Rating: 
Summary: In a word, brilliant
Review: Because it happened to be released in the same year as Steven Spielberg's World War II behemoth SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE--which, against all odds, bested the war film for the 1998 Best Picture Oscar--has been discarded by critics and audiences as unworthy of its award. 1980's ORDINARY PEOPLE experienced a similar fate when it beat RAGING BULL, but does this make ORDINARY PEOPLE any less of a fine film? No.And if anything, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE's virtues are even more immediately apparent. This is, from beginning to end, a masterpiece of romantic comedy that takes an ingenious concept and transforms it into a hilarious parody, a passionate love story, and ultimately a testament to the power of the written word. The screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, brimming with wit and intricate Shakespearean allusions and in-jokes, is a marvel; because the crackling dialogue flies so fast, the film rewards multiple viewings by revealing more and more of itself each time. The acting is superb. Joseph Fiennes, as young Will Shakespeare gives easily the most underrated performance of the year. Gwyneth Paltrow, juggling multiple roles with subtle aplomb, more than deserved her Oscar (though Cate Blanchett was equally brilliant in the title role of ELIZABETH). The standout among a strong supporting cast is Dame Judi Dench, whose short but delicious turn as the mesmerizing Queen Elizabeth provides the film with some of its juiciest moments. I've been reading some of the reviews on this board, and to be honest it's quite sad. It's sad when reviewers can't recognize a genuine work of cinematic art. It's sad when reviewers can't appreciate one of the smartest and most beautifully crafted entertainments of the year. It's sad when a bunch of bitter SAVING PRIVATE RYAN fans who haven't even seen SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE decide to come and bash this mere "comedy," thinking that just because it doesn't have guns and explosions and dead bodies it's not an "Oscar film." Take a good look at SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, in all its smashingly majestic glory, and observe the disarming grace and elegance with which it shatters that idiotic presumption.
Rating:
Summary: Most definitely a work of fiction, but still enjoyable
Review: Okay, we all know that Will Shakespeare probably didn't have an affair with a noblewoman named Viola, but so what? This movie portrays the "greatest love story almost never told" in a wonderfully enjoyable format. The costumes are magnificent, the acting is superb, and not to mention the actual performance of "Romeo and Juliet" is top-rate. My performing arts group actually used it as an example for how to perform Shakespeare. A must-see, especially if you like the Bard and if you can accept that the whole story isn't true.
Rating: 
Summary: Cliffs Notes-level entertainment
Review: Despite the costumes and accents, the humor here is at the level of a Steve Guttenberg film. The only worthwhile part is the actual performance of Romeo and Juliet -- and as we know, that was not by the film's screenwriters. Two examples of why this film is lousy. First, the idea that Gwyneth Paltrow's character's disguise as a man could convince anyone not legally blind is absurd --since this is crucial to the plot, it's a major problem. (By the way, that's not a plot giveaway, since the viewer always knows that it's Gwyneth behind the mustasche). Second, the joke of making the original title of Romeo and Juliet "Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter" -- well, if you find that to be clever, I guess you'll find the rest of the movie clever as well. If you're really interested in Shakespeare, see the recent versions of OTHELLO and RICHARD III -- or better yet, Al Pacino's LOOKING FOR RICHARD. If you you're looking for chick flick masquerading as high comedy, and enjoy patting yourself on the back for being "sophisticated," this is the movie for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh, How I do love thee
Review: This a wonderful movie about the life of Shakespeare. The writers of the movie found very a inventive way to incorporate Viola (Ms. Paltrow) into the movie. True Shakespeare lovers will remember the character, Viola from the play 12th Night. I bought the Collector's Edition and love it. The extra "goodies" that come with the CE are well worth the money. Also, check out chapter 16 and 17, the background colors and costumes are visually stunning. Beware of the love scenes and the noise that accompanies them. (Chapter 7 and 18). Overall, this is one to definitely add to your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Not correct, but very enjoyable.
Review: I wasn't looking for a true to life story although I am quite familiar with his life and works. What they give you is a great "play" with a captivating plot to match one of Shakespeare's own. Every bit as tragic, well acted, witty, and inciteful. More of a tribute than a documentary. And it was done with great effort and marvelous result. Setting, cast and each event come together into a well-crafted piece of art. Warning: A healthy knowlege of Shakespeare and "Romeo and Juliet" may be what makes this movie so appealing. So if you haven't got that- a four star rating might be more acurate.
Rating:
Summary: One of the singular works of western art. Timeless
Review: Shakespeare in Love is quite simply an immense masterpiece at every level. It is easily the greatest film I have ever seen, and quite likely the greatest film ever made. I left the theatre in a state of amazement and utter rapture. I wanted to paint, to write, to love, to cry, to scream out loud, to hug everyone I saw. What a tremendous effect this movie has had on me! Shakespeare In Love is to cinema what Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is to music and Michaelangelo's "Creation" is to painting.
Rating:
Summary: Just absolutely ronchy!
Review: I must say this story line could have been quite good. The acting was wonderful, but what absolutely ruined the movie was the number of sex scenes. It seemed as though that was the whole movie. They seemed to appear every five minutes. My friend and I had to turn the movie off. It's too bad for movies like this one that could have great potential and then to be ruined like this.
Rating:
Summary: 3.5 Stars, actually..
Review: 'Interesting' is the main word that comes to my mind when thinking about SIL. It's emotional at times, funny at times and gripping now and then, but most of the enjoyment is academic. Spot the lines from the other plays and sonnets, watch the plots of Romeo & Juliet and the movie itself unfold together.. these parts of it drew me into the movie more than the standard chick-flick acting and unconvincing sexual chemistry between the leads. There's a true Oscar-worthy movie somewhere in between all the kissing and groping, but it's not developed enough. Some parts had me really feeling for the characters, and others just had me rolling my eyes and laughing (not when it was intended). The performances overall are very well-done (especially the smaller parts by Judi Dench and Ben Affleck - very underappreciated), and with a little more effort the script could have been just as perfect. Still, it's a movie to be greatly appreciated as well as enjoyed - no small accomplishment in today's movie industry.
Rating:
Summary: Classic, Beautiful Love Story
Review: This Shakespearean tale is a love story for those of us who are tired of slapstick, prefabricated, formulaic, mass-media-targeted 'flicks.' Here is a film which includes culture, education, intellect, and skillful acting/directing. There were a few moments of lull, but generally moves along quite well. Interesting and soul-stirring, this is not your average love story; beautiful and sentimental. See it with the one you love.
Rating:
Summary: If You Want a Truly Romantic Movie...This One's For You!
Review: This movie was so well done that I feel to act in it, must have been any easy job. The dialogue (if one understands and catches all of the humor) is full of raw emotion and humor that anyone who has truly been in love will be swept away. Paltrow and Fiennes were phenomenal and were so natural in their roles. If the Oscar's were not so political, Fiennes would definitely have been nominated for best actor and could have possibly won--he made Shakespeare seem more man than myth. Dench's performance was absolutely Oscar worthy, but although Paltrow was excellent, I feel that it was an easy role for her. All in all, this movie is fantastic, a romance movie that men and women alike can enjoy together, one that leaves you with a good feeling.
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