Average customer rating:
- Great recreation of the play
- Who said there was one better playwright than Shakespeare?
- a genuine, lively success and a delight
- Much Ado About Nothing Review
- Great Movie
|
Much Ado About Nothing
Starring:
Chris Barnes ,
Kate Beckinsale ,
Brian Blessed ,
Richard Briers , and
Richard Clifford
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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The Taming of the Shrew
ASIN: B0000714BZ
Release Date: 2003-01-07 |
Amazon.com
Kenneth Branagh's 1993 production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a vigorous and imaginative work, cheerful and accessible for everyone. Largely the story of Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson)--adversaries who come to believe each is trying to woo the other--the film veers from arched wit to ironic romps, and the two leads don't mind looking a little silly at times. But the plot is also layered with darker matters that concern the ease with which men and women fall into mutual distrust. Branagh has rounded up a mixed cast of stage vets and Hollywood stars, among the latter Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, the latter playing a rather seedy, Beetlejuice-like version of Dogberry, king of malapropisms. The DVD release has optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, Dolby sound, optional Spanish and French soundtracks or subtitles.--Tom Keogh
Description
Full of "sparkling merriment" (The Hollywood Reporter), this sexy, sunny comedy positively sizzles as one set of lovers battles against a dirty trick, and another set simply battleseach other! Adapted by Oscar® nominee* Kenneth Branagh and featuring an all-star cast, this charming romp "casts the battle of the sexes in the form of an elegant dance" (The New York Times). A military war has just ended, but the "merry war" between Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Branagh) rages on! Can their friends trick them into making love instead? For that matter, can another couple's devotion survive the evil Don John's (Keanu Reeves) vicious lies? It's up to the blundering constable (Michael Keaton) to save the day so that the course of true love may yet run smooth! *1989: Director, Actor, Henry V; 1992: Short Film-Live Action, Swan Song; 1996: Adapted Screenplay, Hamlet
Customer Reviews:
Great recreation of the play.......2007-09-10
The movie follows the play very closely with an all star cast.
Great teaching aid to use with a class!
Who said there was one better playwright than Shakespeare?.......2007-08-27
Shakespeare and his entangled love affairs are as famous as Dracula and his blood cult. But we recognize here the friar who advises a fake death to the girl and we remember that Romeo and Juliet came first in 1596. Shakespeare started with the tragedy around the clandestine marriage of the two heroes, and then moved on to a comedy that sounds at time very tragic, Much Ado About Nothing in 1598, and he doubles the merriment by having two weddings. And he will go on with As You Like It in 1600 and its four marriages under the auspices of the thrice crowned goddess Diana. And this was a model of perfection that he had kept from A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1594. But this present comedy could have been a drama at least if not a tragedy since the death being false, based on a false accusation what's more, could have led to a duel and one real death before being discovered as a fake, and it leads to the arrest of the villain who had arranged the fakery so that a happy love wedding was turned into a dramatic denunciation of the impurity of the bride. That's probably why he doubled the first line of action with a second that reminds us of The Taming of the Shrew (1593) and that second line will lead to the second marriage that will bring everyone, except the plotter, to merriment, gaiety and dancing. But this production is admirable because the setting of the play in a real garden and rich mansion in more or less renaissance clothing though it could be slightly more recent gives to the actors all the space they need to dance, play, hide, run, and many other things. The acting is admirable and they really make the language sing the way it should, sing joy as well as pain, sing sadness as well as happiness. Of course the language is also a little bit difficult but we get used to it very fast and we follow the music of it as well as the words, and the actors were directed into speaking as if they were singing, to the point of even having a failed attempt at real singing that sounds like a cat being disemboweled. And the final but suspended lack of clemency against the guilty plotter is there to remind us that everything may end with songs and dances, but there is always some drama to bring to an end sooner or later, and in that case outside the time limits of the play. But yet I always wonder about what such comedies, or tragedies like Romeo and Juliet, could look like in Shakespearean times when women were not allowed on the stage. So many girls played by teenagers must have been funny, with an echo in the play when Beatrice speaks of men with a beard or men without a beard and the latter are less of a man than she would ever like. That was said by a man without a beard in 1598. I guess we would find it funny and even maybe ridiculous today. But it should be attempted. Shakespeare played on the situation quite often with varying motivations.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne & University Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines
a genuine, lively success and a delight.......2007-07-29
I got this for my daugter, now 12, to nurture her love of drama. At this, this fine rendition was an absolute success: she is watching it and memorising the language, drinking it in with the excitment and exuberance of a child. It is wonderful to behold and precisely why I got this film.
Branagh's adaptation is lush and splendidly well arranged. The only flaw, in my opinion, is Keanu Reeves, who simply fails to project any soul into his role. He just isn't of the same caliber as the rest of the cast. Denzel Washington is wonderful as the prince, quite a surprise - I think he is America's greatest acting talent, yet again.
Warmly recomended. It transmits the magic of Shakespeare into the young mind and allows us parents to re-live the brutal ups and downs of young love. I was moved, by the story but also by watching the delight of my daughter in the whole experience.
Much Ado About Nothing Review.......2007-07-20
I really enjoy this movie. Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh are excellent! I like the quick wit from these two characters and from the rest of the characters, especially the constable (Michael Keaton). I would definitely recommend this movie if you like this genre and you want something that you need to actually pay attention to. It is definitely helpful to watch the movie more than once to catch all the intricacies of the dialog.
Great Movie.......2007-07-11
This is a great film to introduce shakespeare to preteens to shakespeare or early teens. Be aware of nudity in intro and gratutious scene mid way not neded for kids. I praise ken for most of his shakespear adaptations. I always use his stuff to teach bill shakespear.
Average customer rating:
- Authentic version of Much Ado About Nothing
- Jaunty introduction to MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
- Sorry, it's not funny - it kills a very playful script.
- Playful reworking of one of the Bard's best comedies
- Shakespeare Meets the Old West
|
Much Ado About Nothing / New York Shakespeare Festival (Broadway Theatre Archive)
Starring:
Sam Waterston ,
Kathleen Widdoes ,
Barnard Hughes ,
Bette Henritze , and
Arny Freeman
Director:
Nick Havinga
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
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Similar Items:
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The Taming of the Shrew (Broadway Theatre Archive)
-
Much Ado About Nothing
-
King Lear / Jones, New York Shakespeare Festival (Broadway Theatre Archive)
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Hamlet / Kline, New York Shakespeare Festival (Broadway Theatre Archive)
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Twelfth Night (Thames Shakespeare Collection)
ASIN: B00006RCMU
Release Date: 2002-09-24 |
Description
In 1972, twenty million people saw the broadcast of this CBS-TV production of Shakespeare's classic tale of romance, mistaken identity, and the battle of the sexes. Though this turn-of-the-century version has Roosevelt's Rough-Riders and bicycle riding suffragettes, the story is the same: Beatrice and Benedick fight their merry war of words; the evil Don Juan conspires to disrupt the wedding of Hero and Claudio; and it's up to Dogbery to save the day. Critically acclaimed and loved by audiences, this rollicking comedy is brassy, bouncy and all-together entertaining. First presented at the New York Shakespeare Festival, this production later became the first truly successful Shakespeare play in Broadway history that did not boast a major star. Features Oscar-nominee Sam Waterston (Law & Order)as Benedick and the Tony-nominated performances of Emmy-winners Kathleen Widdoes (As the World Turns) and Barnard Hughes (Midnight Cowboy).
Customer Reviews:
Authentic version of Much Ado About Nothing.......2007-03-07
Since I wrote a scathing review of the 1993 movie version of "Much Ado About Nothing" (directed by Kenneth Branagh) and recommended this version instead, I feel I ought to review this version and give it a well deserved boost. If you like your Shakespeare authentic, this is the version you should buy.
I love Shakespeare. I have seen his plays performed on the stage, on TV, and in the movies. The best productions of Shakespeare are stage productions -- these are the closest to the way the plays would have been done if you had been alive to see one in Elizabethan times. If you cannot make it to a stage production, this version in the next best thing.
Because Shakespeare is dead and the copyright has run out on his plays hundreds of years ago, producers and directors can take any liberties they want when putting on one of Shakespeare's plays. Sometimes the liberties add to the play and sometimes they detract. All of the liberties that Joseph Papp has taken are comic and add to this version.
An example of a good interpretation: I saw a stage version of "The Taming of the Shrew" at ACT in San Francisco in the 70s. At the end of Act V, as Kate puts her hand under Petruchio's foot following her famous "duty of a wife" speech, she turns aside to the audience and broadly winks -- turning a misogynistic speech into a sly triumph for women. The audience roared with delight.
In this version, Joseph Papp has moved "Much Ado About Nothing" to around the 1900s. Beatrice is a suffragette. Benedick is one of Teddy Roosevelt's rough riders. The result is a witty war of the sexes. Slapstick scenes are added by including the Keystone Kops.
Because this is a stage version, it does not contain the beautiful Italian scenery that takes up so much air time in Kenneth Branagh's 1993 movie version. What the heck Branagh's beautiful Italian scenery has to do with Shakespeare is a mystery to me. In Branagh's version Shakespeare's lines are cut to make room for both the scenery and the extremely slow recitation of the lines that remain.
In Joseph Papp's version, the dialog is fast so people who have not read an annotated version of the play first may not be able to keep up. (See negative review below.) However, Shakespearean plays should have fast dialog -- that is the way the Bard wrote it to be played.
Shakespearean comedies are meant to be light and madcap, with mistaken identities and cross-dressing and outright clowning. This is what appealed to audiences around 1600. A good modern version of a Shakespearean comedy compares well to a Monty Python movie in silliness.
There are no big name stars in this version (although I have always been fond of Sam Waterson). The conversations between Benedick and Beatrice are all the more wittier for their rapid fire delivery. (There's something about a slow delivery that flattens out the wit.)
This is a version of "Much Ado About Nothing" that Shakespeare himself would have heartily approved of and enjoyed. I hope you enjoy it too.
Jaunty introduction to MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.......2005-06-18
I was one of the 20 million viewers watching the original production on tv -- and fell in love with the show. The idea of updating the play to turn of the century America was a lot of fun - plus the addition of period music and beautiful costumes.
Thought the leading players - Beatrice Widdowes and Sam Waterston were excellent in their parts -- and Barnard Hughes as Dogberry the Constable was delightful.
The only reason I watched this production in the first place was the idea that a Shakespearean play had been updated to "modern" times...I usually avoided the Bard's plays - not my cup of tea..but this production was a joy from beginning to end.
I also highly recommend the Kenneth Branagh/Emma Thompson version -- a visual feast for the eyes -- and it keeps up the interest.
Sorry, it's not funny - it kills a very playful script........2005-05-20
As an English teacher who teaches "Much Ado" every year, I was thrilled to find an alternative version of this play on DVD (I enjoy the Kenneth Branagh version, but it is not definitive), and the enthusiastic reviews convinced me to purchase it.
Unfortunately, while the 1920's concept seems like a good idea and this version includes a greater portion of Shakespeare's original script, this film loses the spirit of the play to wooden acting, heavy-handed directing, and a lack of humor. It may be that this version played well onstage, but it plays very poorly on screen.
Quite frankly, this version bores me to tears.
I wish I could recommend it. I show parts of it to my 9th graders each spring so that they can see how differently Shakespeare can be interpreted, but they and I both hate this version and yearn to return to Branagh's interpretation.
I await a better production to use for comparison with the Branagh version.
Playful reworking of one of the Bard's best comedies.......2002-12-29
I saw this version of one of Shakespeare's "war of the sexes" comedies when it was first broadcast on television in 1970. I was immediately won over to the idea that an intelligent director and ensemble could do a lot to make Shakespeare accessible to a new generation by simply setting his plays in a different era. The turn-of-the-century American setting worked perfectly. The women challenge male authority by sneaking a smoke, Dogberry and his entourage are portrayed as Keystone cops. The cast was excellent. Kathleen Widdoes and Sam Waterson were equally convincing in their gender battles, their self-righteous moments, and in their tender love scenes.
What struck me on my recent viewing was just how dark this comedy gets. Claudio is easily convinced of his fiancee's infidelity and publicly humiliates her and repudiates his vows. Although everything, and everyone, is reconciled in the end, we realize that the turf between true heroes and true villains is amply populated with fools, wimps, and cads.
Athough this is more of a filmed stage production than a movie version of the play, it is cleverly filmed and engaging. Personally, I prefer this version to Branaugh's filmed version (which I enjoyed immensely but felt it was less faithful to Shakespeare's text.) Unfortunately, there are no real DVD extras to this landmark production; but the performance is worth the purchase price.
Shakespeare Meets the Old West.......2002-12-10
I first saw this version of Much Ado about Nothing in the '70's, and have remembered it ever since, so I was delighted when the Broadway Theatre Archive made it available again. The setting, the "Rough Riders" era of the turn of the century, somehow suits the material better than any other I've seen, in particular Dogberry and his inept Watchmen, who appear here as Keystone Kops. Sam Waterston and Kathleen Widdoes are both completely believable, and the supporting cast is excellent.
This version is for those who want to savor every moment of the play. As far as I could tell, it includes almost every word of Shakespeare's text, and to that are added quite a few sequences without dialogue, making the entire length of the production closer to three hours than to two. For this play, this is definitely to my taste, but may not be to everyone's.
The DVD includes nothing but the performance and scene selections (by acts only). Since this play was originally filmed for television, the visual and sound quality are not exceptional, although they're not actually bad.
Average customer rating:
- Great recreation of the play
- Who said there was one better playwright than Shakespeare?
- a genuine, lively success and a delight
- Much Ado About Nothing Review
- Great Movie
|
Much Ado About Nothing
Starring:
Chris Barnes ,
Kate Beckinsale ,
Brian Blessed ,
Richard Briers , and
Richard Clifford
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
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Similar Items:
-
Twelfth Night
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-
Hamlet
-
Henry V
-
The Taming of the Shrew
ASIN: 0767802594
Release Date: 1998-01-20 |
Amazon.com
Kenneth Branagh's 1993 production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a vigorous and imaginative work, cheerful and accessible for everyone. Largely the story of Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson)--adversaries who come to believe each is trying to woo the other--the film veers from arched wit to ironic romps, and the two leads don't mind looking a little silly at times. But the plot is also layered with darker matters that concern the ease with which men and women fall into mutual distrust. Branagh has rounded up a mixed cast of stage vets and Hollywood stars, among the latter Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, the latter playing a rather seedy, Beetlejuice-like version of Dogberry, king of malapropisms. The DVD release has optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, Dolby sound, optional Spanish and French soundtracks or subtitles.--Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Great recreation of the play.......2007-09-10
The movie follows the play very closely with an all star cast.
Great teaching aid to use with a class!
Who said there was one better playwright than Shakespeare?.......2007-08-27
Shakespeare and his entangled love affairs are as famous as Dracula and his blood cult. But we recognize here the friar who advises a fake death to the girl and we remember that Romeo and Juliet came first in 1596. Shakespeare started with the tragedy around the clandestine marriage of the two heroes, and then moved on to a comedy that sounds at time very tragic, Much Ado About Nothing in 1598, and he doubles the merriment by having two weddings. And he will go on with As You Like It in 1600 and its four marriages under the auspices of the thrice crowned goddess Diana. And this was a model of perfection that he had kept from A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1594. But this present comedy could have been a drama at least if not a tragedy since the death being false, based on a false accusation what's more, could have led to a duel and one real death before being discovered as a fake, and it leads to the arrest of the villain who had arranged the fakery so that a happy love wedding was turned into a dramatic denunciation of the impurity of the bride. That's probably why he doubled the first line of action with a second that reminds us of The Taming of the Shrew (1593) and that second line will lead to the second marriage that will bring everyone, except the plotter, to merriment, gaiety and dancing. But this production is admirable because the setting of the play in a real garden and rich mansion in more or less renaissance clothing though it could be slightly more recent gives to the actors all the space they need to dance, play, hide, run, and many other things. The acting is admirable and they really make the language sing the way it should, sing joy as well as pain, sing sadness as well as happiness. Of course the language is also a little bit difficult but we get used to it very fast and we follow the music of it as well as the words, and the actors were directed into speaking as if they were singing, to the point of even having a failed attempt at real singing that sounds like a cat being disemboweled. And the final but suspended lack of clemency against the guilty plotter is there to remind us that everything may end with songs and dances, but there is always some drama to bring to an end sooner or later, and in that case outside the time limits of the play. But yet I always wonder about what such comedies, or tragedies like Romeo and Juliet, could look like in Shakespearean times when women were not allowed on the stage. So many girls played by teenagers must have been funny, with an echo in the play when Beatrice speaks of men with a beard or men without a beard and the latter are less of a man than she would ever like. That was said by a man without a beard in 1598. I guess we would find it funny and even maybe ridiculous today. But it should be attempted. Shakespeare played on the situation quite often with varying motivations.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne & University Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines
a genuine, lively success and a delight.......2007-07-29
I got this for my daugter, now 12, to nurture her love of drama. At this, this fine rendition was an absolute success: she is watching it and memorising the language, drinking it in with the excitment and exuberance of a child. It is wonderful to behold and precisely why I got this film.
Branagh's adaptation is lush and splendidly well arranged. The only flaw, in my opinion, is Keanu Reeves, who simply fails to project any soul into his role. He just isn't of the same caliber as the rest of the cast. Denzel Washington is wonderful as the prince, quite a surprise - I think he is America's greatest acting talent, yet again.
Warmly recomended. It transmits the magic of Shakespeare into the young mind and allows us parents to re-live the brutal ups and downs of young love. I was moved, by the story but also by watching the delight of my daughter in the whole experience.
Much Ado About Nothing Review.......2007-07-20
I really enjoy this movie. Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh are excellent! I like the quick wit from these two characters and from the rest of the characters, especially the constable (Michael Keaton). I would definitely recommend this movie if you like this genre and you want something that you need to actually pay attention to. It is definitely helpful to watch the movie more than once to catch all the intricacies of the dialog.
Great Movie.......2007-07-11
This is a great film to introduce shakespeare to preteens to shakespeare or early teens. Be aware of nudity in intro and gratutious scene mid way not neded for kids. I praise ken for most of his shakespear adaptations. I always use his stuff to teach bill shakespear.
Amazon.com
Kenneth Branagh's 1993 production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a vigorous and imaginative work, cheerful and accessible for everyone. Largely the story of Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson)--adversaries who come to believe each is trying to woo the other--the film veers from arched wit to ironic romps, and the two leads don't mind looking a little silly at times. But the plot is also layered with darker matters that concern the ease with which men and women fall into mutual distrust. Branagh has rounded up a mixed cast of stage vets and Hollywood stars, among the latter Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, the latter playing a rather seedy, Beetlejuice-like version of Dogberry, king of malapropisms. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Love Games.......2007-07-25
Whenever reading Shakespeare, I am always in fear that I am missing even some small portion of the plot. Shakespeare tends to pack so many grains of information into his works, that it is easy to overlook some. While "Much Ado About Nothing" is commonly refered to as a comedy, I fail to find humor in the pain. The sharp edged tongues of Benedick and Beatrice often steal the show as other characters manipulate this pair that was apparently made for each other into a compromising position. Yet the central plot seems less humorous.
The story of Claudio and Hero seems much less easy to accept. A manipulative and vendictive Don John implies that Hero was unfaithful to Claudio in the days leading up to their wedding, causing Claudio to refuse Hero at the wedding ceremony. Hero disappears seemingly into death until Don John's guilty accomplice confesses.
The story itself does not seem unrealistic by today's standards, yet I felt as though something was missing from the plot. Known as one of Shakespeare's best comedies, I felt I missed some of the humor in its subtleness.
mrs.depp.......2005-12-12
Much Ado About Nothing was a very well written play. It was a much lighter reading than Antigone and I think I liked and understood it better too. It was still hard to read and understand but I think the movie and actually seeing it being acted out helped a ton. I really didn't understand a lot of what was going on in the garden scene when they are trying to get Beatrice and Benedick to think they both love each other. So I was a little bummed when our group chose that to do the skit. But then as you read and actually break down the words it was actually very easy and fun to figure out what it means.
I think Shakespeare's main point in writing was to show people how funny love is. He has done tons of serious works and I think this was a great piece that kind of gave you a breath of fresh air. I think that was one of the reasons for writing this. To give the people who were coming to see it something a little lighter. I think this because the play focused a ton on the comedy of love. How you can get to people who started out hating each other to like each other.
I surprised myself in this question. I came into this play thinking that I will not like and I would not understand it. Although one of those statements is true the other one was false. I loved this script. In the beginning I thought it could show me nothing about my life or teach me anything and I was completely wrong. From this play I learned to not judge a book (or play) by its cover. I mean this literally. I came into this with a bad attitude and I realized that instead of doing that I should of had a good attitude and I could have enjoyed it more. Also in Beatrice and Benedick's situation they thought they could never like each other and they ended up falling in love. Some of the people I thought I could never be friends with I am very close friends with now.
Another thing it taught me was to not believe everything I hear. When Claudio heard that Hero was having an affair with someone he got mad and disgraced her and everyone thought she was a horrible person. But she never did and she really loved Claudio. I am a very big gossiper and I now realize how much they can hurt people.
I would totally recommend this script to others. Although you may think you can't learn much from it you really can. I would suggest, though, watching the movie after you read each act. It makes them so much easier to understand. Without the movie I think I would completely be lost and not understand the book at all. Also I would go into reading the book with a good attitude thinking that this can help you because if you don't, like me, you will wind up more confused than ever.
Matt Jones' Much Ado Review.......2005-12-08
This play was a particular relief of your average Shakespeare play, in that it is not a deep philosophical piece of literature. I personally loved reading this play and it does have many interesting values and lessons that one could learn and apply. In several instances I found myself laughing out loud just reading the script. Over all I would say that this is yet another one of Shakespears timeless classics that can still very easily be applied in almost every persons life today. Shakespeare wrote this play, as I believe, to show people how stupid they are and the foolish things that they do when they are in love. I personally do not really enjoy the drama of a love story, but this is a whole different animal.The characters in the story are completely normal citizens of an almost care- free society, but, when love comes knocking at their door they transform into completely zaney lunatics. The characters are, however, people and react in different ways. No matter how they do react it is a far cry from what they normally would do. Indeed, this story shows someone to what great lengths they will go in the name of love. For instance, Benedict, one of the main characters, falls in love with the main female and all of a sudden becomes a quiet, softspoken gentleman, who now cares about his appearance. Whereas before he was an opinionated man, who used sarcasm to get his points across. The story does portray very well what love is, different types of love, and how it is reacted to. This play has taught me many things, especially about women, but most of all it has taught me that there are two very specific types of love and that a person should experience both. One type of love, presented by Beatrice and Benedict is the real heart felt one, where both people know and care for one another and the other was demonstrated by Hera and Claudio. This type is known as "puppy love." Each couple represents their type of love very well and has helped me to realize which sort of love that I have, and have had with other people. This book is well worth whatever they are asking for it. If you really apply yourself you can get alot out of this story. The storyline is very good and lets you feel that you are a part of the story, like you know something that the other characters do not know. It is so involved that I often wanted to strangle some of the characters and tell others some great secret. Then I felt like a retard and stopped myself. This is a very light read and though it is mildly difficult to understand it is easy to understand what point Shakespeare is trying to get across. This story is so good because it teaches so many lessons without having this heavy blanket of philosophy shrouded around it. I would recommend this play to anyone who just simply enjoys a good read. If by chance you read this review, then realize this, I am not exagerrating of making any of this stuff up. This is a really good story without the deep thoughts and questions of life. So, in conclusion, this is just one person talking, but READ THE PLAY! It is really good and worth it, but you do not have to take my word for it.
Katie A gbcs.......2005-12-08
William Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing" was an extremely funny piece of literature. I thought that it was very cleverly planned out and humorously executed. With Dogberry and his men constantly mixing up words and their meanings it gave the readers a comic relief. The deceit and mistaken identities added so much humor to the already capturing story.
I believe that Shakespeare's main point in writing this play was to show that many times, people get worked up over simple miscommunications. You mishear something wrong, or in your anger, you tune out someone before getting all the facts. All that we would need to do to fix a certain problem would be going to the source of the information, but many times we take the easy way out. We jump the gun a little and choose to believe whatever is told to us despite our gut feeling that the information is wrong.
An example of this would be when Leonato has heard of Hero's scandalous evening with Borachio. Despite the fact that she is his daughter and he would know her better than anyone, Leonato believes the lies told about Hero. Leonato, being her father and the one who raised her, should have known his daughter well enough to know that she would not dishonor her fiancé and herself. Especially the night before the wedding that she has been waiting for. Instead of choosing to believe his daughter, who firmly denies any and all sexual relationships, he joins Claudio, Don John, and Don Pedro in disgracing her.
One lesson learned from "Much Ado About Nothing" is never should people automatically assume something to be correct. We should "take everything with a grain of salt"- test everything. People in the world these days are so willing to lie to us and readily do so without a second thought. Many times people are lied to without even knowing that someone has done so. True, sometimes the lying and deceit is all in good fun, but it still has the possibility of hurting someone. Even innocent lying has its consequences.
Benedick and Beatrice both believed almost immediately that what they had overheard their friends saying in the garden was correct and completely true. Neither person decided to test what they had heard. To see if what was said was true. Because both did not check to see if the information they heard was correct, everything worked out. Both assumed what they had heard was true and acted on it. There were no visible consequences. What a mess you would have if Benedick decided that what he had overheard could not possibly be true. Beatrice would have made a fool out of herself while thinking that Benedick felt the same way. The same could be said the other way around.
I would recommend this play to other readers. If people don't like to read, then I would not tell others about it. The combination of not liking to read and the difficulty of understanding Old English would not make a very fun and pleasurable read. Many would miss out on the humor and cleverness that Shakespeare brilliantly displayed to his audience. Readers on the other hand would most likely like this play. The humor and lightheartedness makes it an enjoyable play. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how it would end- how Shakespeare would wrap it up. The happy ending was also a nice touch. Yes, the Old English adds a challenge to the reading. The sometimes hard to understand language makes you stop and think about what Shakespeare is trying to say and ultimately makes you stop and realize what he is truly trying to communicate to his audience.
Another Love Story.......2005-12-08
"Romeo, Romeo! Where for art thou Romeo?" Wait a minute, wrong play! In my opinion, Much Ado about Nothing was a very funny book/play and I somewhat enjoyed reading it. The only bad part about it is that it was a chick flick (or in its case a chick play). The old English also took away from the play sometimes. However, for the most part it was understandable. Overall, I believe Shakespeare probably had a reason for writing the play other than just for pure entertainment.
Much Ado about Nothing is a classic Shakespearian type play. It is a comedy about two young couples. One couple is Benedick and Beatrice. At the start of the play they are in love with one another, they just do not know it yet. They are constantly bickering and fighting with each other. The other couple Hero and Claudio, who are madly in love with each other (or so they think) plot to make Benedick and Beatrice realize that they are in love with each other. They also have help in the form of Leanato, Don Pedro, Margaret and Ursula. Meanwhile, Don Pedro's evil brother Don John along with his henchmen, Conrade and Borachio, plot to break up Hero and Claudio. The plan nearly succeeds, and the rather unusual constable Dogberry and his somewhat merry men must come to the rescue of Claudio's and hero's relationship.
As I said before, the main point of Shakespeare writing the play was probably for more than entertainment. I believe he also wrote it because he wanted to show how crazy love can make a person. In the play, Beatrice and Benedick fall in love with each other. After Claudio shames Hero, Beatrice was so upset that she asks that Benedick kills Claudio. Now that presents a problem because Benedick and Claudio are good friends. At first, Benedick is very reluctant to do this. So reluctant that he refuses to do this. After she says she will not love him any more Benedick immediately agrees to kill Claudio. Even though I would probably do the same thing in Benedick's position, it is still amazing what love can make you do.
Surprisingly, I actually learned something from this play. It's the simple fact that assumptions are very, very dangerous. Thanks to Don John and his henchmen's evil plot, Claudio thought that he had seen Hero cheating on him with Borachio. In reality, it was Margaret and Borachio that he saw. Acting on only what he saw, he shamed Hero and "killed" her.
In the end, it was another happily ever after moment. Personally, I expected a better ending, but that's just me. Yes, I would recommend this book but I myself did not love it. Too much love, not enough action and drama. However, it was very funny, especially the constable Dogberry (my favorite character in the book/play). Also the plot was well developed so that kept my interest. Overall, it was good and worth reading. I would give the book/play 8.11 out of 10. You would probably like it so go buy and read it. Great play, but it's just not for me.
Amazon.com
Kenneth Branagh's 1993 production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a vigorous and imaginative work, cheerful and accessible for everyone. Largely the story of Benedick (Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson)--adversaries who come to believe each is trying to woo the other--the film veers from arched wit to ironic romps, and the two leads don't mind looking a little silly at times. But the plot is also layered with darker matters that concern the ease with which men and women fall into mutual distrust. Branagh has rounded up a mixed cast of stage vets and Hollywood stars, among the latter Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton, the latter playing a rather seedy, Beetlejuice-like version of Dogberry, king of malapropisms. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Love Games.......2007-07-25
Whenever reading Shakespeare, I am always in fear that I am missing even some small portion of the plot. Shakespeare tends to pack so many grains of information into his works, that it is easy to overlook some. While "Much Ado About Nothing" is commonly refered to as a comedy, I fail to find humor in the pain. The sharp edged tongues of Benedick and Beatrice often steal the show as other characters manipulate this pair that was apparently made for each other into a compromising position. Yet the central plot seems less humorous.
The story of Claudio and Hero seems much less easy to accept. A manipulative and vendictive Don John implies that Hero was unfaithful to Claudio in the days leading up to their wedding, causing Claudio to refuse Hero at the wedding ceremony. Hero disappears seemingly into death until Don John's guilty accomplice confesses.
The story itself does not seem unrealistic by today's standards, yet I felt as though something was missing from the plot. Known as one of Shakespeare's best comedies, I felt I missed some of the humor in its subtleness.
mrs.depp.......2005-12-12
Much Ado About Nothing was a very well written play. It was a much lighter reading than Antigone and I think I liked and understood it better too. It was still hard to read and understand but I think the movie and actually seeing it being acted out helped a ton. I really didn't understand a lot of what was going on in the garden scene when they are trying to get Beatrice and Benedick to think they both love each other. So I was a little bummed when our group chose that to do the skit. But then as you read and actually break down the words it was actually very easy and fun to figure out what it means.
I think Shakespeare's main point in writing was to show people how funny love is. He has done tons of serious works and I think this was a great piece that kind of gave you a breath of fresh air. I think that was one of the reasons for writing this. To give the people who were coming to see it something a little lighter. I think this because the play focused a ton on the comedy of love. How you can get to people who started out hating each other to like each other.
I surprised myself in this question. I came into this play thinking that I will not like and I would not understand it. Although one of those statements is true the other one was false. I loved this script. In the beginning I thought it could show me nothing about my life or teach me anything and I was completely wrong. From this play I learned to not judge a book (or play) by its cover. I mean this literally. I came into this with a bad attitude and I realized that instead of doing that I should of had a good attitude and I could have enjoyed it more. Also in Beatrice and Benedick's situation they thought they could never like each other and they ended up falling in love. Some of the people I thought I could never be friends with I am very close friends with now.
Another thing it taught me was to not believe everything I hear. When Claudio heard that Hero was having an affair with someone he got mad and disgraced her and everyone thought she was a horrible person. But she never did and she really loved Claudio. I am a very big gossiper and I now realize how much they can hurt people.
I would totally recommend this script to others. Although you may think you can't learn much from it you really can. I would suggest, though, watching the movie after you read each act. It makes them so much easier to understand. Without the movie I think I would completely be lost and not understand the book at all. Also I would go into reading the book with a good attitude thinking that this can help you because if you don't, like me, you will wind up more confused than ever.
Matt Jones' Much Ado Review.......2005-12-08
This play was a particular relief of your average Shakespeare play, in that it is not a deep philosophical piece of literature. I personally loved reading this play and it does have many interesting values and lessons that one could learn and apply. In several instances I found myself laughing out loud just reading the script. Over all I would say that this is yet another one of Shakespears timeless classics that can still very easily be applied in almost every persons life today. Shakespeare wrote this play, as I believe, to show people how stupid they are and the foolish things that they do when they are in love. I personally do not really enjoy the drama of a love story, but this is a whole different animal.The characters in the story are completely normal citizens of an almost care- free society, but, when love comes knocking at their door they transform into completely zaney lunatics. The characters are, however, people and react in different ways. No matter how they do react it is a far cry from what they normally would do. Indeed, this story shows someone to what great lengths they will go in the name of love. For instance, Benedict, one of the main characters, falls in love with the main female and all of a sudden becomes a quiet, softspoken gentleman, who now cares about his appearance. Whereas before he was an opinionated man, who used sarcasm to get his points across. The story does portray very well what love is, different types of love, and how it is reacted to. This play has taught me many things, especially about women, but most of all it has taught me that there are two very specific types of love and that a person should experience both. One type of love, presented by Beatrice and Benedict is the real heart felt one, where both people know and care for one another and the other was demonstrated by Hera and Claudio. This type is known as "puppy love." Each couple represents their type of love very well and has helped me to realize which sort of love that I have, and have had with other people. This book is well worth whatever they are asking for it. If you really apply yourself you can get alot out of this story. The storyline is very good and lets you feel that you are a part of the story, like you know something that the other characters do not know. It is so involved that I often wanted to strangle some of the characters and tell others some great secret. Then I felt like a retard and stopped myself. This is a very light read and though it is mildly difficult to understand it is easy to understand what point Shakespeare is trying to get across. This story is so good because it teaches so many lessons without having this heavy blanket of philosophy shrouded around it. I would recommend this play to anyone who just simply enjoys a good read. If by chance you read this review, then realize this, I am not exagerrating of making any of this stuff up. This is a really good story without the deep thoughts and questions of life. So, in conclusion, this is just one person talking, but READ THE PLAY! It is really good and worth it, but you do not have to take my word for it.
Katie A gbcs.......2005-12-08
William Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing" was an extremely funny piece of literature. I thought that it was very cleverly planned out and humorously executed. With Dogberry and his men constantly mixing up words and their meanings it gave the readers a comic relief. The deceit and mistaken identities added so much humor to the already capturing story.
I believe that Shakespeare's main point in writing this play was to show that many times, people get worked up over simple miscommunications. You mishear something wrong, or in your anger, you tune out someone before getting all the facts. All that we would need to do to fix a certain problem would be going to the source of the information, but many times we take the easy way out. We jump the gun a little and choose to believe whatever is told to us despite our gut feeling that the information is wrong.
An example of this would be when Leonato has heard of Hero's scandalous evening with Borachio. Despite the fact that she is his daughter and he would know her better than anyone, Leonato believes the lies told about Hero. Leonato, being her father and the one who raised her, should have known his daughter well enough to know that she would not dishonor her fiancé and herself. Especially the night before the wedding that she has been waiting for. Instead of choosing to believe his daughter, who firmly denies any and all sexual relationships, he joins Claudio, Don John, and Don Pedro in disgracing her.
One lesson learned from "Much Ado About Nothing" is never should people automatically assume something to be correct. We should "take everything with a grain of salt"- test everything. People in the world these days are so willing to lie to us and readily do so without a second thought. Many times people are lied to without even knowing that someone has done so. True, sometimes the lying and deceit is all in good fun, but it still has the possibility of hurting someone. Even innocent lying has its consequences.
Benedick and Beatrice both believed almost immediately that what they had overheard their friends saying in the garden was correct and completely true. Neither person decided to test what they had heard. To see if what was said was true. Because both did not check to see if the information they heard was correct, everything worked out. Both assumed what they had heard was true and acted on it. There were no visible consequences. What a mess you would have if Benedick decided that what he had overheard could not possibly be true. Beatrice would have made a fool out of herself while thinking that Benedick felt the same way. The same could be said the other way around.
I would recommend this play to other readers. If people don't like to read, then I would not tell others about it. The combination of not liking to read and the difficulty of understanding Old English would not make a very fun and pleasurable read. Many would miss out on the humor and cleverness that Shakespeare brilliantly displayed to his audience. Readers on the other hand would most likely like this play. The humor and lightheartedness makes it an enjoyable play. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how it would end- how Shakespeare would wrap it up. The happy ending was also a nice touch. Yes, the Old English adds a challenge to the reading. The sometimes hard to understand language makes you stop and think about what Shakespeare is trying to say and ultimately makes you stop and realize what he is truly trying to communicate to his audience.
Another Love Story.......2005-12-08
"Romeo, Romeo! Where for art thou Romeo?" Wait a minute, wrong play! In my opinion, Much Ado about Nothing was a very funny book/play and I somewhat enjoyed reading it. The only bad part about it is that it was a chick flick (or in its case a chick play). The old English also took away from the play sometimes. However, for the most part it was understandable. Overall, I believe Shakespeare probably had a reason for writing the play other than just for pure entertainment.
Much Ado about Nothing is a classic Shakespearian type play. It is a comedy about two young couples. One couple is Benedick and Beatrice. At the start of the play they are in love with one another, they just do not know it yet. They are constantly bickering and fighting with each other. The other couple Hero and Claudio, who are madly in love with each other (or so they think) plot to make Benedick and Beatrice realize that they are in love with each other. They also have help in the form of Leanato, Don Pedro, Margaret and Ursula. Meanwhile, Don Pedro's evil brother Don John along with his henchmen, Conrade and Borachio, plot to break up Hero and Claudio. The plan nearly succeeds, and the rather unusual constable Dogberry and his somewhat merry men must come to the rescue of Claudio's and hero's relationship.
As I said before, the main point of Shakespeare writing the play was probably for more than entertainment. I believe he also wrote it because he wanted to show how crazy love can make a person. In the play, Beatrice and Benedick fall in love with each other. After Claudio shames Hero, Beatrice was so upset that she asks that Benedick kills Claudio. Now that presents a problem because Benedick and Claudio are good friends. At first, Benedick is very reluctant to do this. So reluctant that he refuses to do this. After she says she will not love him any more Benedick immediately agrees to kill Claudio. Even though I would probably do the same thing in Benedick's position, it is still amazing what love can make you do.
Surprisingly, I actually learned something from this play. It's the simple fact that assumptions are very, very dangerous. Thanks to Don John and his henchmen's evil plot, Claudio thought that he had seen Hero cheating on him with Borachio. In reality, it was Margaret and Borachio that he saw. Acting on only what he saw, he shamed Hero and "killed" her.
In the end, it was another happily ever after moment. Personally, I expected a better ending, but that's just me. Yes, I would recommend this book but I myself did not love it. Too much love, not enough action and drama. However, it was very funny, especially the constable Dogberry (my favorite character in the book/play). Also the plot was well developed so that kept my interest. Overall, it was good and worth reading. I would give the book/play 8.11 out of 10. You would probably like it so go buy and read it. Great play, but it's just not for me.
Average customer rating:
- Love Games
- mrs.depp
- Matt Jones' Much Ado Review
- Katie A gbcs
- Another Love Story
|
Much Ado About Nothing
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Kate Beckinsale ,
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ASIN: 0767802608
Release Date: 1998-01-20 |
Amazon.com
Much Ado About Nothing is probably the most satisfying, and certainly the liveliest and most charming, of Kenneth Branagh's Shakespeare films. The witty badinage between Branagh and his then-wife Emma Thompson, as Benedick and Beatrice, is as bright and sunny as the golden sunlight that shines on the Tuscan villa where the picture was shot. This production--and don't ask about the plot, just remember the title--is an ebullient celebration of art and artifice, culminating in a joyous dance, and performed at a brisk pace by an all-star cast, including Denzel Washington, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Keaton. --Jim Emerson
Customer Reviews:
Love Games.......2007-07-25
Whenever reading Shakespeare, I am always in fear that I am missing even some small portion of the plot. Shakespeare tends to pack so many grains of information into his works, that it is easy to overlook some. While "Much Ado About Nothing" is commonly refered to as a comedy, I fail to find humor in the pain. The sharp edged tongues of Benedick and Beatrice often steal the show as other characters manipulate this pair that was apparently made for each other into a compromising position. Yet the central plot seems less humorous.
The story of Claudio and Hero seems much less easy to accept. A manipulative and vendictive Don John implies that Hero was unfaithful to Claudio in the days leading up to their wedding, causing Claudio to refuse Hero at the wedding ceremony. Hero disappears seemingly into death until Don John's guilty accomplice confesses.
The story itself does not seem unrealistic by today's standards, yet I felt as though something was missing from the plot. Known as one of Shakespeare's best comedies, I felt I missed some of the humor in its subtleness.
mrs.depp.......2005-12-12
Much Ado About Nothing was a very well written play. It was a much lighter reading than Antigone and I think I liked and understood it better too. It was still hard to read and understand but I think the movie and actually seeing it being acted out helped a ton. I really didn't understand a lot of what was going on in the garden scene when they are trying to get Beatrice and Benedick to think they both love each other. So I was a little bummed when our group chose that to do the skit. But then as you read and actually break down the words it was actually very easy and fun to figure out what it means.
I think Shakespeare's main point in writing was to show people how funny love is. He has done tons of serious works and I think this was a great piece that kind of gave you a breath of fresh air. I think that was one of the reasons for writing this. To give the people who were coming to see it something a little lighter. I think this because the play focused a ton on the comedy of love. How you can get to people who started out hating each other to like each other.
I surprised myself in this question. I came into this play thinking that I will not like and I would not understand it. Although one of those statements is true the other one was false. I loved this script. In the beginning I thought it could show me nothing about my life or teach me anything and I was completely wrong. From this play I learned to not judge a book (or play) by its cover. I mean this literally. I came into this with a bad attitude and I realized that instead of doing that I should of had a good attitude and I could have enjoyed it more. Also in Beatrice and Benedick's situation they thought they could never like each other and they ended up falling in love. Some of the people I thought I could never be friends with I am very close friends with now.
Another thing it taught me was to not believe everything I hear. When Claudio heard that Hero was having an affair with someone he got mad and disgraced her and everyone thought she was a horrible person. But she never did and she really loved Claudio. I am a very big gossiper and I now realize how much they can hurt people.
I would totally recommend this script to others. Although you may think you can't learn much from it you really can. I would suggest, though, watching the movie after you read each act. It makes them so much easier to understand. Without the movie I think I would completely be lost and not understand the book at all. Also I would go into reading the book with a good attitude thinking that this can help you because if you don't, like me, you will wind up more confused than ever.
Matt Jones' Much Ado Review.......2005-12-08
This play was a particular relief of your average Shakespeare play, in that it is not a deep philosophical piece of literature. I personally loved reading this play and it does have many interesting values and lessons that one could learn and apply. In several instances I found myself laughing out loud just reading the script. Over all I would say that this is yet another one of Shakespears timeless classics that can still very easily be applied in almost every persons life today. Shakespeare wrote this play, as I believe, to show people how stupid they are and the foolish things that they do when they are in love. I personally do not really enjoy the drama of a love story, but this is a whole different animal.The characters in the story are completely normal citizens of an almost care- free society, but, when love comes knocking at their door they transform into completely zaney lunatics. The characters are, however, people and react in different ways. No matter how they do react it is a far cry from what they normally would do. Indeed, this story shows someone to what great lengths they will go in the name of love. For instance, Benedict, one of the main characters, falls in love with the main female and all of a sudden becomes a quiet, softspoken gentleman, who now cares about his appearance. Whereas before he was an opinionated man, who used sarcasm to get his points across. The story does portray very well what love is, different types of love, and how it is reacted to. This play has taught me many things, especially about women, but most of all it has taught me that there are two very specific types of love and that a person should experience both. One type of love, presented by Beatrice and Benedict is the real heart felt one, where both people know and care for one another and the other was demonstrated by Hera and Claudio. This type is known as "puppy love." Each couple represents their type of love very well and has helped me to realize which sort of love that I have, and have had with other people. This book is well worth whatever they are asking for it. If you really apply yourself you can get alot out of this story. The storyline is very good and lets you feel that you are a part of the story, like you know something that the other characters do not know. It is so involved that I often wanted to strangle some of the characters and tell others some great secret. Then I felt like a retard and stopped myself. This is a very light read and though it is mildly difficult to understand it is easy to understand what point Shakespeare is trying to get across. This story is so good because it teaches so many lessons without having this heavy blanket of philosophy shrouded around it. I would recommend this play to anyone who just simply enjoys a good read. If by chance you read this review, then realize this, I am not exagerrating of making any of this stuff up. This is a really good story without the deep thoughts and questions of life. So, in conclusion, this is just one person talking, but READ THE PLAY! It is really good and worth it, but you do not have to take my word for it.
Katie A gbcs.......2005-12-08
William Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing" was an extremely funny piece of literature. I thought that it was very cleverly planned out and humorously executed. With Dogberry and his men constantly mixing up words and their meanings it gave the readers a comic relief. The deceit and mistaken identities added so much humor to the already capturing story.
I believe that Shakespeare's main point in writing this play was to show that many times, people get worked up over simple miscommunications. You mishear something wrong, or in your anger, you tune out someone before getting all the facts. All that we would need to do to fix a certain problem would be going to the source of the information, but many times we take the easy way out. We jump the gun a little and choose to believe whatever is told to us despite our gut feeling that the information is wrong.
An example of this would be when Leonato has heard of Hero's scandalous evening with Borachio. Despite the fact that she is his daughter and he would know her better than anyone, Leonato believes the lies told about Hero. Leonato, being her father and the one who raised her, should have known his daughter well enough to know that she would not dishonor her fiancé and herself. Especially the night before the wedding that she has been waiting for. Instead of choosing to believe his daughter, who firmly denies any and all sexual relationships, he joins Claudio, Don John, and Don Pedro in disgracing her.
One lesson learned from "Much Ado About Nothing" is never should people automatically assume something to be correct. We should "take everything with a grain of salt"- test everything. People in the world these days are so willing to lie to us and readily do so without a second thought. Many times people are lied to without even knowing that someone has done so. True, sometimes the lying and deceit is all in good fun, but it still has the possibility of hurting someone. Even innocent lying has its consequences.
Benedick and Beatrice both believed almost immediately that what they had overheard their friends saying in the garden was correct and completely true. Neither person decided to test what they had heard. To see if what was said was true. Because both did not check to see if the information they heard was correct, everything worked out. Both assumed what they had heard was true and acted on it. There were no visible consequences. What a mess you would have if Benedick decided that what he had overheard could not possibly be true. Beatrice would have made a fool out of herself while thinking that Benedick felt the same way. The same could be said the other way around.
I would recommend this play to other readers. If people don't like to read, then I would not tell others about it. The combination of not liking to read and the difficulty of understanding Old English would not make a very fun and pleasurable read. Many would miss out on the humor and cleverness that Shakespeare brilliantly displayed to his audience. Readers on the other hand would most likely like this play. The humor and lightheartedness makes it an enjoyable play. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how it would end- how Shakespeare would wrap it up. The happy ending was also a nice touch. Yes, the Old English adds a challenge to the reading. The sometimes hard to understand language makes you stop and think about what Shakespeare is trying to say and ultimately makes you stop and realize what he is truly trying to communicate to his audience.
Another Love Story.......2005-12-08
"Romeo, Romeo! Where for art thou Romeo?" Wait a minute, wrong play! In my opinion, Much Ado about Nothing was a very funny book/play and I somewhat enjoyed reading it. The only bad part about it is that it was a chick flick (or in its case a chick play). The old English also took away from the play sometimes. However, for the most part it was understandable. Overall, I believe Shakespeare probably had a reason for writing the play other than just for pure entertainment.
Much Ado about Nothing is a classic Shakespearian type play. It is a comedy about two young couples. One couple is Benedick and Beatrice. At the start of the play they are in love with one another, they just do not know it yet. They are constantly bickering and fighting with each other. The other couple Hero and Claudio, who are madly in love with each other (or so they think) plot to make Benedick and Beatrice realize that they are in love with each other. They also have help in the form of Leanato, Don Pedro, Margaret and Ursula. Meanwhile, Don Pedro's evil brother Don John along with his henchmen, Conrade and Borachio, plot to break up Hero and Claudio. The plan nearly succeeds, and the rather unusual constable Dogberry and his somewhat merry men must come to the rescue of Claudio's and hero's relationship.
As I said before, the main point of Shakespeare writing the play was probably for more than entertainment. I believe he also wrote it because he wanted to show how crazy love can make a person. In the play, Beatrice and Benedick fall in love with each other. After Claudio shames Hero, Beatrice was so upset that she asks that Benedick kills Claudio. Now that presents a problem because Benedick and Claudio are good friends. At first, Benedick is very reluctant to do this. So reluctant that he refuses to do this. After she says she will not love him any more Benedick immediately agrees to kill Claudio. Even though I would probably do the same thing in Benedick's position, it is still amazing what love can make you do.
Surprisingly, I actually learned something from this play. It's the simple fact that assumptions are very, very dangerous. Thanks to Don John and his henchmen's evil plot, Claudio thought that he had seen Hero cheating on him with Borachio. In reality, it was Margaret and Borachio that he saw. Acting on only what he saw, he shamed Hero and "killed" her.
In the end, it was another happily ever after moment. Personally, I expected a better ending, but that's just me. Yes, I would recommend this book but I myself did not love it. Too much love, not enough action and drama. However, it was very funny, especially the constable Dogberry (my favorite character in the book/play). Also the plot was well developed so that kept my interest. Overall, it was good and worth reading. I would give the book/play 8.11 out of 10. You would probably like it so go buy and read it. Great play, but it's just not for me.
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