Young lovers Hero and Claudio, soon to wed, conspire to get verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles Benedick and Beatrice to wed as well.

Director:

Kenneth Branagh

Writers:

William Shakespeare (play), Kenneth Branagh (adaptation)
Reviews
Popularity
3,402 ( 222)
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 5 wins & 10 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

Photos

Edit

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Briers ... Leonato
Kate Beckinsale ... Hero
Imelda Staunton ... Margaret
Jimmy Yuill ... Friar Francis
Brian Blessed ... Antonio
Andy Hockley Andy Hockley ... George Seacole
Chris Barnes Chris Barnes ... Francis Seacole
Conrad Nelson Conrad Nelson ... Hugh Oatcake
Phyllida Law ... Ursula
Emma Thompson ... Beatrice
Alex Lowe Alex Lowe ... Messenger
Denzel Washington ... Don Pedro
Keanu Reeves ... Don John
Richard Clifford ... Conrade
Gerard Horan ... Borachio
Edit

Storyline

Young lovers Hero (Kate Beckinsale) and Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) are to be married in one week. To pass the time, they conspire with Don Pedro (Denzel Washington) to set a "lover's trap" for Benedick (Sir Kenneth Branagh), an arrogant confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice (Dame Emma Thompson), his favorite sparring partner. Meanwhile, the evil Don Jon (Keanu Reeves) conspires to break up the wedding by accusing Hero of infidelity. In the end, though, it all turns out to be "much ado about nothing". Written by Liza Esser <essereli@student.msu.edu>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

A romantic comedy for anyone who's ever been in love. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Certificate:

14 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
Edit

Did You Know?

Trivia

Theatrical movie debut of Kate Beckinsale (Hero), who shot this movie during her summer break from studying Russian and French at New College, Oxford, England. See more »

Goofs

When the ladies of the household are hurriedly bathing (the opening credits are still running), one lady's bottom has a distinctly modern bikini tan. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Beatrice: Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more. Men were deceivers ever. One foot in sea and one on shore, to one thing constant never. Then sigh not so but let them go and be you blithe and bonny, converting all your sounds of woe into hey nonny nonny.
See more »

Connections

Version of ShakespeaRe-Told: Much Ado About Nothing (2005) See more »

Soundtracks

Sigh No More Ladies
(uncredited)
Written by William Shakespeare
Performed by Patrick Doyle
See more »

User Reviews

 
Brilliant! And sure to make people interested in Shakespeare once again
19 November 2001 | by o_levinaSee all my reviews

It's one of the most delightful adaptations of Shakespeare ever made. Personally, I am a great fan of Shakespeare, but it seems that the film must appeal even to those who normally don't like the Bard. Kenneth Branagh is at his best both as producer and performer. I admire his imagination and ingenuity, which he applies to his work. He created beautiful, picturesque, entertaining, amusing and hilarious movie with awesome actor's work and fine music. Some cuts of the original play were essential to make the movie dynamic, and the play was not considerably damaged. All members of the starring cast make Shakespearean text sound natural, alive and very funny. Emma Thompson shines as bright ginger-haired Beatrice. It goes without saying that she's an actress of unique talent, and in this film she does an amazing job, being lively, sharp and witty, sparkling with energy, humor and cheerfulness, or sometimes vehement and passionate (when her cousin is offended). Branagh as Benedick is up to her. Other notable performances are given by imposing Brian Blessed (seigneur Antonio) and Richard Briers (seigneur Leonato). Robert Sean Leonard and Kate Beckinsale as Claudio and Hero are adequate and beautiful pair. Keanu Reeves is really good in the part of grim, villainous Don John, notwithstanding opinions of many reviewers here. Michael Keaton's Constable Dogberry and other comic characters makes me laugh a lot through the film. Definitely, this is an excellent film for enjoyment. 10/10.


44 of 51 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
Review this title | See all 190 user reviews »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more »
Edit

Details

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 July 1993 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Beaucoup de bruit pour rien See more »

Filming Locations:

Florence, Tuscany, Italy See more »

Edit

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$108,617, 9 May 1993

Gross USA:

$22,549,338

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$22,549,338
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »

Contribute to This Page



Recently Viewed