Shakespeare in Love

A tale of love and ambition unfolds on the Elizabethan stage, where passion ignites creativity.

Critics broadly praised the film as an exceptionally witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic period comedy-drama with strong performances and infectious theatrical energy.

• The story invents a relationship between William Shakespeare and Viola while reimagining the creation of Romeo and Juliet.
• Viola auditions and performs as Thomas Kent because women are forbidden from acting on the Elizabethan stage.
• William and Viola's relationship is transformed into the writing and rehearsal of Romeo and Juliet.
• Rehearsals, theater financing, actors, playwrights, and rival venues drive much of the film's action.

• The Importance of Being Earnestshared witty period romance, theatrical performance, and class constraints
• Bright Starshared literary adaptation, romantic longing, and visually polished historical setting
• Stage Beautyshared backstage comedy, artistic creation, and ensemble theatrical energy
• The Favouriteshared playful historical revisionism, romance, and stylized courtly intrigue

Director

John Madden

Release Date

1998-12-11

Runtime

124 min

Rating

6.8 / 10 (3312)

What is Shakespeare in Love about?

A playful Elizabethan romance turns forbidden desire, theatrical ambition, and artistic invention into a sparkling fictional account of Shakespeare's creative awakening.

What is Shakespeare in Love like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Shakespeare in Love as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Shakespeare in Love violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Shakespeare in Love.

What did critics think of Shakespeare in Love?

Critics broadly praised the film as an exceptionally witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic period comedy-drama with strong performances and infectious theatrical energy.

Which films are like Shakespeare in Love?

Films with a similar feel include The Importance of Being Earnest, Bright Star, Stage Beauty, and The Favourite.

How long is Shakespeare in Love?

Shakespeare in Love runs 124 minutes.

Where can I watch Shakespeare in Love?

In United States, Shakespeare in Love streams on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.