William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

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What’s the Story?

In this adaptation of Shakespeare's play, young Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) wishes to woo the beautiful heiress, Portia (Lynn Collins), but needs money for this endeavor. Antonio (Jeremy Irons) is a successful Christian trader but is too extended to give Bassanio the loan himself so he turns to a Jewish money-lender, Shylock (Al Pacino), who asks for Antonio's friendship as interest on the loan. The forfeiture for not repaying the loan on time, however, will be a pound of Antonio's flesh, a result neither Shylock nor Antonio foresee due to Antonio's booming business interests. When Shylock's daughter, Jessica (Zuleikha Robinson) elopes with a friend of Bassanio's and Antonio's ships are delayed or destroyed, Shylock seeks retribution through the ultimate punishment of Antonio, by taking the Christian's heart as his pound of flesh.

Is It Any Good?

Unlike perennial favorites Romeo and Juliet and others, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE is not Hollywood's first choice for adaptations because of its explicit treatment of anti-Semitism. It is this play that gave rise to the term "Shylock" as a derogatory term for Jews and money-lenders. What is interesting to note is that the play boasts one of Shakespeare's most memorable heroines, the brave and intelligent Portia, who saves herself from disastrous marriages, rescues a man's life, and portions out punishment on the character who would not be merciful.

Venice is shot in rich colors and features contrasting views of simple lives -- particularly those of the devout Christian, Antonio, and the devout Jew, Shylock -- and the decadence of the world around them. Characters watch and discuss the debauchery that glides by on gondolas, the drinking and eating to excess, the prostitutes, the masks people wear to cover their identities as they drink and romance. Parents who wish to share Shakespeare's appeal with their older kids should be aware that this is a thorny movie with mature themes but wonderfully sketched and acted characters.