Shakespeare in Love

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Shakespeare in Love

R

Released Dec 25, 1998

2h 2m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

148 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

"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 ideas, he meets his ideal woman and she inspires him to write one of his most famous plays.

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Critics Consensus

Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic, Shakespeare in Love is a delightful romantic comedy that succeeds on nearly every level.

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Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

Tom Stoppard’s script is a playful delight; the tone is exuberant and lively.

Nov 1, 2023

Full Review

Terry Lawson

Detroit Free Press

Though set in the Bard's 16th Century, Shakespeare in Love is hipper, smarter and cleverer than any contemporary romantic comedy in recent memory.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 5, 2023

Full Review

Ella Taylor

L.A. Weekly

Though weakened by feeble leads, Shakespeare in Love is nicely pepped by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard's malicious script and a slew of great supporting performances.

Jan 5, 2023

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

A fun movie I enjoy

Apr 7, 2025

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

While it’s no Saving Private Ryan (which it absurdly beat for the Best Picture Academy Award mainly due to Miramax head Harvey Weinstein’s bullying, Oscar-mongering campaign), it remains a witty romantic comedy.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 2, 2025

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

A sweet and whimsical love story

Jun 27, 2023

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Audience Member

I got a pack of Movie Night scratch off ideas as a Christmas gift and this was the first movie card picked out of the pack. I was disappointed that I would have to watch this, but then ended up really enjoying the movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

Full Review

Giordano B

Bravo! Brilliant script, excellent acting !!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/30/24

Full Review

Jones J

Shakespeare in Love is a wonderfully clever and hopelessly romantic film; a true Shakespearean pop-corn flick. Written with wise-wit and sown together with seamless charm, this film proves to be a simple, cheeky, sweet story about endless, fantastical romanticism. Gwyneth Paltrow and Judi Dench sing in their Oscar-winning performances. Not to mention, the costume design is absolutely astounding. However, this type of film is not one that is worthy of receiving Best Picture. And, as is the case with almost every film ever made, it comes nowhere close to even being slightly anything close to worthy of beating the unbelievable, indescribable masterpiece that is…Saving Private Ryan.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/09/24

Full Review

Alice E

I adore original films like this. Great movie and acting

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

Geisiane O

Quem nunca ouviu falar de Shakespeare apaixonado História de amor icônica Muito bom e engraçado Recomendo!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/23/23

Full Review

Peter B

Cleverly weaves the film's story into Romeo and Juliet to make an engaging, fun and emotional movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/20/23

Full Review

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John Madden

Director

Joseph Fiennes

William Shakespeare

Gwyneth Paltrow

Viola De Lesseps

Geoffrey Rush

Philip Henslowe

Judi Dench

Queen Elizabeth

Simon Callow

Tilney, Master of the Revels

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Synopsis

"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 ideas, he meets his ideal woman and she inspires him to write one of his most famous plays.

Director: John Madden
Producer: Marc Norman, Donna Gigliotti, David Parfitt, Harvey Weinstein, Edward Zwick
Screenwriter: Tom Stoppard, Marc Norman
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films, Bedford Falls Productions, Universal Pictures
Rating: R (Sexuality)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $100.2M
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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