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