Set against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I, and the Essex Rebellion against her, the story advances the theory that it was in fact Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford who penned Shakespeare's plays.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 8 nominations.
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
The digitally wrought period settings are simply gorgeous.
– Amy Biancolli,
Houston Chronicle,
28 Oct 2011
fresh:
Knowing that non-Masterpiece Theater audiences will grow fidgety over this sort of thing, Emmerich and Orloff throw in plenty of sword-fighting, bear-baiting, and bodice-ripping.
– Alonso Duralde,
TheWrap,
28 Oct 2011
rotten:
John Orloff's screenplay could have used a rewrite by de Vere -- or whomever.
– Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
29 Oct 2011
fresh:
File this one in the category of entertaining historical fiction. There are facts here, but one must possess more than a passing familiarity with history to be able to spot them.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
30 Oct 2011
rotten:
Will Shakespeare, whose words shine on, bright and brave, Is turning o'er with laughter in his grave.