Shakespeare in Love

1998·124'

John Madden

ComedyRomanceHistory

★ 6.8

Letterboxd TMDB #1934

Love is the only inspiration.

Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.

Cast

Joseph Fiennes Will Shakespeare

Gwyneth Paltrow Viola De Lesseps

Geoffrey Rush Philip Henslowe

Tom Wilkinson Hugh Fennyman

Judi Dench Queen Elizabeth

Imelda Staunton Nurse

Colin Firth Lord Wessex

Ben Affleck Ned Alleyn

Simon Callow Tilney

Steven Beard Makepeace

Jim Carter Ralph Bashford

Rupert Everett Christopher Marlowe