Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Great!

Wonderful movie! Now to find the Flying Karamazov Brothers' rendition of the Merchant of Venice. August 29, 2008

A pretty good attempt at one of Shakespeare's B-list plays

Nobody could say the storyline in Much Ado About Nothing is particularly clever. In fact, despite some very witty lyricism you would have to say this is one of Shakespeare's weakest plays. Having said that, this interpretation by Kenneth Branagh makes the most of the material. The comic characters are completely over-the-top (including Michael Keaton of Batman fame, and Ben Elton, creator of the Young Ones) and the more serious ones are given a slightly modern interpretation. The main plot which deals with the importance of virginity in a new bride, has a gently mocking modern treatment. The whole play is, as its name suggests, a storm in a teacup and Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thomson make the most of the sarcastic interplay available to them. Even the charming Denzel Washington manages not to stumble over his lines. July 8, 2008

Ken and Em in Tuscany

After swearing that they will never marry anyone, let alone each other, two bickering "friends", Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Kenneth Branagh), end up falling in love after each is falsely led to believe that the other is in love with them.

Given the fact that neither of his most recent Shakespearean adaptations have received so much as a DVD release out here (Australia), let alone a cinema release, it is hard to imagine that there was once a time when Kenneth Branagh was hailed as being the next Laurence Olivier. However, back in the 1990's, Kenneth Branagh did manage to produce some of the best Shakespearean adaptations ever made, the best of which being the 4-hour "Hamlet" and this version of "Much Ado About Nothing".

"Much Ado About Nothing" is rare among Shakespeare's comedies in that it is actually funny, thus making it one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays, and Kenneth Branagh has a gift for making Shakespeare understandable to anyone, even someone who has never encountered "the Bard" before. Not all of the actors are up to the same standard as Branagh (Kate Beckinsale, in an early film role, is notably wooden), but this is more than made up for by Branagh and Thompson. Branagh and Thompson are both excellent actors in anything in which they appear, but they are at their best when appearing together. When this film was made, they were married to each other and the chemistry between them is something beautiful. I have always considered it to be a great tragedy that their marriage didn't last.
June 13, 2008

Fun, quirky, and true to the spirit of the Shakespearen romantic comedy

I consider this to be one of my favorite movies. It's a true chamer that proves that a good play of Shakespeare can be set at any time. The charming game of cat-and-mouse with lovers is only part of the wonder when it comes to the talented set of actors, each one perfect for their role. However, the best performances are demonstrated by Branagh and Emma Thomspon, whom we all know can do just about anything. The setting of the little villa is charming, and the classical score suits the story well. Even if you think Shakespeare is boring, you will adore this fun romp. May 10, 2008

Old School Fun

Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," adapted for film by Kenneth Branagh, is a myriad of quick wit and cheeky humor. Denzel Washington adeptly plays an upright and stately lord while Keanu Reeves was the reason it couldn't reach five stars. In the very beginning there is a shot in which you see the soldiers (Washington, Reeves, and company) riding to Messina, home of Leonato (Richard Briers). Washington leads, looking elegant and impressive, and to his left, Reeves rides exanimate. They are returning from battle and stop at Messina for rest and entertainment. They quickly become involved in love triangles, treachery, and tongue lashings from Leonato's niece Beatrice (Emma Thompson).

While this film holds true to the english of Shakespeare's writing, it is by no means difficult to understand. It is merely english used in a way we as a society are not used to, but are capable of. The humor is timeless as well since love and conniving, not to mention bickering, are parts of life we all laugh about when looking back at it. March 10, 2008

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