7 Wonderful Shakespeare Movies ...

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These two were Hamlet’s hapless frenemies in the classic Shakespeare play, but this take is a bit unusual, being told from their clueless perspective. Gary Oldman and Tim Roth are brilliant in the title roles, and though we all know what happens to them in the end, the fun, of course, is getting them there.

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I love this movie if for no other reason than the soundtrack, and for the opportunity to ogle a young Leonardo DiCaprio before he got chubby. It’s also a treat to see Pete Postlethwaite in this film, and though it’s a little quick-edit for me, it’s a fairly true rendition of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies.

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Though this movie does have some darker undertones, it’s mostly a sunny, brilliant tale about two people who loathe each other, but also love each other. Who can’t relate! Emma Thompson is brilliant, as is of course Kenneth Branagh, and the entire cast is quite good, including Denzel Washington (he’s perfect in this movie) and Keanu Reeves (who is flat, but still comely).

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This is my own absolutely favorite Shakespeare film, starring a gorgeous and wickedly funny Elizabeth Taylor as The Shrew. Before her younger sister can marry, she must wed, but who will have her? She’s wild, willful, and cruel… and though you already know she ends up, well, tamed, it’s a lot of fun to watch her opposite her real-life husband, Richard Burton, as they fight, carouse, and eventually fall in love.

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I’m quite certain there are those out there that vastly prefer the Mel Gibson or Kenneth Branagh versions, but I like this one, set in modern times, with Ethan Hawke in the title role and Julia Stiles as Ophelia. The best performance in the movie is Bill Murray as Polonius… he’s amazing, adding a depth to the slightly ridiculous, overbearing councilor and father. Oh, and Liev Schreiber… yum!

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Based on Shakespeare’s marvelous “The Taming of the Shrew,” this film stars Julia Stiles as Kat and a young and yummy Heath Ledger as Pat. The plot generally follows the original, but it’s updated and refreshing without losing its grip on those loyal to Shakespeare. I love the twist that Cameron is actually something of a twit…

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Whether you believe the real-life Shakespeare had a secret paramour or muse to inspire him, you’ll love this movie about the writing of “Romeo and Juliet,” which, apparently, began as a comedy. It’s a sweet story, emotionally involving and very well cast. I’m not alone in my praise of the movie, either: it won an Oscar for Best Picture.

These are just a few of the (literally) hundreds of movies out there based either fully or at least partially on one of Shakespeare’s many brilliant plays. I especially adore Julia Stiles as Ophelia in “Hamlet” and as Kat Stratford in “10 Things.” Which of these Shakespeare-based films do you like best, or is there one you love I didn’t include?

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