A Shakespearean adaptation boasting a stellar A-list ensemble is currently available on Apple TV+, following other viewers who have relished a period television series featuring legendary performers and a Charles Dickens adaptation, reports the Mirror.
This film debuted in 1993 during the peak period of period and historical adaptations dominating cinema and television, with Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein and Dracula mesmerising audiences.
Numerous viewers have lauded this particular production on IMDb, with one individual sharing a 10/10 review entitled: « Shakespeare at his most exhilarating. »
The reviewer continued: « Comedy or not, this is the best Shakespeare film in years and is a candidate for being the best of all time. »
They also characterised the film as presenting Shakespeare’s work « cleanly and clearly », rendering it a « verbal delight ».
Another highly-rated review declared: « Personally I loved the movie, from the opening credits to the last brilliant tracking shot. »
They concluded: « It is a revelation and pure joy. »
A third 10/10 assessment proclaimed: « Truly Wonderful! A great movie! » The viewer elaborated: « 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. »
A fourth premium review bore the title: « Stunning and witty–Shakespeare at his best. »
The critic observed: « 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. »
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) was penned, helmed and featured the incomparable Sir Kenneth Branagh, who breathed life into Shakespeare’s timeless story of trickery and romance.
The picture chronicled a pair Hero (portrayed by Kate Beckinsale) and Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard), who are preparing to wed, yet Don John (Keanu Reeves) schemed to thwart their union.
Meanwhile, Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson), who appeared to despise one another, discovered themselves becoming smitten after being united.
Alongside Thompson and Branagh, the production also featured Denzel Washington, Richard Briers, Michael Keaton, Imelda Staunton, Brian Blessed, and Ben Elton, amongst others.
This interpretation of Much Ado Nothing has garnered special acclaim for introducing Shakespeare to a broader public than previously achieved.
Another highly-rated critique declared: « Brilliant! And sure to make people interested in Shakespeare once again. »
The reviewer added: « 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. »
One viewer expressed: « 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. »
Another fan hailed it as the « Best Shakespeare film ever » and elaborated: « It is perfect in virtually every way, and I think Branagh displays a marvellous and rare understanding of the textual material.
« This is an immortal classic that I’ve seen a dozen times and that I am certain I will continue to watch on a regular basis for the rest of my life. »
This was just one of several Shakespeare adaptations that Branagh made, including Henry V, Hamlet, Love’s Labour’s Lost and As You Like It.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) is streaming on Apple TV+ for a fee now
