Rating: PG
Genre:
Romance
Release Date: 08/30/2005
Dubbed: English
Sound: DDS2.0
Run Time: 134 Minutes
Flags: Suitable for Children
Distributor/Studio: Image Entertainment
The classic Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity and gender confusion is brought to the screen once again in this British production, courtesy of screenwriter-director
Trevor Nunn. Nunn has transferred the time period to the Victorian Era of the late 19th century. Two twins, Viola (
Imogen Stubbs) and Sebastian (
Steven MacKintosh), are separated when their ship capsizes. Each believes that the other has drowned. Viola washes ashore on the coast of Illyria. She disguises herself as a man and assumes the name Cesario so that she can take a position as an aide to the Duke, Orsinio (
Toby Stephens). Orsinio desires Olivia (
Helena Bonham Carter), who refuses his attentions. He also flirts with Maria (
Imelda Staunton), Olivia's maid. Orsinio sends Cesario as an emissary to Olivia. The foppish Sir Andrew Aguecheek (
Richard E. Grant) also seeks Olivia's love. He is a friend of her besotted uncle, Sir Toby Belch (
Mel Smith). With the clownish philosopher Feste (
Ben Kingsley), all these members of Olivia's household plot to embarrass the dour Malvolio (
Nigel Hawthorne), a butler who has no tolerance for frivolity. They fool Malvolio into thinking that Olivia desires him, and when he confesses his love, Olivia orders him imprisoned as a madman. Sebastian then turns up and is mistaken for Cesario. A series of mishaps follows.
~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
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