The Merchant Of Venice (DVD 2005)

I am grateful that my son's love of the soundtrack (heard on classicfm) led me to watch this film. Superb! Al Pacino delivers a riveting performance, with the rest of the cast supporting wonderfully. The nudity was an unnecessary distraction, which unfortunately makes this excellent Shakespeare production unsuitable for children. My next purchase will be the soundtrack CD.

I've bought this DVD on e-bay because the film has not been released in France. Sombody must have decided that the French are not interested in Shakespeare... (shame on them!)
Although sometimes difficult to follow in Shakespearian English for me, I really enjoyed this cinema adaptation. I think that all the actors are great and that Al Pacino gives an additional dimension to the tragical Merchant's of Venise character. The film locations, all set in Venise are so beautiful that it will be difficult to me to see this performed on stage... The adaption is very well done, emphasizing on the universal themes of all sorts... this "old" Venetiain story appeals to the 21st century audience very well... as always it happens with Shakespeare...I'm sure one can spent a very enriching AND entertaining time viewing this DVD!

Bought this for school. A good production that gripped them in the second half. They coped with the darkness and slow plot of the first half and were spell bound by the trial scene... why don't they recognise they are women? A good production.

Shakespeare on film does not always work....The all- round balance of production values,cinematography,cast,budget,acting etc.seem to co-operate here and somehow succeed in what a lesser effort could have turned into "the Al PACINO show"Seriously, it's convincing,and visually appealing .The acting and costumes look pretty good-and then there's the script.This film works because you don't need a degree in english literature to be able to enjoy the plot.A great deal of research into historical context by the director helps to carry the play and makes this version the best so far.

This is an intricate film, that keeps you riveted while it unravels in its intensity - the people, their lives and their status in the play. It tells of who they are and why they are there. Watch it and see. A great film very well executed that is based on a great play by Shakespeare.
I have watched it previously with my daughter who is doing it in English and knew we would want to watch it again.

This is a really good film. The acting is superb and the scenery in Venice is really great. A most enjoyable experience.

This is not usually the kind of film i would buy, but it was recommended by a friend. I absolutely loved it..superb performances by Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons and the music is haunting and very tranquil. Loved it so much i bought the soundtrack and listen to that relaxing in the bath! If it's not your usual type of film, give it a go.

A strong anti-Semitic flavour runs through this Shakespearean tale of 16th century Venice and one tends to develope some sympathy with the vengeful Shylock as he seeks his "pound of flesh" in the most awful fashion. This production is very sumptuous and the acting quite fine. Pacino gives a powerful, yet somewhat restrained, performance and all the leads are on top form especially Jeremy Irons, the most competent of British actors. An enjoyable film to watch overall and an excellent introduction to poetic words of the Bard.

I bought this on the recommendation of my 12 year old, who had watched it at school and enjoyed it! She was studying the Shakespeare and had to write an essay on it and I thought a recap might help! Watching it with her, I was struck by how much she had remembered from the previous viewing....obviously a good aide to memory! The boys in her class particularly enjoyed the bare breasted women and watching the goat have its throat cut...I did wonder about the PG rating! Having said that, I enjoyed it too and it always feel strange to admit Shakespeare can be fun! It was understandable, memorable and well done. I'm not sure how close it was to the text...but then who cares when you're 12!!
A good evenings entertainment...and I hope when the essay comes back, I can say money well spent!

A good aid for my daughter, who is studying this book for her GCSE.Watching this film has given her a better insight into the characters, and their backgrounds. A great study aid. We all enjoyed the film as a family, which was an added bonus.

There was nothing about this that I disliked. The version was actually filmed in Venice and for me added to the authenticity. Al Pacino was superb, as was Jeremy Irons. The trial scene was quite gripping, mainly through Pacino's portrayal of a determined and cruel Shylock and Iron's sheer terror. Very convincing - even to all lovers of Shakespeare drama who are familiar with the conclusion. Well worth watching and I shall keep the DVD in my collection. The interpretation, although in film form, was true to the original traditional format. I have seen and enjoyed some modern and contemporary productions of this play but I prefer the historical renderings, such as this. Well worth buying and keeping.

The Merchant Of Venice (DVD 2005) I purchase was in excellation condition. I have real enjoyed watching it as well.

I bought this movie as an early christmas present for my father.
Luckily we both adored it as a play and i though he would enjoy a big screen version. From the moment it started, there was no way we were leaving our seats. The movie is superb and the acting amazing.
The only problems i had was with the nudity (can't have my father seeing naked women!) and the cutting. I felt some of the better speeches were removed, even though it doesn't detract from how amazing the movie is.
If you want to help anyone enjoy Shakespeare then this is the movie to do it, if you want to help someone see bigotry and its results, then this movie does that too. This is a great one for any person's stocking or just as a present!