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The Merchant of Venice (2004)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
3 December 2004 (UK)
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Plot:
In 16th century Venice, when a merchant must default on a large loan from an abused Jewish moneylender for a friend with romantic ambitions, the bitterly vengeful creditor demands a gruesome payment instead. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.
Another 1 win
&
5 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(25 articles)
Pacino Set For New York Stage
(From WENN. 7 December 2009, 5:31 PM, PST)
Walken Heading Back To Broadway
(From WENN. 30 November 2009, 5:36 PM, PST)
(From WENN. 7 December 2009, 5:31 PM, PST)
Walken Heading Back To Broadway
(From WENN. 30 November 2009, 5:36 PM, PST)
User Comments:
The Merchant has been reinvented - with a deft hand
more (141 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Al Pacino | ... | Shylock | |
| Jeremy Irons | ... | Antonio | |
| Joseph Fiennes | ... | Bassanio | |
| Lynn Collins | ... | Portia | |
| Zuleikha Robinson | ... | Jessica | |
| Kris Marshall | ... | Gratiano | |
| Charlie Cox | ... | Lorenzo | |
| Heather Goldenhersh | ... | Nerissa | |
| Mackenzie Crook | ... | Launcelot Gobbo | |
| John Sessions | ... | Salerio | |
| Gregor Fisher | ... | Solanio | |
| Ron Cook | ... | Old Gobbo | |
| Allan Corduner | ... | Tubal | |
| Anton Rodgers | ... | The Duke | |
| David Harewood | ... | Prince of Morocco |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Il mercante di Venezia (Italy)
William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (USA) (complete title)
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William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (USA) (complete title)
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MPAA:
Rated R for some nudity.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
138 min | Finland:134 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Argentina:13 |
Canada:PG (Ontario) |
Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) |
Mexico:B |
Iceland:12 |
South Korea:12 |
Peru:14 |
Brazil:14 |
Australia:M |
Canada:G (Quebec) |
Finland:K-7 |
Germany:12 |
Hong Kong:IIB |
Ireland:12 |
Singapore:NC-16 |
Sweden:7 |
Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) |
Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) |
UK:PG |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The bare-breasted prostitutes were not put in the film to make it more risqué, but rather to add a note of historical authenticity. Venetian law at the time required all prostitutes to bare their breasts because the Christian authorities were concerned about rampant homosexuality in their city.
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Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: Approximately 0:02:50 into the film, camera equipment and a man with a black baseball cap w/white logo are seen on the left hand side of the frame. It's a very quick cutaway scene after a couple shots of the white balcony.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Featured in 'Merchant of Venice': Shakespeare Through the Lens (2005) (V)
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Soundtrack:
How Sweet the Moonlight
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (141 total)
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| The Tragedy of Shylock | sfoxly |
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I am always impressed when a director (and this case director/screenwriter) takes a piece of classical text - and makes it come alive. Sure, Shakespeare's text can give you goosebumps even when hammered out with self-importance, but to see a production where true inventiveness makes wonderful words even more so - by the provision of context or nuance not found in the stage directions is simply awe-inspiring. There are many troubling things about the play. It is a racist play about racism - and that still sticks. I have never accepted Jessica's desertion of her father without any acceptable reason. I have never accepted the Christians' position of sanctimonious self-righteousness. But, brilliantly, there is a text prologue which helps us understand the times and politics in which the story is set, and mercifully, much of Jessica's part is cut.
The text is quite stripped down with many passages cut. But, I only noticed one line which was cut at the moment when I expected to hear it - and it was replaced by a look that said it all. This economy and judicious editing has given us a gripping movie - not just a film of the play.
And at last, there is a rationale as to why Antonio is so loyal and generous to the undeserving/unrelated Bassanio - you can almost feel Antonio's pulse start to race when he catches glimpse of Bassanio passing by in a gondola, or arriving for a visit. But it is as subtle as that - no more. I was spellbound.
There were many other highlights. I felt the arguments during the trial to be heartbreaking. And, the suitors' trials are hilarious.
Add all that to glorious cinematography and costumes that resonated with the times, and you'll understand why I can't wait to see it again. And again.