Much Ado About Nothing (1993) User Reviews (200)

Branagh excellently supports an already excellent Shakespearian story

[KnightsofNi11 · 7/10 · 24 November 2010]

Whether you enjoy it or not, it is a solid fact that William Shakespeare was one of the best, if not the best, writer of all time. His tragedies and comedies set so many milestones in storytelling, and have continued to influence all creative mediums today, including film. The man obviously had an influence on Kenneth Branagh, the director of Much Ado About Nothing. This film is one of five Shakespeare film adaptations that Branagh has directed. It is about two lovers, Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) and Hero (Kate Beckinsale) who are to be married in one week. To pass the time they devise a "love trap" for two of their family members. One is an arrogant and yet bumbling bachelor named Benedict (Kenneth Branagh) and the other is the strong willed and witty Beatrice (Emma Thompson). But in the midst of it all a man by the name of Don Jon (Keanu Reeves) conspires to stop the wedding. Overall the film is lighthearted, simple, and fun. However, it retains a much more sophisticated eloquence that definitely sets it apart from other films equally as lighthearted as it.

When you're script is a word for word adaptation of the Shakespeare play, it is obvious you are going to have a fantastic story with great dialouge. There is just no denying that Shakespeare was a genius and comparatively had hardly any flaws in his work. The trick for a film adaptation of his play is to provide excellent visual aesthetics that will match the eloquence of the script. Branagh hits his mark excellently here. The film is something beautiful to look at. In every shot and every location it is obvious a lot of care and attention was put into making this film look as pretty as it sounds. The sets are beautifully designed, as well as the costumes which are all very consistent and fitting for the medieval time period. Branagh's direction is also top notch and he excels at being able to transform a script written for the stage into a very full on-screen experience. Branagh makes sure to put a lot of emphasis on the actors, since the characters are where the central focus of this story lies. But when he is not honing in on his actors he is utilizing fantastic tracking shots that show off the gorgeous sets and artistic design that went into them. The visual and audible aspects of this film thankfully lock together perfectly.

As I said before there is a lot of emphasis on the actors in this film, and while the majority of the acting is well above par, there is a noticeable issue with it overall, but it is something almost out of the directors control. Shakespeare is not easy to act believably. The kind of acting necessary to make Shakespeare feel real as opposed to cheesy is in a league of its own. It has a lot to do with the dialect and style in which his work is written, which is obviously hundreds of years old and far different from how we speak today. It is because of this extremely specific acting style the actors must utilize to pull off these characters that we see a differentiation in the acting ability of the cast. In other words, we can tell who is a well versed Shakespearian actor and who is not. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson are the shining stars of this film and it is very obvious that this style of acting is their field of expertise. It is a place where they feel comfortable and can truly act the part without forcing it in the Shakespearian dialect. Then we have other actors like Robert Sean Leonard and Denzel Washington who, despite being great in this film, are not actors of the same caliber when it comes to Shakespeare. I just couldn't believe Leonard and Washington as much as I did Branagh and Thompson, but it certainly doesn't mean they weren't very good in the film. And then of course at the bottom of the barrel we have Keanu Reeves who I won't even get started on. All I will say is that watching Reeves try to act Shakespeare is a painful experience.

Much Ado About Nothing is definitely a very good film. It is very well made and, for the most part, very well acted. Watching a movie directly adapted from a Shakespeare play without removing any of the dialect of the time period is a breath of fresh air from your typical 21st century writing style. Now I will say on a more personal note that the story in Much Ado About Nothing, while very well written, is not exactly my cup of tea. Shakespeare only wrote in two genres... tragedy, and comedy. Much Ado About Nothing is one of the latter, so obviously it is very happy-go-lucky. My personal taste leans towards the darker tragedies that Shakespeare wrote, so I personally would recommend one of those before Much Ado About Nothing, but the film, for what it is, is still very good.

Uneven, but terrific at it's best

[runamokprods · 7/10 · 5 September 2014]

Not my favorite Shakespeare play, lacking the rich, playful complexities of some of the Bard's other comedies, I've always felt on a pure plot level this feels more simplistic, ill-logical and forced than most of the works by the greatest writer in the English language.

That said, Branagh's adaptation has some sensational elements. The best of all is the relationship between Branagh and Emma Thompson (then married in real life) as Benedick and Beatrice. As they showed in their brief time together in Branagh's "Henry V" the two are both magnificent at making Shakespeare feel human, spontaneous, modern and above all fun. Both create terrific characters – two bull headed intellectual wits who obviously belong together, but who managing to use their words and wit to keep tripping themselves up, like some Shakespearian version of the best of Tracy and Hepburn.

The star studded cast all do good work, although the much lesser known Richard Biers is perhaps the most wonderful in his simple, warm human reality as Leonato. The film looks great, filmed on an estate in Tuscany with beautiful grounds and that Tuscan light forming a backdrop too our story.

But, in the end, the play's the thing, and much of the other character's stories. well acted as they are, feel too melodramatic and heavy handed for the fun, light feel of the film (Robert Sean Leonard and Kate Beckensale both do excellent work as Claudio and Hero, but their storyline's over-dramatic swings are hard to overcome). The score also feels over-the-top, especially in the more dramatic sections, which in turn adds to the feeling that there's something too uneven in the tone. The comedy (e.g. Michael Keaton's very weird but entertaining Dogberry), is so broad, that it's hard to put it in the same film with the over- sober tone of the story of the young lovers.

None-the-less there's a lot to like if one overlooks some unevenness in both story and presentation.

Wonderful sparky fun which only flags in the final 10 minutes

[bob the moo · 4 April 2003]

The arrival of Don Pedro and his men at the home of Seigneur Leonato in Messina brings about much celebration. The spirit of love and happiness is alive in the party and Count Claudio and Leonato's daughter Hero make woo and engage to marry within a week. To pass the time Don Pedro makes a pledge to engage confirmed bachelor Benedick and the bickering Beatrice together in a tower of affection. However Claudio's brother, Don John, conspires to break up the wedding by making accusations against young Hero. Will it all be much ado about nothing?

If anyone has done more to bring Shakespeare to a modern audience of multiplex dwellers, I'd like to meet them. Here Branagh yet again adapts a Shakespeare play to good effect, trimming the dialogue of some important sections with the aim of creating a lighter feel worthy of the title. I make no mention of the plot suffice to say that Branagh has done well to keep the essence and feel of the work very true but without forcing the tools that Shakespeare readily used but may not work on modern audiences easily (i.e. not being able to recognise someone easily when they wear a mask, veil or moustache!).

The dialogue is very sparky as you'd expect and Branagh has done well to interpret the humour from the words on the page. I think of the dialogue around the police officer. Reading it from the page I never realised how much humour could be drawn form this characters scenes in terms of how the other characters view in. Of course the praise of lies with Shakespeare but Branagh knows the Bard well.

The cast is international and all-star (probably to a greater extent than it needed or deserved). Branagh is pure wonder in the lead and really brings out the whimsy in many of his scenes. Thompson too is wonderful and the two play off each other well. The film lost a little when the two begin to woo, but it is still enjoyable. Briers is excellent and Blessed is a bit hammy and underused (forcing big background laughs). Reeves is OK in a small role – the lack of significant dialogue helped him. Washingon fits in very well, Leonard is good but straight. Of the Hollywood stars I think Keaton does the best. When he is onscreen he is a little OTT but he is simply hilarious as the fool of the piece, and Ben Elton is an interesting sidekick. Beckinsdale is good but again is not given much meat to work with outside of her perfect love for Claudio.

Overall this is a very enjoyable version of the play. Those who find Shakespeare difficult could do well to start here with something light and bubbly. Those who enjoy Shakespeare will enjoy it as another version. Only those who feel that the Bard should not be put onscreen for the masses (and there are some who think this way – I have met them, they laughably call themselves purists – elitists I think) will find fault here, because this clearly has mass appeal.

Energetic and highly entertaining film marred only by Keaton's performance.

[Lorenzo H. · 7/10 · 28 February 2000]

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is a virtual feast for the eyes and ears. From the beautiful Tuscany landscapes and wonderful music score to the great performances of Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington, this film's high energy and good spirits will effortlessly sweep you off your feet. For close to an hour this movie can do no wrong and has some great visual and comedic moments. It is around this time however, that we are unfortunately introduced to the character of the constable played by Michael Keaton. His scenes in the middle third of the movie seem quite incongruous with the rest of the film. Every word out of his mouth is virtually unintelligible. To make things worse, his performance is so `Pythoneseque' and over-the-top that it actually feels like slow torture watching it. Its as if Beetlejuice had suddenly invaded the movie. Director Branagh's mistake was not in casting Keaton in the role, but in having him play the character as he did.

The Film happily does rebound in its last twenty minutes and concludes in a moving and joyfully uplifting celebration that is extremely well choreographed. This last sequence consists of one long, continuous tracking shot which is truly amazing. The camera starts at ground level and weaves in and out of courtyards, buildings and dancing revelers to end up not only a good city block from where it started but what actually seems to be ten stories high looking down on the proceedings with a gods eye view. It is a fantastic end to a flawed but extremely entertaining movie. I recommend it to all lovers of not only Shakespeare, but of ‘feel good' movies as well. Had it not been for Keaton's sour note performance, I would have given the film an 8. As it is, a 7 out of 10 will have to suffice.

Shakespeare at his most exhilarating

[Spleen · 10/10 · 17 August 1999]

Be honest: does the idea of a Shakespearean joke make your heart sink a little? Do you think of obscure, lowbrow Elizabethan humour that MAYBE someone was kind enough to explain in a footnote?

Certainly the comedies are harder to stage, but when they're well done ... One of the most exhilarating things about Shakespeare is the certain knowledge that no character will ever express himself poorly. Well, characters like Dogberry do, in a sort of a way, but that's deliberately done for comic effect and doesn't count. No character is ever thwarted by a lack of expressive power. Whenever Benedick must plead his case, you know that he will summon up all the eloquence he needs; and whenever Beatrice insults anyone, you know that she will summon up all the venom and wit SHE needs. In some ways it's easier to appreciate this in a comedy when the plot is, reduced to its essence, much ado about nothing.

No film director working today can approach Branagh when it comes to presenting Shakespeare cleanly and clearly, in a way that lets us participate in this verbal delight. This particular film is actually funny, as well as verbally delightful. It's also visually delightful - it has an attractive cast (Kate Beckinsale plays one of Shakespeare's ciphers but makes us understand why people fell in love with her), a sunny Tuscan landscape and a long tracking shot at the end that has to be seen to be believed. Performances are all good (other comments here have convinced me that even Keanu Reeves fits into his role). Comedy or not, this is the best Shakespeare film in years and is a candidate for being the best of all time.

fun frolic in Shakespeare

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 14 August 2015]

Don Pedro (Denzel Washington) and his men along with the villainous Don John (Keanu Reeves) visit his friend Leonato. Don John is the prince Don Pedro's bastard half-brother. Benedick (Kenneth Branagh) spars with Leonato's niece Beatrice (Emma Thompson). Young Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) is in love with Leonato's daughter Hero (Kate Beckinsale) and plans to wed. Dogberry (Michael Keaton) is the lead night watch constable. Don Pedro tries to entice Benedick and Beatrice together, and Don John tries to disrupt the wedding. In the end, it's much ado about nothing.

Kenneth Branagh has created a fun frolic in Shakespeare. Branagh and Thompson have combative fun. Leonard and Beckinsale are fine as puppy love especially Beckinsale. Washington is solid. The only sour note is played by Keanu Reeves. He is simply not capable of playing the antagonist. Luckily, he's not in the movie that much. The stuffy Shakespeare is given new life in this movie.

I am quite confused about the reviews

[Theoriginaltruebrit · 10/10 · 10 September 2001]

Personally I loved the movie, from the opening credits to the last brilliant tracking shot. What I do not understand is the dissing of Keanu Reeves' performance. I can just imagine Ken sitting around his kitchen table with his casting director saying "okay we have this brilliant ensemble cast, the movie is going to be great, what can we do to completely screw it up? I know let's cast Keanu Reeves as Don John and completely snarl up the whole thing" Personally I think Keanu made a great villain, and I trust Ken's ability in casting to choose the perfect actor for the part. I do not think that in reality that Ken would cast someone so hopelessly inept as others have posted in a part that is so essential to the plot. (and don't give me the star power excuse cause they already had Denzel Washington)..., I have always said that Shakespere done right is brilliant.. (done poorly it is pathetic) and this is Shakespere done right in the purest sense of the term. To listen to Ken and Em deliver Shakespere's lines is to listen to them as they would have been spoken and acted when they were written. It is a revelation and pure joy.

The Peas and Seas of Much Ado About Nothing

[rimnod · 7/10 · 3 October 2006]

THE PEAS

Words given by William Shakespeare

Another masterful adaptation of Shakespeare to film given by Kenneth Branagh

The beautiful light of sunny Tuscany - Watching this film's location shots can summon up images of summer even on a dark and dreary winter's day

Branagh's use of mainline American actors such as Denzel Washington as Don Pedro, Keanu Reeves as Don John and Michael Keaton as Dogberry provides an interesting contrast with accomplished Shakespearian actors such as Briers (Lenato) and Blessed (Antonio). A great deal of pleasant suspense is added to the equation as the viewer eagerly hangs on every word - in every scene - anticipating flubs as the Hollywood acolytes attempt Shakespeare. At the same time we have the sturdy declamations made by the British pro's who are accustomed to projecting the Bard through on up and to the last row with a ceaseless and stagy confidence

Watch carefully as Washington (Don Pedro) engages Beatrice (Emma Thompson) in talk of getting a husband:

------------Beatrice: Good Lord for alliance! Thus goes everyone to the world but I, and I am sunburnt; I may sit in a corner and cry 'heigh-ho!' for a husband.

Don Pedro: Lady Beatrice, I will get you one.

Beatrice: I would rather have one of your father's getting. Hath your grace not a brother like you? Your father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them.

Don Pedro: Will you have me, lady?

Beatrice: No, my lord, unless I might have another for working-days. Your Grace is too costly to wear everyday. But I beseech your Grace to pardon me; for I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.

Don Pedro: Your silence most offends me, and to be merry best becomes you; for, out of question, you were born in a merry hour.

Beatrice: No, sure, my lord, my mother cried; but then there was a star danced, and under that was I born... (Beatrice exits)

Don Pedro: By my troth, a pleasant-spirited lady. --------------

Robert Sean Leonard and Kate Beckinsdale make a pretty pair as the young lovers, Claudio and Hero. Kate Beckinsdale comes across as being particularly well scrubbed

Branagh and his then wife Thompson were more than up to playing the roles of Benedick and Beatrice, the once assiduous enemies brought to the altar by a curious subterfuge of emotion foisted on them by their friends

Branagh (Benedick) slamming Leonard (Claudio) up against the wall to deliver a threat of mortal retribution for the wrongs done to Hero.

Emma Thompson's voice heard as her words flash over the still blacked out screen at the beginning of the movie and the song at the end are both memorable and provide this movie-play with an effective entrance and exit

THE SEAS

One shot--and it's a short one--shown at the beginning of the film of Don Pedro's men offering a cheer as they exult in their full galloped charge towards Messina. The whole company of soldiers is flashed on a wide front on the whole screen in much the same manner as the opening to Bonanza. I kept looking for Hoss and Little Joe to show themselves amongst the merry company

A shirtless Keanu Reeves (Don John) gets what must qualify as the oiliest massage in the history of film from one of his henchman -- Branagh trying to offer up a little beefcake to any of Reeves' fans who might have accidentally stumbled into the theater.

Leonardo and Beckinsdale (Claudio and Hero) cavort like young foals around Beatrice and Benedick's contrempts too quickly after Hero's revealed resurrection.

It's interesting to consider that Branagh and Thompson were a bit more than halfway through their short marriage at the time that they played Benedick and Beatrice. They both excel in their roles --however, Branagh seems to outdo Thompson in the shift of emotion that takes place that turns these sworn, twin haters of marriage into lovebirds. Thompson seems to lose just a little in this transition. Watch for a bit of a hitch in the scene where she bids Benedick to go and kill Claudio. Benedick resists at first but then agrees as a concession to his new love for Beatrice. Thompson trudges away from Branagh just an instant of a second too soon in this exchange --and doesn't seem able to return any of the decisive governance of passion that Branagh exhibits. Makes you wonder what may have been going on (or going off) off-camera.

.

Truly Wonderful! A great movie!

[Skeletors_Hood · 10/10 · 9 November 2001]

Brilliant! Kenneth Branagh's version of the timeless William Shakespeare classic is a great rendition of the film, making it accessible to everyone, even those who do not like Shakespeare.

Let me first say that I am a great fan of Shakespeare's works. In college I was an English literature major, with a minor in theater, and so Shakespeare is found in both. Theater people state that Shakespeare was never literature at all, which in the purpose of the plays is true, however because of the prose that he wrote in is a poetic form, he is literature as well. Whatever you do, never get in between two people arguing this point, your head might blow up!

Reading the comments on this page, the basic attack on this movie is that Branagh cuts lines and shaved parts. Yes, of course he did. Nothing is sacred, not even the works of Shakespeare, people. I myself was in a Shakespeare play, and over half the script was cut from it. With a Shakespeare play, the question is what to cut. If this play had been presented in it's entirety, it would have been close to five hours long. And today's movie audience just does not have that kind of patience. "Titanic" was stretching it a little, in terms of time. Shakespeare's original audience would have had no problem, because they made a day of it.

So when Branagh did this play, he had to shave off a great deal of the script, and he had to decide what to focus on. He had to focus on the main characters, being Beatrice and Benedict and their romance, and of course the drama concerning Hero and Claudio, but also keep other characters incorporated as well. For those attacking the "whittling down" of the script, why didn't anyone bring up the point that Benedict is supposed to have shaved his beard while in attempt to woo Beatrice. Why? Because it really isn't a major plot point that is needed at all. So Branagh made great choices in his direction of the film, and in the end he made sure that everything tied together logically, and that there were no loose ends.

The performances by the actors were great as well. There was nothing wrong with casting Denzel Washington as the prince, though people seem to have a beef with it. He pulled it off very well. And Keanu Reeves did a great job as well. It was a treat to see him as a villain. I happen to be a fan of Reeves, and I do see him as great casting, though why people also have a problem with him I'll never know. Branagh was going for acting ability, not just names. Reeves has the goods, and he can speak Shakespeare very well, it's his character that's supposed to be moody. And Keaton was a wonderful choice for the Constable, making me laugh whenever he was on the screen. And the other actors all did very well in their roles.

If you're a lover of Shakespeare or not, this film is a great treat, and it appeals to all audiences who love the classic masterpiece.

Two Thumbs Up.

[Rex_Stephens · 7/10 · 14 June 2004]

Thank goodness for the cheerier, comedic Shakespeare play, for compared to the miserable tragedies that everyone knows, a talented actor, such as Branagh, can take a movie such as 'Much Ado About Nothing' and turn it into a triumph on screen. 'Much Ado' has a bright cheery feel that is never too much and the actors deliver on that. With the length of a movie its only major hindrance, Branagh has stood out with a good adaptation for the silver screen.

Don Pedro returns victorious with his crew to Messina. Love is in the air for some of his men and the town's ladies.

'Much Ado' has some of the most exceptional chemistry ever seen in movies. Wit is swung so dangerously, yet fluently that you would wonder how any non-Shakespearean fan would keep up. You have to give credit where it's due in seeing the blend of North American and British talent mesh with the play. It's a fantastic, bright story and, with the exception of a questionable soundtrack and length, is an overall good show.

Kenneth Branagh, I salute you!

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 6 March 2009]

Apart from Roman Polanski's quite disturbing Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing is possibly the best film adaptation of a Shakespeare play I have ever seen. Director Kenneth Branagh managed to make an appealing film, without straying too far from the play. In fact, I think this is his best film as a director.

The film itself looked beautiful, from start to finish. From the stunning beginning shots to the beautifully staged end scene, it was a joy. Also the music by Patrick Doyle was outstanding. The song's lyrics, performed by the composer, were actually written by Shakespeare, and the music perfectly matched the action.

The casting was ingenious. The scene stealers were Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson(who looked beautiful in this movie)in their characters' love/hate relationship, that was so well-realised. Kate Beckinsale was the picture of innocence, youth and beauty, which reminded me strongly of Mia Sara in Legend. As for Keanu Reeves, I don't care for him particularly, but as you're supposed to hate his character, I actually didn't mind him here. Sterling support also from Richard Briers, Brian Blessed, Denzel Washington (blimey, he looked young) and Michael Keaten.

The script was intelligent and funny. As a matter of fact, the script was the best element of the movie. It was also flawlessly expressed by the highly-accomplished ensemble of actors. In conclusion, a wonderful film, that is a must-see if you like Shakespeare. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Never Tell An English Actor He's In A Comedy

[tonstant viewer · 6/10 · 1 July 2007]

I liked this picture a lot when I saw it in first release. Coming back to it now, it has rotted in the can.

I've just spent a few months watching the entire 37-play BBC Shakespeare cycle on DVD, and have seen a great many different ways of acting this kind of material. Congratulations here go to Emma Thompson, who is wonderfully true and real all the way through this film. Richard Briers and Denzel Washington also do fine jobs.

It goes downhill from there. The negative reviews of Keanu Reeves are earned: he struggles with the language, and never once sounds like the words he speaks convey anything from inside. They're laminated to his lips and emerge with difficulty. And Robert Sean Leonard is too darn wet for Claudio. It's impossible to believe that he has ever drawn a sword, let alone been in battle.

Worst of all, Kenneth Branagh is cluttered, calculating and unspontaneous, and is an atrocious director of comedy. It's like he directs the first half of the play from an instruction book for those who have no humor but would like to learn, and makes sure the characters laugh too heartily at each other to cue the audience that it's all supposed to be funny. There is tiptoe-ing around among hedges, struggling with a balky lawn chair and splashing around in a fountain, and it's all dreary and inept. There is entirely too much exaggeration in the facial and vocal performances overall, and Michael Keaton and Ben Elton are grotesque without ever being entertaining as the clowns.

Only with the catastrophic wedding scene does the film come to life, and from then on misses much of the power of the play. But at least they're not making those awful faces any more.

It's like a bus load of English actors (with a few Americans thrown in) is let loose in a rented Italian villa to play charades. There's little that's honest and nothing organic about this whole project.

Fortunately, the BBC studio version with Robert Lindsay and Cherie Lunghi is far more successful at the lights and shadows of the play, with less star power and no location shooting, but far more justice to Shakespeare's genius. That version is highly recommended, but not this one.

A lesson in overacting

[ferdinand1932 · 1/10 · 29 September 2012]

Having seen this film when it was released and having disliked it at the time, then watched it again recently, disliked it even more.

The worst defect is the overacting. Emma Thompson is perfectly dreadful as she overdoes it in every scene she has; but the rest of the cast also overact, their facial expressions animated like some cartoon. They all mug to camera except Washington but his part is semi-regal. The less said about Michael Keaton's performance the better - it is comically rank. His accent is a bogus Irish stevedore stuck in Tuscany.

The other annoying feature is the glued on grins and smiles as if this is a Carry On film. If only Sid James had appeared to add some class. And finally the music is a sticky overbearing aural goop that lacks nuance. Film music and Shakespeare are not good companions and in this case, to quote, 'The Tempest', "misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows."

The play is one of Shakespeare's very best. It is the very first romantic comedy with ill-matched lovers who find love, but none of that brilliant sparring battle between Benedick and Beatrice is here.

A real summer movie (spoilers)

[alainenglish · 24 May 2004]

"Much Ado About Nothing" is a real summer movie. Director Kenneth Branagh, who also adapted the Shakespeare play, has assembled a talented gallery of British actors (along with a couple of American stars) who really gel together and bring the film to life. The result is a film with plenty of wit, chemistry and gusto.

Opening in the sun-drenched fields of Messina (in reality, Tuscany, where the picture was filmed), a quiet prologue gives way to a stirring credits sequence as the Prince Don Pedro (Denzel Washington) and his men return from war, and Messina's Governor Leonato (Richard Briers) and his family prepare to greet them. This is the setting for a series of comical romantic shenanigans.

The brave but naive soldier Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) immediately falls for Leonato's virtuous young daughter Hero (Kate Beckinsdale), and it takes a little matchmaking by the Prince in order to get them together. Elsewhere the Prince observes that the witty banter between his friend Benedick (Kenneth Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson) conceal a much deeper attraction, and he conspires with his friends to trick the pair into falling in love with each other.

Skulking his way through all of this is Don John (Keanu Reeves), Don Pedro's illegitimate brother, whose bitter envy of Claudio leads him to sabotage the courtship between him and Hero...

The original text of "Much Ado" contains a lot of poetic references to baldricks, toothaches and sheepskins. Branagh, in adapting the play, has thankfully clipped most of this out, though many of the play's better lines are still included. Only people who hate Shakespeare with a passion will fail to be enthralled by what is going on.

The talented cast excel in their various roles. Branagh and Emma Thompson), still married when this film was made, have a spiky chemistry together as Beatrice and Benedick. Denzel Washington lends a quiet nobility and dignity to Don Pedro, while Richard Briers turns in his usual fine performance as the feisty but savvy Leonato.

Kate Beckinsdale radiates innocence as the gentle Hero, although Robert Sean Leonard has a harder job as Claudio. He's fine being witty or enthusiastic, but is very awkward and forced when trying to portray anger or sorrow. Keanu Reeves, much mocked at the time for his lacklustre performance in "Bram Stoker's Dracula", is surprisingly effective as the scheming Don John, and is a really hissable villain.

The only actor who disappoints is Michael Keaton as Constable Dogberry, the policeman who instructs and supervises Leonato's night-time watch. Keaton unfortunately goes far too over-the-top and plays the constable as a demented drunkard. A more laid-back performance could have better accentuated the humour in the role.

The whole film is framed within Patrick Doyle's rousing music score, which gives the film a lot of its spirit and atmosphere.

All in all, a lighthearted and witty picture, and a fine example of a really good summer movie.

Stunning and witty--Shakespeare at his best

[kimmb · 10/10 · 13 August 1999]

Kenneth Branagh has done so much for Shakespeare...I've almost become a complete zealot of his work. This screen adaptation of one of Shakespeare's lesser-known comedies is absolutely divine. The lovers Claudio and Hero are completely and wonderfully upstaged by Benedick and Beatrice, the most perfectly mismatched pair in the history of love, exactly as they were meant to be. The chemistry between Ken and Emma is so believable (after all, this was filmed before their marriage ended), the lines are so cunningly delivered, and the plot is so beautifully twisted and resolved that this movie is at the very top of my list of favorites. The setting is absolutely gorgeous--Italy in all its Summer glory. You can fairly taste the sunshine. Each part is completely delightful (Michael Keaton is perfect in one of the most bizarrely comedic roles I've ever seen, and as far as Keanu Reeves' performance, all I can say is that the part was written to be played in that manner. Don John was a bad guy of necessity--every comedy must have a foil). I found the entire production to be beautifully done and quite up to the professional standards that I've come to expect under Branagh's excellent direction. The wit sparkles and cracks between Beatrice and Benedick; a direct counter to the more traditional and borderline sappy form of Elizabethan love exhibited between Hero and Claudio. *This* is how the wise woo, and no, it is never peaceably! A smart, funny and visually stunning gem of a film to add to Branagh's already distinguished repertoire. I'm waiting for his MacBeth.

A surprisingly fun film with numerous great performances

[maxhojones · 7/10 · 13 March 2017]

I first watched this film in an English lesson, when learning about the play/book it was based upon. I was immediately surprised to see such a famous cast including such big names and Kenneth Branagh, Denzel Washington, Keanu Reaves and Kate Beckinsale, along with other successful actors in smaller roles like Brian Blessed and Michael Keaton. In addition to this, this fantastic cast was not at all wasted, in that they performed their lines brilliantly and really helped you to enjoy each unique character. The writing and cinematography was also very impressive, though if i had one particular critique it would be how they often just straight-out repeated lines from the play, even going as far as to mimic entire scenes, word-for-word. This wouldn't be too much of a problem, and instead help develop the environment, had the lines been less excessive, and not sometimes just feel out of place, like they were saying them simply for the sake of it. However, in general the film was still very enjoyable and a fun watch if you are looking for an interesting film with plenty of comedy interesting, well performed characters.

A beautiful film to enjoy

[angel_de_tourvel · 9/10 · 1 July 2004]

I saw this one or two years ago, and I loved it utterly. Not only has it a great cast including shakesperian actors Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson, it also has a lovely, warm feel to it; set in the sunny countryside of Italy; perfect to watch on a summer's evening. Although I am a dedicated admirer of Laurence Olivier, the legend who's reputation Brannagh is often set up against; I must admit that nobody would ever suit the role of Benedick as Brannagh does He was perfect; fun, natural and wittily amusing to watch. As for Emma Thompson; she gave a fantastically fiery performance as Beatrice of the untamed tongue; watching she and Brannagh go for each other in their satirical arguments was fantastic.

Then there was Kate Beckindsale; one who I really would not have expected in a film such as this, but she did an exemplary and satisfying job as the fair Hero; although put completely in the shade by Emma Thompson. Keanu Reeves, the film star who I reckon NOBODY would have expected in a film such as this was surprisingly very good as the schemingly dark Don Jon, he suited the hiss-hiss villain's role deliciously. One who I thought could have been cast better was Robert Sean Leonard, as Claudio; who, although fine in scenes of wit and amusement; became forced in scenes of anger and sadness. Despite this, I thought he too suited the part well. I highly recommend this film to all who enjoy shakespeare, great English actors, or just good fun.

Much Ado About Nothing

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 15 March 2007]

I have seen the shortened version of Hamlet, and this second film from the actor/director is a really good comedy drama with plenty to please, e.g. great dialogue, many famous faces and some good giggles. Kenneth Branagh directs, produces, writes (screenplay) and stars in this great film from the play by William Shakespeare. Basically young lovers Hero (Click's Kate Beckinsale) and Claudio (Dead Poets Society's Robert Sean Leonard) are marrying in a week, and to pass the time, most of the people at the grand place are deceiving bachelors Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson) that they love each other. Meanwhile, evil Don John (Keanu Reeves) plans to break up the wedding by accusing Hero of infidelity. In the end, Benedick and Beatrice find out there was never discussions of love, it was "much ado about nothing". Also starring Richard Briers as Signor Leonato, Michael Keaton as Dogberry, Denzel Washington as Don Pedro of Aragon, Brian Blessed as Antonio, Imelda Staunton as Margaret and Ben Elton as Verges. The highlights for me are Branagh listening on a conversation, trying to sit on a pop-up chair and making bird sounds when almost caught gasping. Very good!

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

[o_levina · 10/10 · 19 November 2001]

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.

Much Amiss: I am disappointed by a lackluster Much Ado About Nothing

[eparis2 · 6/10 · 15 August 2022]

What should have been a definitive Much Ado is just another example of Shakespeare goes to Hollywood.

Branagh and Thompson had the skills and experience to bring Benedick and Beatrice to life as never before on screen, but incredibly, Branagh so reduced their parts that they no longer seem to be the stars. He filled up time that might have been better occupied with great acting and greater lines with odd conceits such as Beatrice's sunburning and a cinematic reference to The Magnificent Seven.

Other strange visual images include some of the most unappetizing nudity in a Shakespeare film since Polanski's Macbeth.

Branagh did, however, do a much better (and more lighthearted) job of the deception of Benedick than the BBC managed.

Kate Beckinsale and Robert Sean Leonard are physically appealing and dramatically effective. The production almost seems to belong to them.

Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington are adequate to their parts, but Michael Keaton, who plays Dogberry as a sadistic torturer, is unforgivably bad.

Mild and merry! A really great movie.

[revival05 · 9/10 · 19 April 2000]

Much Ado About Nothing

From the beginning to the end, I was comfortable with this movie. The script mixed with the directing and the terrific acting created a glad feeling over this movie. The clips when sir.Benedict and Beatrice are extremely happy to the fake-news arranged by the prince, to the tunes of the main theme you smile, just because it is such a merry film. The language is highly enjoyable, of course. The love-enemies between Benedict and Beatrice are fabulous. Keanu Reeves is good, for once. Denzel Washington really is enjoying being in a Shakespeare-movie, and Branagh is very, very entertaining. I love this movie.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Branagh's Best Shakespeare?

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 15 April 2015]

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

Kenneth Branagh has made a name for himself adapting Shakespeare (and other works of classic literature), but this may be his best. Unlike "Hamlet" or "Henry V", we finally get a nice comedy where the cast does not take themselves any more seriously than they need to. And we have an impressive cast: Denzel Washington (always a smart move), Keanu Reeves (a bold and unusual casting choice), Michael Keaton (coming off his Batman years).

While "Much Ado About Nothing" is not one of those stories people know as well as the bigger plays, maybe they should... Shakespeare's comedies are far more entertaining than his tragedies and histories. See, for example, "10 Things I Hate About You".

Good movie, ruined by certain moments

[oliver-356 · 5/10 · 23 December 2007]

Overall a good version of the Shakespearian romantic comedy, but it lets itself down in places. The Dogberry scenes were awful, Keaton is probably the worst type of actor for that role-he was just plain stupid. The character's word confusions, and all of Shakespeare's intended humour was lost. Also Robert Sean Leonard's portrayal of Claudio was relatively poor, some of the tragedy scenes were unintentionally funny! However The duo of Benedick and Beatrice held the piece together, aided, surprisingly, by Reeves as Don John. The movie is a good introduction to the play, however there are better versions out there.

Awesome Shakespeare!

[Burgundy · 18 March 1999]

I love this movie! Great story, wonderful cast, good photography. Kenneth Branaugh is the funniest as a witty, likable guy. His facial expressions and vocal streachs are the best! I think he is one of the best Shakespearian actors of today. Emma Thompson is great. Denzel Washington very cool, I felt so sorry for him when Beatrice refused him, though he is a little too good for her. I love his character though, how he likes to fix everybody up and make them happy. Robert Sean Lenord was a little sappy, but it was pretty fitting for who he was. He needs more roles like this and Dead Poets Society. Micheal Keaton and his little side-kick (poor guy!) stole the show! Hilarious! Hero didn't do anything for me though. She was pretty, but didn't have much to say, it seemed like she was watching the others most of the time. The best part of this movie is when Benidick and Beatrice hear about the other's love and realise they love each other. The photography is best when Beatrice is swinging and Benedick is splashing in the fountain! I'm hooked on Shakespheare now, I'm planning to watch the version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" coming out with Michelle Pfeiffer, not to mention any Shakespeare movies I see with Kenneth Branaugh in them!