After many adaptations and edits, essays and scholarly articles, the 'definitive' film version of the Merchant of Venice is sometimes delightful, sometimes boring. The fresh interpretation of the debauchery of Venice at the time, and the thoroughly dark, modern twist on one of Shakespeare's comedies certainly hauls the play forward into a twentieth century head space, but some scenes were particularly gruelling to wait out, such as the elongated court room scene in the final quarter of the film. Alongside the excellent performances of Irons and Pacino were, not bad, but flat, unremarkable performances by lesser characters.

Ultimately, the overall directorial images make the film a success, but not such a success as to recommend to strangers on the bus.