Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

You know what a lot of people say during English class? “I don’t like Shakespeare”. Most people haven’t seen one of Kenneth Branagh’s adaptations. Because if they did, they would have a new love of Shakespeare. 1993’s Much Ado About Nothing will make you a Shakespeare fan, even if you go kicking and screaming. 1993’s biggest all-star cast was lined up for it. Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Emma Thompson, and Keanu Reeves. One of Shakespeare’s comedies, it revolves around matchmaking, and false reports of love. Its box office was very strong, bringing in $43 million in a time when $100 million was considered a major blockbuster. The home video market is where a lot of people saw it, or on cable TV. Don’t let the actual Shakespeare dialogue intimidate you. There’s not a better modern director of bringing Shakespeare to the masses than Mr. Branagh. It’s why he was the perfect choice to direct Thor in 2011, which is its own Shakespearean movie. People who would never go to a Shakespeare play have become lifelong fans because of Mr. Branagh’s work. He’s someone who truly knows the beauty of Shakespeare, and his love for the material is visible in every frame. See this one, and you’ll be searching for his other adaptations. And, who knows, maybe you’ll realize there’s nothing rotten in Denmark when deciding to pick a Shakespeare movie.