Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Director:

Kenneth Branagh

Writers:

William Shakespeare (play)
Kenneth Branagh (screenplay)

Release Date:

7 May 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Young lovers Hero and Claudio, soon to wed, conspire to get verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles Benedick and Beatrice to wed as well.

Plot Keywords:

Choice | Masterful | Politician | Mistreat | Espionage

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Richard Briers	...	Leonato
Kate Beckinsale	...	Hero
Imelda Staunton	...	Margaret
Jimmy Yuill	...	Friar Francis
Brian Blessed	...	Antonio
Andy Hockley	...	George Seacole
Chris Barnes	...	Francis Seacole
Conrad Nelson	...	Hugh Oatcake
Phyllida Law	...	Ursula
Emma Thompson	...	Beatrice
Alex Lowe	...	Messenger
Denzel Washington	...	Don Pedro
Keanu Reeves	...	Don John
Richard Clifford	...	Conrade
Gerard Horan	...	Borachio

Runtime:

111 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

South Korea:15 | Australia:PG | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/12 | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-8 | France:U | Germany:6 | Peru:14 | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:7 | UK:PG | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Villa Vignamaggio, Greve in Chianti, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Judi Dench was offered the role of Ursula.

Goofs:

Continuity: During Balthazar's song, Benedick is hiding behind the hedge, but when the camera shot changes, he is by the fountain, in clear view of Signor Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro

Quotes:

Benedick: Do not you love me?
Beatrice: Why no; no more than reason.
Benedick: Why then your uncle, the Prince and Claudio have been deceived; they swore you did.
Beatrice: Do not you love me?
Benedick: Why no; no more than reason.
Beatrice: Why then my cousin, Margaret and Ursula are much deceived, for they did swear you did.
Benedick: They swore you were almost sick for me.
Beatrice: They swore you were well-nigh dead for me.
Benedick: 'Tis no such matter. Then you do not love me?
Beatrice: No, truly, but in friendly recompense.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Plot Holes: What Happened to Dianne When She Left the Winchester? (2004) (V)

Brilliant! And sure to make people interested in Shakespeare once again

It's one of the most delightful adaptations of Shakespeare ever made. Personally, I am a great fan of Shakespeare, but it seems that the film must appeal even to those who normally don't like the Bard. Kenneth Branagh is at his best both as producer and performer. I admire his imagination and ingenuity, which he applies to his work. He created beautiful, picturesque, entertaining, amusing and hilarious movie with awesome actor's work and fine music. Some cuts of the original play were essential to make the movie dynamic, and the play was not considerably damaged. All members of the starring cast make Shakespearean text sound natural, alive and very funny. Emma Thompson shines as bright ginger-haired Beatrice. It goes without saying that she's an actress of unique talent, and in this film she does an amazing job, being lively, sharp and witty, sparkling with energy, humor and cheerfulness, or sometimes vehement and passionate (when her cousin is offended). Branagh as Benedick is up to her. Other notable performances are given by imposing Brian Blessed (seigneur Antonio) and Richard Briers (seigneur Leonato). Robert Sean Leonard and Kate Beckinsale as Claudio and Hero are adequate and beautiful pair. Keanu Reeves is really good in the part of grim, villainous Don John, notwithstanding opinions of many reviewers here. Michael Keaton's Constable Dogberry and other comic characters makes me laugh a lot through the film. Definitely, this is an excellent film for enjoyment. 10/10.