Sure, this film is fluff, but it’s Shakespearean fluff. I loved this film when it first came out in 1993. Director (and actor) Kenneth Branagh was married at the time to lovely Emma Thompson. Branagh and Thompson light up the screen in this entertaining movie. The cast includes fetching Kate Beckinsale before she got involved with vampires, the pre-Matrix Keanu Reeves, and Denzel Washington. This Blu-ray version includes subtitles in English, Spanish, and French as well as a Much Ago About Nothing featurette and the original theatrical trailer. I picked up this Blu-ray version at BJ’s Warehouse for $9.99. A bargain! GRADE: A
Love this film. I wish Branagh had done some more of the comedies.
Yes, but Branagh did do HAMLET, Scott. And his production is a knock-out!
I love the Beatrice & Benedict sub-plot. They are my favorite couple in all of Shakespeare’s works.
I enjoy the Beatrice and Benedict sub-plot, too, Deb. Branagh handles it with just the right touch.
We’re seeing the play again next week and I am looking forward to it!
When I was in High School, we read MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING in one of our English classes, Patti. I liked it then and later I saw the stage version and liked it even more. Have fun seeing it next week!
It would be difficult to fail with that cast. I haven’t seen this one yet, is it one of the better Reeves performances? (he is brilliant on rare occasion, such as in RIVER’S EDGE and THE GIFT, and good more often than he’s given credit for).
Everyone is stellar in this MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Todd. Brilliant performances!
MUCH ADO is one of my favorite Shakespeares. We’ve been lucky enough to see it on stage several times. First was in 1972, the production that transferred from Central Park with Sam Waterston and Kathleen Widdoes, set in small town 19th Century America. I think this was filmed and shown later on PBS. It’s available on DVD. Barnard Hughes was wonderful as Dogberry.
Five years later we saw it in London with Donald Sinden and Judi Dench. This was set in the British raj in India.
Lastly, we saw it in Central Park with Kevin Kline and Blythe Danner. This was in 1988.
All three productions were wonderful, and I liked the Branagh movie too.
I would have loved to see those Sinden/Dench and Kline/Danner versions, Jeff! This Branagh production in Blu-ray is eye-popping!
I believe this was one of the plays you read in your Shakespeare marathon read a couple years back, wasn’t it? All the comedies and tragedies, also the histories?
You’ve got that right, Rick! I just got to the point in my life when I said, “I’ve been meaning to read all of Shakespeare so why don’t I just do it.” It good me the better part of a year, but I enjoyed it tremendously. I also watched as many Shakespearean movies as my local Public Library had to offer.
A wonderful film I always remember the opening credits – some of the best ever done. LOVE the men returning on horseback – the music – then the exhuberant bathing. It’s all so head long and exciting and not much has been said yet. One of my favorite movies.
Well said, Yvette! I saw MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING when it was first released in the U.S. in 1993. Loved it! After watching the Blu-ray, it was like watching the movie for the first time!
Todd:
The film received generally enthusiastic notices from critics, with most of the negative criticism focusing on particular casting choices, notably Keanu Reeves as Don John, and Michael Keaton as Dogberry. For his performance in the film, Reeves was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor.
Keanu Reeves will never be confused with a great Shakespearean actor, Jeff. But I think he did a credible job in MUCH ADO.
I remember when this came out, but for dumb reasons I didn’t go see it. Should have done so.
Branagh’s HENRY V is a favorite of mine.
I admire Branagh’s HENRY V, too, Drongo. Don’t miss this Blu-ray version of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING!
I thought Keanu was fine too. Michael Keaton was a little off, perhaps.
Yes, HENRY V was really good too.
Too bad Branagh is no longer doing stuff of this quality.
Branagh’s THOR was okay, Jeff. But I expected more from him.
This film and Twelfth Night starring Helena Bonham Carter are not only two of my favorite film adaptations of the bard’s work, but are also two of my favorite films in general. First off they are just plain FUN, and they make Shakespeare’s work come alive.
And I love Michael Keaton’s performance.
This Blu-ray version looks terrific, Carl. And, you’re right: MUCH ADO is fun!