Common Sense Media Review
Lavish historical drama has explicit sex scenes.
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Shakespeare in Love
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the film is praised for its romantic plot and high production quality, but many reviewers express concern over the excessive sex and nudity that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some appreciate the artistic portrayal of Shakespeare's life and the historical context, others find it boring or feel it didn't deserve its accolades, indicating a mixed reception overall.
- romantic plot
- excessive nudity
- mixed reviews
- artistic portrayal
- concerns for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This majestic, romantic movie imagines the inspiration and events surrounding the writing of William Shakespeare's storied lovers' tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE begins with a mid-career Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) battling writer's block as he struggles to create a new masterpiece. Enter Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow), an aristocrat's daughter enamored with theater and romance. Like the gender disguise of numerous Shakespeare plays, Viola dresses as a male to audition for Shakespeare's play, since women are forbidden to act. Upon hearing her, Shakespeare is convinced that he has found his male lead. Startled by the famed playwright, she dashes from the theater. Shakespeare follows her, sneaks into her mansion, and sees the radiant, unmasked Viola. He falls for her, and like his Romeo, Shakespeare woos his love underneath her balcony. A passionate secret love affair ensues, and he begins to compose Romeo and Juliet. The play and love affair develop concurrently. Though their love is strong, Viola and Shakespeare face extraordinary obstacles to their relationship.
Is It Any Good?
Shakespeare in Love paints a stunning, nuanced portrait of life and theater in the Elizabethan era. All the actors thoroughly embody their characters, from the brooding eyes and ink-stained fingers of Joseph Fiennes' Shakespeare, to Gwyneth Paltrow's ethereal and independent Viola, and a superlative cast of supporting actors, including Ben Affleck as a prima donna actor and Judi Dench as a formidable Queen Elizabeth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters' conflicts between family, duty, and love. They could also discuss the movie's treatment of gender and class.
How do Viola and Queen Elizabeth both subvert and conform to the limitations of their status as females? What are the privileges and limitations of class and social status?
How do these issues compare with circumstances today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 11, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : December 7, 1999
- Cast : Geoffrey Rush , Gwyneth Paltrow , Joseph Fiennes
- Director : John Madden
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexuality
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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