The Merchant of Venice (2004)

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

When I first read the book, I desired nothing more than to see the acts performed, preferably as I've imagined them being played out in my head whilst reading. This not being the first time it had happened, I've prepared myself for another disappointment of epic proportions. However, this particular movie adaptation was anything but. The cast is well selected. Some of the actors I have beheld for the first time, but most of them played their parts according to my taste. Jeremy Irons has never before failed to deliver, and I've yet to see him perform less than perfectly. Al Pacino's embodiment of Shylock was also stupendously extraordinary. Lynn Collins's portrayal of Portia (who happens to be my favourite character in the book) was, although not completely as I've imagined it, awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, nowadays not only do we lose some of the finest artists of our time, but there is so little space for them to display their full potential; in such a way one misfortune competes with another. I've never given much notice to directors, but this work of art cannot be simply attributed to the actors, or the story, or the impressions and expectations of the audience. Michael Redford completed this picture, he was the missing piece that allowed for this art form to be manifested in reality. And I thank him for it. No doubt my watchlist shall be littered with his movies from now on, at least until the day I see them all. The sole flaw of this film is that now, having seen it and read the book as well, I cannot decide who the villain is, and as someone who is rather fond of clear and logical limitations and yet aware that life could never be so simplistic, that bothers me immensely. I cannot condemn any of the characters. I've grown too fond of them all. Beware the feels this movie brings.

Very good, solid film of Shakespeare's work. The directing is dynamic and the players in this film are well placed, therefore with all the interior shots that are going on, it still feels like there is a lot of space/room in the movie, when in actuality it's a lot of clustered interior shots ergo most of the actors probably feel like they are in a Cluster F99K most of the time. So the director did a great job at making it look like there wasn't much of a cluster. Excellent acting all the way down to the smallest of characters. I really enjoy watching Joseph Fiennes in these Shakespeare movies, I wish I saw more of him, he's a really good actor, but his forte is within the Shakespeare period. Plus Lynn Collins was terrific. I couldn't believe she was Dawn from True Blood and the wife of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in the 2009 X-Men Origins: Wolverine film. A Very good actress. And also Pacino did not disappoint. A real treat with The Merchant of Venice.

i fell in love with this play as a boy! it amazed my father. he could not understand my fascination with it. i have always loved it. it shows the rampant hatred world-wide against the jews. this hatred was unfounded. i waited in 2003 3 months to see this movie! i stood at the door of the theater waiting to see it. to my horror, it opened in only one theater. i was one of 3 or 4 people waiting to see it! what has happened to mankind? have their brains dried up? the history, the costumes, the music, the words, were perfect. al pacino is shylock. lynn collins is wonderful, as well. all of the parts were played with passion similar to the old vic theater! bravo for having the courage and integrity to make this movie!

this film was truly amazing to watch, the costumes and scenery were first-class. Michael Radford has done a tremendous job, on a fairly constrained budget (as he said at the London Premiere). Costumes and general time period pieces were exquisite and Oscar nominations for these would seem in the running.The acting was simply superb. Al Pacino was (as ALWAYS) perfect. He captured the torture of emotions that run through Shylock impeccably and easily stole the spotlight whenever he was on screen. Jeremy Irons paved the way for great British acting in his earlier times, and now has done the same. Also Lynn Collins, a fairly recent newcomer was perfect as Portia. She was stunning to look at and managed to pull of the speeches with grace.Although i have all this praise, the film was definitely over-long and many scenes seemed to me like they could have done with a few edits or too. However, the atmosphere of Venice was amazing and it truly felt real in all the mannerisms of the actors.Ultimately a very successful and ambitious film, that leaves nothing to the imagination, as it is a very realistic approach to Shakespeare. Beautiful to look at and incredible actors too (especially for Pacino) make this a great film that i would watch again an recommend at the drop of a Venetian hat.