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The Merchant Of Venice (2001) Certificate U

The Merchant Of Venice

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Rated 2.5 stars
Average rating
(50%)
 
Starring: Henry Goodman | David Bamber | Alexander Hanson
Director: Trevor Nunn
Studio: METRODOME DISTRIBUTION
Run time: 162 mins
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Released: October 20, 2003

Like many Shakespeare comedies, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE features a complicated web of characters who distract themselves with inventive ways to capture their heart's desire, and their exuberance usually results in some delightful trouble. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE finds Antonio, a merchant, trying to help his friend Bassanio to come up with the money to visit and court Portia, a wealthy heiress. They borrow money from the vengeful Shylock (Henry Goodman), who agrees to lend the money with no interest. The catch is, if the debt is not re-paid, he will have instead a pound of Antonio's flesh. Things go fine with the romance between Bassanio and Portia, but disaster with Antonio's business means he cannot repay the debt. This version of the film promises to be superior, as director Trevor Nunn was a longtime director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Highest rated reviews

3 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 5.0 stars

sofatoad from BRENTFORD, 1st November, 2004

Shakespearean drama set in modern day italy but keeping the script as the old man wrote it makes for an excellent production that will keep you riveted. My heart went out to Shylock who is considered the villan of the production until you see the suffering and persecution he was put through. As usual Shakespeare's genius shines through and you get value for your money - tragedy, romance, comedy and an insight into the life and mindset of that era - when you look around some things haven't changed....

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1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 1.0 stars
I hate it when they do this to Shakespeare

A Customer from London, 23rd November, 2005

I don't have a problem with the 20th century set; I do have a problem with seemingly everyone involved taking the project so stinking seriously. Honestly folks, The Bard Himself would have choked on such stuffiness.

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1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 1.0 stars
Now hear this

FoxcombeRise from Oxford, 22nd April, 2005

The sound track on this production is so bad we couldn't watch it. Unless you have super ears, suggest you avoid.

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2 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 3.0 stars
Too Good To Be True

A Customer from United Kingdom, 8th July, 2004

The Merchant of Venice is not my favorite of Shakespeare plays. I don't always enjoy it (save for Shylock who has some great lines). This production however is an exception. Set in Germany during the cabaret era it is both disturbing, delightfl and dramaticly wonderful. It captures the essance of Berlin in the late nineteen thirties. The highlight of the production is Henry Goodman as Shylock. The man is stunning. He delivers a wonderfully complex and dark performance. If you can watch this Merchant Of Venice. It is really good.

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Most recent reviews

0 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 1.0 stars
Crap

A Customer from England, 5th May, 2006

This was so rubbish I cant even remember this film. My husband told me it was diabolical.

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