The Merchant of Venice (2004)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Michael Radford

Writers:

William Shakespeare (play)
Michael Radford (screenplay)

Release Date:

3 December 2004 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

In 16th century Venice, when a merchant must default on a large loan from an abused Jewish moneylender for a friend with romantic ambitions, the bitterly vengeful creditor demands a gruesome payment instead.

Plot Keywords:

Merchant | Jew | Loan | Love | Christian

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Al Pacino	...	Shylock
Jeremy Irons	...	Antonio
Joseph Fiennes	...	Bassanio
Lynn Collins	...	Portia
Zuleikha Robinson	...	Jessica
Kris Marshall	...	Gratiano
Charlie Cox	...	Lorenzo
Heather Goldenhersh	...	Nerissa
Mackenzie Crook	...	Launcelot Gobbo
John Sessions	...	Salerio
Gregor Fisher	...	Solanio
Ron Cook	...	Old Gobbo
Allan Corduner	...	Tubal
Anton Rodgers	...	The Duke
David Harewood	...	Prince of Morocco

Also Known As:

Il mercante di Venezia (Italy)
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (USA) (complete title)

MPAA:

Rated R for some nudity.

Runtime:

138 min | Finland:134 min

Country:

USA | Italy | Luxembourg | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) | Mexico:B | Iceland:12 | South Korea:12 | Peru:14 | Brazil:14 | Canada:G (Quebec) | Finland:K-7 | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIB | Ireland:12 | Singapore:NC-16 | Sweden:7 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | UK:PG | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Company:

Spice Factory

Trivia:

Ian McKellen was set to play Antonio, but had to drop at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts.

Goofs:

Continuity: Portia is wearing a different outfit when she goes to meet Bassanio for the first from what she was wearing when her servant announces that Bassanio is arriving.

Quotes:

Bassanio: When I told you my state was nothing, I should then have told you that I was worse than nothing; for, indeed, I have engag'd myself to a dear friend, engag'd my friend to his mere enemy, to feed my means.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 'Merchant of Venice': Shakespeare Through the Lens (2005) (V)

Soundtrack:

Song for Bassanio

A great British movie

One of William Shakespeare's finest plays is dramatically brought to the silver screen in all its splendor.

From the director of the film version of 1984, Michael Radford has created a masterpiece for everyone to enjoy time and time again.

With an outstanding cast that includes Al Pacino, (Shylock) Joseph Fiennes, (Bassanio) Jeremy Irons, (Antonio) Kris Marshall (Gratiano) and Lynn Collins, (Portia); this beautiful movie is a must see for every Shakespeare enthusiast.

The story is set in 15th century Britain when many Jews were sadly persecuted in the streets for no apparent reason. Bassanio with the help of Antonio visit a wealthy Jewish loan shark called Shylock and ask if they may borrow some money so Bassanio can visit his love, Portia. Shylock agrees but demands a pound of flesh from Antonio if he can not meet his strict payment demands.

A while later Antonio can not pay the loan and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. A ferocious court battle then takes place between the two men as Antonio's friends and family gather round to await his verdict.

This is a remarkable cinematic experience with the passionate Al Pacino at his best. Also look out for the rising young star, Kris Marshall from the hit, Love Actually. He played the part of Gratiano which such emotion and dignity.

This film, which will most certainly be up for Oscars, clearly demonstrates that Shakespeare can still entertain crowds centuries from his death.