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Simply wonderful retell of this clever Shakespeare comedy. I loved every minute of this new version. This isn't just because of the perfect casting but also the very good script. This writer had absolutely everything right. Rufus Sewell, a favourite of mine anyway, is just amazing in this. I'd never before thought of him in women's clothes but he looks completely stunning even to the mini skirt and highheeled boots - he has great legs! The wedding is amazing! Shirley Henderson is a perfect match for him as the objectionable MP. It's not just full of laughs but plenty of warmth and tenderness too as the unlikely couple sort themselves out to become a completely likely couple. You really feel for all the characters including Kate's flashy sister with an out-for-the-main-chance student lover half her age, her mother and Bianca's long-suffering manager (played so poignantly by Stephen Tomkinson). Best of all are the final snapshots of "the future" which set the seal (threefold!) on this delightful tale.
I could watch this over and over again.
It's the best of the 4 retells on the Shakespeare Retold DVD which also contains retells of Much Ado, Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth. It also far outshines the quite good old musical Kiss Me Kate using the same basic story but which I found a bit boring but for the music.
I note Rufus Sewell and Shirley Henderson also starred as "husband and wife" in Charles II, another marvellous piece of TV.
Simply wonderful retell of this clever Shakespeare comedy. I loved every minute of this new version. This isn't just because of the perfect casting but also the very good script. This writer had absolutely everything right. Rufus Sewell, a favourite of mine anyway, is just amazing in this. I'd never before thought of him in women's clothes but he looks completely stunning even to the mini skirt and highheeled boots - he has great legs! The wedding is amazing! Shirley Henderson is a perfect match for him as the objectionable MP. It's not just full of laughs but plenty of warmth and tenderness too as the unlikely couple sort themselves out to become a completely likely couple. You really feel for all the characters including Kate's flashy sister with an out-for-the-main-chance student lover half her age, her mother and Bianca's long-suffering manager (played so poignantly by Stephen Tomkinson). Best of all are the final snapshots of "the future" which set the seal (threefold!) on this delightful tale.
I could watch this over and over again.
It's the best of the 4 retells on the Shakespeare Retold DVD which also contains retells of Much Ado, Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth. It also far outshines the quite good old musical Kiss Me Kate using the same basic story but which I found a bit boring but for the music.
I note Rufus Sewell and Shirley Henderson also starred as "husband and wife" in Charles II, another marvellous piece of TV.