Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is a struggling playwright. He's sold his next play to both Philip Henslow (Geoffrey Rush) and Richard Burbidge. It's called 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter'. Only he can't get started. Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) comes from a wealthy family and wants poetry in her life. Lord Wessex (Colin Firth) is interested but he doesn't have the poetry. She pretends to be a man to audition for Will's play. However Will sees through her disguise and they begin a love affair.
I love all the Shakespearian phrases that are thrown at Will from everybody. It has a cute charm to it. It's probably the best original Shakespearian play not written by him. I also love William Shakespeare as a struggling artist. It's not a high minded academic thing although a good knowledge of some of the famous lines help to appreciate this movie.
I love all the Shakespearian phrases that are thrown at Will from everybody. It has a cute charm to it. It's probably the best original Shakespearian play not written by him. I also love William Shakespeare as a struggling artist. It's not a high minded academic thing although a good knowledge of some of the famous lines help to appreciate this movie.