A film of a different period...
I recently came upon a movie version of Shakespearse's The Merchant of Venice released in 2004. Perhaps it was well circulated/ viewed in 2004, but I somehow seem to have missed it.
I must admit, not being a fan of old English, I have not read too many of Shakespeare's plays, other than those mandated in English class. I was therefore a bit unsure as to how I would like a movie version of a play. I was quite pleasantly surprised. The film turned out to be a little gem indeed.
The movie has a stellar cast ensemble, including Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Finnes and newcomer (at the time) Lynn Collins.
The story (as many of you may already know) is about a young nobleman (Bassanio) , needing funding to win a girl of significant wealth (Portia), asks help from a successful merchant ( Antonio). The merchant not having the funds available on hand agrees to guarantee a loan secured by Bassanio by asking someone else. Bassanio asks for a loan from Shylock, a Jewish monylender, who dislikes Antonio but agrees to loan the amount with the condition that if Antonio is unable to pay back the loan, he is entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh.
The rest of the story details how and if this is achieved or not. It is hard to believe that this play was written between 1596 and 1598. Even though so many, many years have passed yet some of the underlying human sentiments shown in the film remain the same today.
This movie is beautifully captured and has a rich and vibrant tone. Venice was a cultural and trade capital at the time and this is reflected in the beauty and vibrancy of it's cityscape and canal pathways.
I don't think the English version is on youtube as yet, but there is a version dubbed in Spanish available for viewing. Here is also the Merchant of Venice wikipedia link, with additional information regarding this movie.
Definitely worth viewing, however some scenes are not suitable for kids.
Merchant of Venice Trailer
I recently came upon a movie version of Shakespearse's The Merchant of Venice released in 2004. Perhaps it was well circulated/ viewed in 2004, but I somehow seem to have missed it.
I must admit, not being a fan of old English, I have not read too many of Shakespeare's plays, other than those mandated in English class. I was therefore a bit unsure as to how I would like a movie version of a play. I was quite pleasantly surprised. The film turned out to be a little gem indeed.
The movie has a stellar cast ensemble, including Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Finnes and newcomer (at the time) Lynn Collins.
The story (as many of you may already know) is about a young nobleman (Bassanio) , needing funding to win a girl of significant wealth (Portia), asks help from a successful merchant ( Antonio). The merchant not having the funds available on hand agrees to guarantee a loan secured by Bassanio by asking someone else. Bassanio asks for a loan from Shylock, a Jewish monylender, who dislikes Antonio but agrees to loan the amount with the condition that if Antonio is unable to pay back the loan, he is entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh.
The rest of the story details how and if this is achieved or not. It is hard to believe that this play was written between 1596 and 1598. Even though so many, many years have passed yet some of the underlying human sentiments shown in the film remain the same today.
This movie is beautifully captured and has a rich and vibrant tone. Venice was a cultural and trade capital at the time and this is reflected in the beauty and vibrancy of it's cityscape and canal pathways.
I don't think the English version is on youtube as yet, but there is a version dubbed in Spanish available for viewing. Here is also the Merchant of Venice wikipedia link, with additional information regarding this movie.
Definitely worth viewing, however some scenes are not suitable for kids.
Merchant of Venice Trailer
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