Young Will Shakespeare is the up and coming playwright of the time, but has been disastrously struck by the bane of the writer’s life – writer’s block. His comedy “Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter” isn’t going anywhere and the playhouse is under threat of closure. What Will needs is a muse, and she appears in the form of the beautiful and bethrothed Lady Viola. The path of true love does not run smooth for Will, but the joys and tragedy of his own life find their way onto the page in a moving, witty and spellbinding tale.
Featured Clips
03:02As Viola prepares to head to Greenwich, it seems that it's life this time that's imitating art, that is, until Shakespeare devises a plan. In this scene: Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), Lord Wessex (Colin Firth)- 01:44During rehearsals for is still unfinished play, Shakespeare must break to write what shall soon be a famous sonnet. In this scene: Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), Ned Alleyn (Ben Affleck)
- 02:50While Thomas Kent and Sam rehearse a passionate kiss, Shakespeare proves to be a real hands—and mouths—on director. In this scene: Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), Ned Alleyn (Ben Affleck)
- 02:18A late-night visit to Viola's balcony inspires Shakespeare. In this scene: Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes)
- 02:24It's the first day of rehearsals and Ned and the rest of the Admiral's men have returned just in time to save the show—and restore the balance of power. In this scene: Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes), Philip Henslowe (Geoffery Rush), Hugh Fennyman (Tom Wilkinson), Ned Alleyn (Ben Affleck)
- 02:05Deep in debt, Henslowe uses Shakespeare's new play to barter for his life. In this scene: Philip Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush), Hugh Fennyman (Tom Wilkinson)
