"...A comedy about the greatest love story almost never told... "

"Love is the only inspiration"

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With thanks to Jesslala

Summary:

The place is London. The time is 1593. The film tells the [fictional] story of how Shakespeare's love for Viola inspires him to write Romeo and Juliet. Williams Shakespeare is but a young struggling playwright soon to become the star of London's theatre scene. But this summer he suffers from a severe case of writers block. He seems unable to work up the necessary enthusiasm for his latest play. Enter Viola, who is totally enamoured of the theatre, and who, at a time when women were forbidden to act on stage, disguises herself as a boy and audition for one of Shakespeare's plays. When her guise slips away, Shakespeare finds himself in love with Lady Viola de Lesseps, who is betrothed and soon to be married to the arrogant Earl of Wessex. Wessex marriage to Viola is one of convenience and at Queen Elizabeth's command: the brides large dowry will absolve Wessex of his financial difficulties. Will and Viola's love becomes a serious threat to Wessex marriage plans, and as the story unfolds Wessex gets into repeated duels with Shakespeare.

(Movie)

Memorable Quotes from "Shakespeare In Love":

Lord Wessex: I have spoken with your father. Viola De Lesseps: So, my lord? I speak with him every day. Lord Wessex: I cannot shed blood in her house, but I will cut your throat anon. Do you have a name? William Shakespeare: Christopher Marlowe, at your service. Lord Wessex: Is she obedient? Sir Robert de Lesseps: As any mule in Christendom - but if you are the man to ride her, there are rubies in the saddlebag. Lord Wessex: I like her! Lord Wessex: My lady, the tide waits for no man, but I swear it would wait for you. Lord Wessex: How is this to end? Queen Elizabeth: As stories must when love's denied: with tears and a journey.  More memorable quotes here

Full credits here

Runtime: 122 min

Country: USA / UK

Language: English

Color: Color (DeLuxe)

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

Certification: Argentina:13 / Australia:M / Chile:14 / Denmark:7 / Finland:K-12/9 / France:U / Germany:6 (bw) / Hong Kong:IIB / Hungary:14 / Ireland:15 / Italy:T / Netherlands:AL / New Zealand:M / Peru:14 / Portugal:M/12 / Singapore:M18 (re-rating) / Singapore:R(A) (original rating) / South Korea:18 / Sweden:7 / Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) / Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) / UK:15 / USA:R

MPAA Rating: R (Restricted: under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian)

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The Onet.pl Film photogallery of "Shakespeare In Love"  (20 photos)

Cast:

Some information courtesy of The Internet Movie Database.

Also with thanks to the Colin Firth Career Timeline