Shakespeare in Love

1998 · TMDB 6.8

Directed by John Madden

Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.

Joseph Fiennes Gwyneth Paltrow Geoffrey Rush Tom Wilkinson Judi Dench Imelda Staunton Colin Firth Ben Affleck Simon Callow Steven Beard Jim Carter Rupert Everett

Director · John Madden Producer · Harvey Weinstein Producer · Edward Zwick Producer · Donna Gigliotti Producer · David Parfitt Producer · Marc Norman Writer · Tom Stoppard Writer · Marc Norman Cinematography · Richard Greatrex Composer · Stephen Warbeck Editor · David Gamble

Runtime: 124 min
Released: 1998-12-11
Studio: Miramax
Country: United States of America
Language: English
TMDB score: 6.8

Comedy Drama Romance History

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Community reviews

Tim Laws

2026-05-16

Still wonderful nearly 30 years later. A worthy best picture winner (after the incredible 30 mins opener, Saving Private Ryan is total arse). If this was made now, London would be a CGI'd hellscape. So good to see real sets and real locations.