Films about William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet, has been the inspiration for numerous films throughout the years. These movies showcase his life, his works, and the impact he has had on the world of literature. From biographical dramas to adaptations of his plays, these films bring Shakespeare's genius to the silver screen and allow audiences to delve into his captivating stories and characters.
Here are some existing films about William Shakespeare:
“Shakespeare in Love”, 1998
Director: John Madden
This romantic comedy-drama explores a fictional love affair in Shakespeare's life, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of one of his most famous plays, “Romeo and Juliet.”
Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Judi Dench, Simon Callow, Jim Carter, Martin Clunes, Antony Sher, Tom Wilkinson, Steve O'Donnell, Tim McMullan, Steven Beard, Patrick Barlow, Sandra Reinton, Bridget McConnell, Georgie Glen, Nicholas Boulton, Imelda Staunton, Desmond McNamara, Barnaby Kay, Paul Bigley, Jason Round, Rupert Farley, Adam Barker, Joe Roberts, Harry Gostelow, Alan Cody, Mark Williams, David Curtiz, Gregor Truter, Simon Day, Jill Baker, Amber Glossop, Robin Davies, Hywel Simons, Nicholas Le Prevost, Timothy Kightley, Mark Saban, Bob Barrett, Roger Morlidge, Daniel Brocklebank, Roger Frost, Rebecca Charles, Richard Gold, Rachel Clarke, Lucy Speed, Patricia Potter, John Ramm;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Shakespeare in Love” on the website imdb.com
“Hamlet”, 1990
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Kenneth Branagh directs and stars in this faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy. The film showcases Branagh's masterful portrayal of Hamlet as he navigates revenge, madness, and the complexities of the Danish court.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates, Ian Holm, Helena Bonham Carter, Paul Scofield, Stephen Dillane, Nathaniel Parker, Sean Murray, Michael Maloney, Trevor Peacock, John McEnery, Richard Warwick, Christien Anholt, Dave Duffy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Pete Postlethwaite, Christopher Fairbank, Sarah Phillips, Ned Mendez, Roy York, Marjorie Bell, Justin Case, Roger Low, Pamela Sinclair, Baby Simon Sinclair, Roy Evans, Lance L Edwards, Barrie Holland, Graham Riddell;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“Macbeth”, 2015
Director: Justin Kurzel
Directed by Justin Kurzel, this atmospheric and visually stunning adaptation of Shakespeare's play stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard as the power-hungry Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The film explores the themes of ambition, guilt, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor, Elizabeth Debicki, David Thewlis, Ross Anderson, David Hayman, Maurice Roëves, Hilton McRae, Seylan Baxter, Lynn Kennedy, Kayla Fallon, Amber Rissmann, Lochlann Harris, Barrie Martin, Rebecca Benson, James Harkness, Scott Dymond, Gerard Miller, Jack Madigan, Frank Madigan, Scot Greenan, Brian Nickels, Andrew Gourlay, Eleanor Stagg, William Stagg, Matthew Stagg, Roy Sampson, Phil Lonergan, Lasco Atkins, Paul Atlee, Stewart Bailey, Jamie Biddulph, Martin Crossingham, Phoebe De'Ath, Nick Donald, Robert Dukes, Valeria Dundere, Josh Dyer, Guinevere Edwards, Paul Ellard, Mark Epstein, Sam Exley, Dino Fazzani, Mike Firth, Graham Ford, Robert J. Fraser, Julian Gillard;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, history, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
“Much Ado About Nothing”, 1993
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Directed by Kenneth Branagh, this lighthearted comedy brings Shakespeare's witty banter and mistaken identities to life. The film features an all-star cast, including Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, and Keanu Reeves, and showcases the comedic and romantic elements of the play.
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Michael Keaton, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Richard Briers, Kate Beckinsale, Imelda Staunton, Jimmy Yuill, Brian Blessed, Andy Hockley, Chris Barnes, Conrad Nelson, Phyllida Law, Alex Lowe, Richard Clifford, Gerard Horan, Alex Scott, Ben Elton, Edward Jewesbury;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Much Ado About Nothing” on the website imdb.com
“Twelfth Night”, 2012
Director: Tim Carroll
Trevor Nunn's adaptation of Shakespeare's beloved comedy captures the essence of mistaken identity and unrequited love. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs, and Toby Stephens, and brings the enchanting world of Illyria to life.
Starring: Stephen Fry, Mark Rylance, Samuel Barnett, Liam Brennan, Paul Chahidi, John Paul Connolly, Johnny Flynn, James Garnon, Peter Hamilton Dyer, Colin Hurley, Ian Drysdale, Jethro Skinner, Ben Thompson, Roger Lloyd Pack;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: comedy;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 186 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,9;
“Othello”, 1995
Director: Oliver Parker
Directed by Oliver Parker, this adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, and racism. Laurence Fishburne delivers a powerful performance as the tragic hero Othello, while Kenneth Branagh portrays the manipulative Iago.
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Irène Jacob, Kenneth Branagh, Nathaniel Parker, Michael Maloney, Anna Patrick, Nicholas Farrell, Indra Ové, Michael Sheen, André Oumansky, Philip Locke, John Savident, Gabriele Ferzetti, Pierre Vaneck, Luca Guardabascio;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Othello” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a variety of interpretations and perspectives on William Shakespeare's life and works. Whether you are a fan of his plays or simply interested in exploring his legacy, these movies provide a captivating glimpse into the world of the Bard.
In exploring the selection of films about William Shakespeare, it becomes evident that his timeless legacy continues to inspire filmmakers across generations. From traditional adaptations to contemporary reinterpretations, these films offer a diverse and captivating portrayal of Shakespeare's works, showcasing the enduring relevance of his stories and characters. Through innovative storytelling and compelling performances, these cinematic renditions not only honor the Bard's literary genius but also invite audiences to rediscover the beauty and complexity of his timeless tales. As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Shakespeare's influence will persist, inspiring future filmmakers to continue reimagining his works with creativity and reverence.
