The Taming of the Shrew

Rating:
Summary: The Bawdy Bard !
Review: "The Taming of the Shrew" is a delightful romp, and very entertaining, even for people who do not normally go out of their way to watch Shakespeare. I can imagine serious scholars rolling their eyes at the liberties taken here, and the "star turns" by those two icons of 60s Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

However, for most of us who basically just want to be entertained--and I suspect with this play, that was the bard's intent--this version is good fun, robustly acted, and with lovely sets and costumes, a feast for the eye. One suspects that Ms. Taylor had a ball, hurling insults and various pieces of furniture at her real-life, on-again off-again, spouse. It looks like Mr. Burton had a good time too, although one frequently has the impression that this was a "well-oiled" performance !

The supporting cast is fine, with a pleasant film debut for Michael York. As usual, Zeffirelli gives a film that is gorgeous to look at--and I'm not just referring to Ms. Taylor !
The DVD has a certain haziness to it, but this may be the way that Zeffirelli intended it to look.

"The Taming of the Shrew" today, of course, is about as "politically incorrect" as a piece of literature could be. While women will find this film amusing, the idea that the female spirit should be "reigned in" like that of a wild horse, will cause some discomfort to feminist viewers, I'm sure.

Nevertheless, this film is highly entertaining, and might give younger viewers an idea as to what all the Taylor/Burton fuss was about. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: The Bawdy Bard !
Review: "The Taming of the Shrew" is a delightful romp, and very entertaining, even for people who do not normally go out of their way to watch Shakespeare. I can imagine serious scholars rolling their eyes at the liberties taken here, and the "star turns" by those two icons of 60s Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

However, for most of us who basically just want to be entertained--and I suspect with this play, that was the bard's intent--this version is good fun, robustly acted, and with lovely sets and costumes, a feast for the eye. One suspects that Ms. Taylor had a ball, hurling insults and various pieces of furniture at her real-life, on-again off-again, spouse. It looks like Mr. Burton had a good time too, although one frequently has the impression that this was a "well-lubricated" performance !

The supporting cast is fine, with a pleasant film debut for Michael York. As usual, Zeffirelli gives us a film that is gorgeous to look at--and I'm not just referring to Ms. Taylor !
The DVD has a certain haziness to it, but this may be the way that Zeffirelli intended the film to look.

"The Taming of the Shrew" today, of course, is about as "politically incorrect" as a piece of literature can be. While women will find this film amusing, the idea that the female spirit should be "reined in" like that of a wild horse, will cause some discomfort to feminist viewers, I'm sure.

Nevertheless, this film is highly entertaining, and might give younger viewers an idea as to what all the Taylor/Burton fuss was about. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: More Fun Than A Barrel Full Of Burtons
Review: A rollicking feast for the eye, ear, and funny bone, Franco Zeffirelli's "The Taming of The Shrew" is a tour de force for Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. This pared down version of William Shakespeare's play is a fit morsel for anyone suffering from a fear of the Bard. It's fast pace keeps things going and with a cast of well-known British stars the whole thing is served up to delectable visual perfection.
Richard Burton blends his fabled abilities as a Shakespearian genius with his star power to give us a ribald and loveable Petruchio. This is one of his crowning moments on the screen and we are lucky to have this record of Mr. Burton at his very best.
Elizabeth Taylor is a comic revelation in this, one of her jewels in her acting crown. At the time the film came out, many scoffed at the idea of a mere movie star taking on the challenges of Shakespeare. Miss Taylor rises to the challenge and shines as a stunning, sexy and very funny Kate, in fact she more than rises to the occasion, she shows her command of the medium of film and her understanding of comic timing. The wedding scene is a pure Zeffirelli invention. If you didn't know better you would swear that it was part of the play, it is so well done in faux Shakespeare. Elizabeth shines in this scene. In the final fifteen minutes when she delivers the famous "Lord and Master" speech she is triumphant as she submits to her man. At the same time we know that she is the one who holds all the cards and in the off stage end will rule the roost from now on, all the while letting poor Petruchio think he is king.
The chemistry of Burton and Taylor is pure dynamite that explodes in riotous color across Zeffirelli's Renaissance canvas. Highly recommended viewing, especially if you are new to Shakespeare. It's more fun than a barrel full of Burtons!

Rating:
Summary: "Kiss Me, Kate!"
Review: As in all Shakespeare stories, I feel it is important that viewers are familiar with the 'world' that he lived in. Otherwise, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is nothing short of the most sexist film of all time. The happy ending involves Katherine finally giving in and becoming a passive wife to her overbearing husband. Today, that would be "Jerry Springer" fodder. But, since we are intelligent viewers and understand the vein the story was written, this film is glorious. As a compassionate viewer, I was often distracted by the chauvenism (thus, only 4 stars). The startlingly beautiful Elizabeth Taylor portrays Katherine, the woman who needs an attitude adjustment. The late Richard Burton portrays the manipulative Petruchio, just the man to give "Kate' her make-over. 'Dick & Liz' give top notch performances, very nuanced and filled with fun. Director Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet) does a fantastic job bringing Padua to life and brings a true understanding of the language to the screen. Filled with lavish scenes (including some not written by Shakespeare but rather for this movie), the film delivers an impressive sense of worth. With the possible exception of Kenneth Branaghs MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, this is the most fun you can have watching Shakespeare on screen, even if its on the television. The widescreen DVD is nicely transferred and offers brief talent bios and a few Shakespeare trailers.

Rating:
Summary: A dazzling presentation; a knock-out in every way.
Review: Burton and Taylor prove how wonderful Shakespeare can be in this totally magnificent film. While it is visually dazzling, magnificently costumed and set, it is in the language and its fantastic delivery that the strongest moments of this film reside. Some could say that Shakespeare is dated; but noone could say that in this awesome production. And Elizabeth Taylor's last major speech? Hang onto you hats---it is perfection

Rating:
Summary: A perfect romp
Review: Could there be more perfect casting than Taylor & Burton? They're so ideal for these parts that it's virtually typecasting. But whether you're a fan of that famous duo or not this movie's simply great fun. This is such an easy film to enjoy that we find it's a good introduction for those not familiar with Shakespeare. Buy it and ENJOY!

Rating:
Summary: Great Fun, Great Autor, Great Actors
Review: Elizabeth Taylor with then husband Richard Burton, both in top acting form, put up the money to produce this fun & well acted adapted version of a Shakespearean comedy. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, who did one of the best versions of Romeo & Juliet, adds his magic touch. The Time period looks correct with many well done setting with the matching fashions. The film starts out rather slow with Michael York as the young scholar, but once Richard Burton comes in as Petruchio, you will be continually laughing. Elizabeth Taylor does well through out matching Richard Burton's skill. For those that don't like Shakespeare, this will be a fine place to start. Only during the last dinner scene did I have to rewind to understand the old English.

Rating:
Summary: Shakespeare + Zeffirelli = Beyond Possible Expectations
Review: For those of you who read my review on the play "The Taming of the Shrew," you know that I gave it 4 stars. This movie in no way falls short of the book. If anything, I would say that the movie gets an extra half star because it is here that Shakespeare's Literature meets Zeffirelli's phenomenal images. I think to appreciate this movie as much as possible, we should keep some things Isaac Asimov said in mind: (1. Kate is not simply a shrew. Shakespeare infers that Kate's character is the result of years of social rejection while her sister Bianca had anything she wished. Kate is so scarred that even love appears to be mockery to her. 2. Petruchio DOES NOT delight in his seemingly harsh actions. He feels sympathy for Kate and realizes that it may be the only way to help her. 3. Bianca is NOT a sweet helpless creature. If anything, she is somewhat of a spoiled brat. She is adored by several men; she has managed to monopolize her father's love; she has learned how to manipulate her father; and she delights in her sister's misery.) The movie itself is VERY WELL done. Burton and Taylor have a deep knowledge of the characters they are portraying. Just as Shakespeare's Lucentio is a love struck man who can't see the whole picture about Bianca, this is shown in the movie. One thing I must commend Zeffirelli on is how he is able to portray actions that Shakespeare mentions but does not have acted in the play. (Kate and Petruchio's wedding and Kate's fall into the mud are only mentioned in Shakespeare's play.) In their limited roles, Pedant and Vincentio are hilarious. (Pedant impersonates Vincentio and keeps Vincentio out of his son's house.) Overall, both the major and the secondary characters did an outstanding job. Zeffirelli not only gave us the story, but he added his phenomenal images to it. I once read that "Zeffirelli is often criticized for using phenomenal scenery that detracts from the play." It is a challange for me to be civil here but I will. 1.Zeffirelli (who also did "Jesus of Nazareth" is one of the most phenomenal directors I have seen. 2. Several recent productions of Shakespeare's plays have used scenery that is not only out of place and garrish, but almost makes a joke out of the outstanding works of Shakespeare. 3. What is wrong with the meeting of 2 wonderful minds?! With his fascinating images and phenomenal directing skills, Zeffirelli brings Shakespeare's writing to a whole new level of excellence! 4. The people who condemn Zefferelli's work will probably never be satisfied, so their complaints are not worth listening to. Get this video and enjoy the combined talents of William Shakespeare, Franco Zeffirelli, Richard Burton, and Elizabeth Taylor!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent! A real joy.
Review: From the begining of this movie, when you spot Elizabeth Taylor having the temper tantrum of a lifetime, you *know* this is going to be a good time.

I adored this movie!

Kate and Bianca are sisters. Their father has decreed that the younger sister, even tempered Bianca, may not marry until her elder sister walks down the aisle. Unfortunately, Kate (Liz Taylor) has the disposition of a rattlesnake and is given to fits of anger. Thus far, it has put off any suitors, and Bianca frets that she'll never be allowed to marry. Then Pertruchio (Richard Burton) comes into the picture - a rather mad gentleman who is looking for a woman with a large dowry - and he pursues Kate, much to Kate's chagrin. Eventually, he tricks her into marriage. The honeymoon angst beings soon thereafter.

Great acting, great sets, and beautiful costuming, The Taming Of The Shrew is a great time. I am very glad I bought this one. I'll be watching it over and over again, I can guarantee.

Happy viewing.



Rating:
Summary: "...what fools these mortals be..."
Review: Great rendition of the bards greatest comedy despite its politically incorrect theme.Burton and Taylor recreate their on again off again romance and the sreen just sizzles with their chemistry.Wonderful costumes and scenery.Unfortunately Zeferelli never quite repeated the success of this film.I recommend it as an intro to Shakespeare for high school students everywhere.