From Amazon.com
Kenneth Branagh's 1993 production of Shakespeare's
Much Ado About Nothing is a vigorous and imaginative work, cheerful and accessible for everyone. Largely the story of Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson)--adversaries who come to believe each is trying to woo the other--the film veers from arched wit to ironic romps, and the two leads don't mind looking a little silly at times. But the plot is also layered with darker matters that concern the ease with which men and women fall into mutual distrust. Branagh has rounded up a mixed cast of stage vets and Hollywood stars, among the latter Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, the latter playing a rather seedy, Beetlejuice-like version of Dogberry, king of malapropisms. The DVD release has optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, Dolby sound, optional Spanish and French soundtracks or subtitles.
--Tom Keogh
Review
A slightly streamlined but mostly charming adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, transplanted to a sunny Tuscan villa, featuring an all-star cast. Reinterpreted by writer-director-star Kenneth Branagh, the story is wonderfully updated to include color-blind casting (Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves play brothers) and real-life pairings (Branagh and co-star Emma Thompson were married at the time) that actually work in service of the film instead of drawing attention away from it. Comprised of the director's earmark attention to detail and flights of fancy, the film found a significant audience and paved the way for more screen adaptations of Shakespeare's comedies by other filmmakers. This effort continued Branagh's fascination with the Bard on celluloid, after his extraordinary filmization of Henry V in 1989, and proved that he could switch gears from heavy drama to light comedy with the surest of hands. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
