Much Ado About Nothing
In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding.
Critics Sentiment
Hero and Claudio reunite while Beatrice and Benedick marry
Claudio publicly shames Hero at their wedding ceremony
The film recovers dramatically from Hero's public shaming to the joyful wedding celebration, rising 4.4 points in the final act.
The film maintains strong audience appreciation throughout most of its runtime, particularly for the Beatrice-Benedick chemistry, but dips during the melodramatic middle section and Dogberry's scenes. Critics consistently praised the opening energy, the leads' performances, and especially the triumphant finale, while noting some uneven comedy direction and casting choices.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 22
Emma Thompson
Beatrice
Kenneth Branagh
Benedick
Kate Beckinsale
Hero
Denzel Washington
Don Pedro of Aragon
Michael Keaton
Dogberry
Keanu Reeves
Don John
Robert Sean Leonard
Claudio
Richard Briers
Signor Leonato
Imelda Staunton
Margaret
Jimmy Yuill
Friar Francis
Brian Blessed
Antonio
Phyllida Law
Ursula
Patrick Doyle
Balthazar
Ben Elton
Verges
Andy Hockley
George Seacole
Chris Barnes
Francis Seacole
Conrad Nelson
Hugh Oatcake
Alex Lowe
Messenger
Richard Clifford
Conrade
Gerard Horan
Borachio
Crew
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