Directed by: Michael Radford
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Cast: Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes, Lynn Collins, Zuleikha Robinson, Kris Marshall, Charlie Cox, Mackenzie Crook, Heather Goldenhersh, John Sessions, Gregor Fisher, Ron Cook, Allan Corduner, Anton Rodgers, David Harewood
IMDB raintg: 7.3
My rating: 9.0 [rate 9.0]
“The Merchant of Venice” is one of those movies that make me spend some time thinking if I really want to rent it or not. It has an equal number of positive and negative factors that make the decision hard. This time there were two reasons to consider. On the positive scale was Al Pacino. He is one of those actors who practically guarantee some good to the movie even if everything else sucks. On the negative side was the story by William Shakespeare. I really didn’t like this guy until now. I was thinking his is overhyped.
I finally decided to rent the film and I am really glad that I did so.
Al Pacino was indeed incredible. This was one of my favourite roles of his. He is playing an old jew Shylock. He looks like a jew (with a beard and everything), he walks like a jew, he talks like a jew. He, for as much as the movie is concerned, is a jew.
The story was great. Seriously, I don’t know why Romeo-n-Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth are getting all the attention. Merchant of Venice is a much better story. It has a lot of drama and suspense. It also teaches a few important lessons, using some really powerful scenes. It is much more life-applicable than all the romantism of Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.
On top of the story and good acting there was plenty of other work. Costumes, setup, lights, camera – were all great. Especially the camera. I liked the way it was used at some scenes to show the difference of levels.
Anyway, this is one excellent movie and I am very glad I saw it. Not only it provides excellent entertainment, it is also very classy and educational. Strongly recommended.