeare In Love.The materialwas very risque,and much like American Beauty,if it were in any other hands,it never would have worked.John Madden couldn't have done a better job with this masterpiece.Just like how Sam Mendes was meant to direct American Beauty,John Madden was meant to make 'Shakespeare'.The performances are incredible,by the whole cast,the direction flawless,and the sets take you to the time of Shakespeare.The final scene runs into the credits,sort of,is so majestically done,I cried!!!!A MUST-SEE!

Shakespeare in Love Critic Reviews

Must Go! Avg. Critic Score out of 100 Metascore ® based on all critic ratings.

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    Los Angeles Times | Kenneth Turan

    One of those entertaining confections that's so pleasing to the eye and ear...

  • 100
    Washington Post | Michael O'Sullivan

    Paltrow and Fiennes are so good and the script, referencing not only "Romeo and...

  • 100
    San Francisco Chronicle |

    Anyone not romantically inclined going into Shakespeare in Love surely will be...

  • 100
    Entertainment Weekly | Owen Gleiberman

    The richest and most satisfying romantic movie of the year. It's really about...

Shakespeare in Love Movie Ratings + Reviews

Fans say

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Critics say

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