Love's Labour's Lost
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Movie Reviews of Love's Labour's Lost
Movie Review: A lighthearted and engaging romp
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always loved Branagh. From the moment he made film history with HENRY V (by being the first person since Orson Welles to earn Oscar nominations for both actor and director for the same film) to the light touch he brough to his voice acting in the animated ROAD TO EL DORADO, he has always been a favorite.But--a film musical based on one of Shakespeare's least-important works? Set in the late 1930's no less? Sounds almost as bad an idea as MOULIN ROUGE. Intrigued, we rented the film from Netflix.
AND FELL IN LOVE. Who cares about the chop-job he did on the "sacred" text? Who cares about the lack of voice in some of his singers? What we watched was a film that made us smile from the opening credits all the way through the final act.
Set aside your preconceptions about what a Shakespeare film should be. Set aside your ideas about what a musical should look like. Enjoy the fun of the film, the glamour of its costuming, its very likable cast. When most movies try to be either extravaganzas or "serious," it's nice to have Mr. Branagh and company give us something that does exactly what it sets out to do: give you a very pleasant entertainment.
Movie Review: You will be smiling...
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always loved Branagh. From the moment he made film history with HENRY V (by being the first person since Orson Welles to earn Oscar nominations for both actor and director for the same film) to the light touch he brough to his voice acting in the animated ROAD TO EL DORADO, he has always been a favorite.But--a film musical based on one of Shakespeare's least-important works? Set in the late 1930's no less? Sounds almost as bad an idea as MOULIN ROUGE. Intrigued, we rented the film from Netflix.
AND FELL IN LOVE. Who cares about the chop-job he did on the "sacred" text? Who cares about the lack of voice in some of his singers? What we watched was a film that made us smile from the opening credits all the way through the final act.
Set aside your preconceptions about what a Shakespeare film should be. Set aside your ideas about what a musical should look like. Enjoy the fun of the film, the glamour of its costuming, its very likable cast. When most movies try to be either extravaganzas or "serious," it's nice to have Mr. Branagh and company give us something that does exactly what it sets out to do: give you a very pleasant entertainment.
Movie Review: Absolutely charming!
Summary: 5 Stars
Purists who believe in only the literal performance of Shakespeare may come away grumbling, but for the rest of us, this is a treat. Kenneth Branagh has done a fine job with this adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy to a 1930's musical. The choreography is very enertaining while keeping its technical demand within the abilities of the cast, and the singing is quite appropriate....I'd much rather hear a song a little "rough" but in the speaker's natural voice than a really slick dubbing of somebody else's singing!I liked the faithfulness to the style of the old time musical. Most of the transitions from verse to song are quite good. The costumes and their coloration are quite pleasing to the eye. In all, a most enjoyable treatment of a whimsical love story. It will make you smile, and probably sing along!
Movie Review: Sheer exuberance and style
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of my favorite movies. The cast loved making it and it really shows. The cinematography is breathtaking in the dance sequences and the general flow of the film, with intercutting of pseudo-"Movietone" newsreels is great with never a dull moment, right until the climax of the film, which brings tears to my eyes almost every time I watch it. For me the highlights were "Heaven", "There's no business like showbusiness" and "They can't take that away from me". The whole production has a very stylish look and feel. I loved Brannagh's productions of "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Othello", but I love this one most of all.Movie Review: A delightful and wholly original version of Shakespeare
Summary: 5 Stars
Kenneth Branagh is easily one of the finest living actors and directors, and this under-rated, neglected little masterpiece is proof thereof. The musical numbers fit perfectly in theme as well as timing in the play, and successfully advance the story line and characters. He pays homage to Casablanca, Fred and Ginger, Esther Williams, Maurice Chevalier, and Bob Fosse, and Patrick Doyle's original soundtrack is one of his best. Even the casting lends the movie the youthful exuberance that young people in love embody. I have watched this DVD at least ten times and I cannot help but smile every time.