30 Days of Movies: As You Like It

Because SHAKESPEARE!

Shakespeare is not an easy author to understand. The English of the time Shakespeare wrote in is so far removed from our modern English, that you genuinely have to work to understand the meanings within the meanings WITHIN the meanings! It's mind-bending. But it is oh so worth it. I'll admit, I'm a bit of an English major fail here...I've never read the play. I know, I know, but I never claimed to be a great English major. OR even LIKING being an English major. But I like Shakespeare, I know that.

As You Like It is easily my favorite adaptation of a Shakespeare play. As you might have guessed from my Bride & Prejudice review, I like films that adapt books in a unique and different ways. This play is typical Shakespeare work, but the film transplants the activity to 19th century Japan. The costuming is gorgeous, and the score sets the tone of the film without being distracting or annoying. I adore the casting selection, especially in the roles of Orlando and the two Dukes (played by the same man)

Like any work of the Bard, it takes repeated viewings to really understand. I think I've seen this movie five times and every time I watch it I notice something new! 

In the interest of full disclosure, this was not released in theaters, it was broadcast on HBO. But it's my blog and I wanted to review it so THERE.

My review: 4 stars.Watch, but with a dictionary next to you!

All the worlds a stage.