Shakespeare In Love (1999)

Shakespeare In Love has been a long time coming. Originally it was to be made in 1991 as a Julia Roberts vehicle, with Daniel Day Lewis touted as her co-star. If anything, the talent here are even better suited: Gwyneth Paltrow, once more demonstrates her impeccable English accent, proving an inspired casting choice as romantic Viola; while rising star Joseph Fiennes is perfect as Shakespeare, a rising star of his olde worlde times. They're surrounded by spectacular support, relishing the chance to ham it up in a broad costume comedy, from familiar mugs on TV's The Fast Show, to award-winning stage and screen actors. Ben Affleck is a revelation as a pompous, again impeccably accented, big star of his day. Judi Dench is equally delicious as the sharp-tongued monarch.

Read the full Shakespeare In Love review