Masterpiece period drama with best casting ever | UK News

Shakespeare in Love is at present streaming on BBC iPlayer and follows the story of a younger William Shakespeare (performed by Joseph Fiennes), who is looking for a muse to inspire his writing. Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) is determined to act but is just not allowed to, so she disguises herself as a man to audition for one of his performs.

As the 1998 movie continues, Shakespeare falls deeply in Love with Viola, and they embark on a passionate love affair. She serves as his muse and sparks the well-known story of Romeo and Juliet. Gwyneth received the Best Actress Academy Award for her position in the period piece, which reworked her into a global star and, as she told Variety, “changed my life”.

When requested why the unbiased film was such a hit, grossing lots of of tens of millions of {dollars}, she said, “Honestly, it’s the screenplay. It’s so clever in the way it tackles Shakespeare and all the inside jokes of show business.”

Fans have been raving about the award-winning film online, which also stars Dame Judi Dench, Colin Firth and Ben Affleck.

Taking to Rotten Tomatoes, one reviewer shared: “The best movie acting ever by an ensemble! With the best movie casting ever done! Plus, the best movie screenplay ever written! Also, the best movie score ever composed! And the best movie costumes ever designed!”

“A second added: “Masterful on every degree, particularly its poetic and brilliantly structured script. The performances are sweeping and strong.”

“Meanwhile, a third said: “A wonderful film that gets as close to perfect as a film can get.” Another penned: “Show this to anyone who doubts Gwyneth Paltrow’s acting ability.

“She is luminous in Shakespeare in Love, and Joseph Fiennes brilliantly portrays the erratic but genius playwright. Their chemistry is on fire.”

Shakespeare in Love is accessible to stream on BBC iPlayer.