When I first heard of this film, I really wanted to see it. I adore Shakespeare and I adore well done period pieces. But, when the reviews came out as being more or less lackluster, I held off. So, 3 weeks after its release I finally saw it.
The story is absolutely enthralling. I deliberately decided to ignore any historical inaccuracies (there were plenty) because that seems to be the common concensus as to why critics were so divided on the film. It really was well thought out and even brilliant at times with how they incorporated many of the plays with the manipulating of the mob mentality of Elizabethan London.
The acting was hit and miss. But, when it was a hit, it was a HIT. Rhys Ifans--best known for his comedic performance in Notting Hill as the bumbling, half-naked roommate of Hugh Grant's character,--delivers a grand slam of a performance. As does most of the nobility roles. The Ben Johnson character seemed very forced to me, although his delivery in one of the many climaxes of the movie was very moving.
The music was really quite good, although it felt out of place at parts.
The directing felt a little jumbled and less than polished. Right off I could offer a number of suggestions that I feel would have helped the film remarkably. But, I also give props to Roland Emerich (best known for Independence Day) for putting together such a great drama in his first try; as I understand it, this was his first foray into a non-action genre.
Over I give it a 4.25/5. Like I said, brilliant in so many ways, but less than polished in others.
Cheers.
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