It’s finally here as I promised, the best film adaptions of Shakespeare’s classic plays. After wading through many, many horrific hours of poor translations and cheesy acting, I have narrowed down the list to five. So here they are, in no particular order, the best of Shakespeare:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999): Every movie needs a gimmick. For some it’s brilliant method acting; for others it’s a random child painted like Vishnu. This adaption of the classic comedy features some interesting modernizations like Kevin Kline, period 1800s costumes, and a random bike chase … on foot. But the dialogue is well rendered and stay’s true to Shakespeare’s work. The scenery is beautiful. The characters are endearing. You will laugh until your sides ache.

Hamlet (1996): Nothing rounds out the perfect date night like watching a family self-destruct violently. To you it’s a tragedy, to the residents of Elsinore Castle it’s just another day with the family. Kenneth Branagh’s production of Hamlet is a visual masterpiece that draws the viewer into court life. This film is a must see for over-emotional aristocrats everywhere.

The Merchant of Venice (2004): If you prick me will I not bleed? If you tickle me, will I not laugh? If you make me watch a different version of this film, will I not cry? Al Pacino brings genuine sympathy to his role as Shylock. While Jeremy Irons evokes empathy for Antonio’s plight and scorn for his general wimpiness. The true star is Lynn Collins as Portia, the woman who uses her education and flair for men’s fashion to win back her man and prove why the pixie cut doesn’t look good on anyone. This movie is definitely worth a whole barrel of monkeys.

Romeo and Juliet (1968): For those unfortunate ones of my generation who have not experienced the acting chops of Olivia Hussey, run don’t walk to your nearest movie rental facility. This girl’s portrayal of Juliet is emotional, irrational, and spot on. The costumes won an academy award and the film was nominated for best picture. Small children beware, Romeo’s derriere gets some good screen time.

The Taming of the Shrew (1967): The leading lady of this film adaption is also relatively unknown to members of my generation who most commonly think of her as “that lady with the perfume commercials.” But before she sold cosmetics, Elizabeth Taylor pushed burly men down stairs and wore dresses that made Joseph and all of his technicolors jealous. Richard Burton acts as a worthy, though he be bearded, foil to her scheming. The chemistry between the two is fiery and the result is some great humor.

Honorable Mention:
Moonlighting: Atomic Shakespeare (1986) This episode aired during season 3 of the popular 1980s detective show. It is recorded entirely in iambic pentameter … or … at least it rhymes a lot. Bruce Willis and Cybil Shephard give a modern treatment to the classic Taming of the Shrew that involves a horse wearing sunglasses, a sun that isn’t, ninjas, and a wedding rock band. You’ll never look at Shakespeare the same way again.

-Stephanie

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