History,Romance,Comedy
United States of America,United Kingdom
The movie is set in 1593 when William Shakespeare is running out of inspiration for his plays. He is approached by Philip Henslowe, a theater owner who owes money to loan shark Hugh Fennyman. Henslowe promises Fennyman a new play by Shakespeare called "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter" to repay the debt. However, Shakespeare has not written the play yet and is struggling with writer's block.
In the meantime, Shakespeare meets Viola de Lesseps, a wealthy woman who is passionate about theater and wishes to act on stage, which is forbidden for women at that time. She disguises herself as a man and auditions for the role of Romeo, impressing Shakespeare with her talent. They fall in love, but their affair is complicated by Viola's betrothal to Lord Wessex, a man she does not love.
As Shakespeare finds inspiration in his relationship with Viola, his play evolves into the tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet." The lines between fantasy and reality fade as the events of the play come to life in Shakespeare and Viola's personal lives. The film follows their ill-fated love affair as it plays out against the backdrop of a theatrical production that will change the course of dramatic literature forever.
"Shakespeare in Love" won seven Academy Awards in 1999, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress for Gwyneth Paltrow's portrayal of Viola.
