LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST -- Kenneth Branagh, dir

©2000
production company:Arts Council of England, Canal+, Intermedia Films, Miramax Films, Pathé Pictures International, Shakespeare Film Company
studio: Miramax
dir: Kenneth Branagh
screenplay: Kenneth Branagh (based on the play by William Shakespeare)
cast: Kenneth Branagh, Alessandro Nivola, Alicia Silverstone, Natascha McElhone, Matthew Lillard, Nathan Lane, Timothy Spall, Stefania Rocca, Richard Clifford, Emily Mortimer, Carmen Ejogo, ANthony O'Donnel, Richard Briers, Geraldine McEwan, Jimmy Yuill, Daniel Hill, Alfred Bell, Daisy Gough, Graham Hubbard, Paul Moody, Yvonne Reilly, Ian Stuart Robertson, Emma Scott, Amy Tez

An update of the classic Shakespeare story, director Kenneth Branagh shot this movie like a classic 30s musical. Love's Labour's Lost tells the story of four best friends who swear off love.

I really enjoyed this movie.

Interestingly enough, just yesterday I was having lunch with someone and we discussed how we didn't care for our Shakespeare to be "modernized." I said that I had never enjoyed a Shakespeare performance in which the play was updated to an era post-Shakespeare. And then I watch this and absolutely love it!

In part, I admit, that I really enjoy the movie musicals of the 1930-1950's, and this is in that vein. But mostly, it didn't take itself too seriously, and I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at a movie. This is a comedy, after all, and it succeeded in amusing me.

If you're looking for "pure" Shakespeare, then this is NOT the film for you ... it is peppered with great songs by musical masters such as Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. If you're looking for great song and dance, then go rent a Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire film ... this cast is not notably a song and dance cast. If you're looking for powerful Shakespearean acting, then head out to the Globe ... some (particularly the women) seem a bit dry and not sure of what they're saying. BUT... if you want an entertaining hour and a half, containing a hint of Shakespeare and some song and dance, I'd pick this over Kiss Me Kate (though it's hard to beat Bob Fosse's dancing in Kiss Me Kate!).

Lots of fun. Heartily recommended.