not horrible nor great

I like Black Panther, but I didn't like this movie.

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The Merchant of Venice was a slow paced movie with little plot. Whilst the actors conveyed great emotion, I did not like the character development. The transitions were sloppy and the colour scheme made me barf. The costumes were a little higher than 6/10. Nice colour symbolism. Me oh my, that Joseph Fiennes sure was Fienne, however his performance was distracting since I am used to seeing him in the 1998 classic, "Shakespeare In Love" (my fave movie). Next time, maybe they can hire a better actor who wasn't in anything before hand. None of the characters could speak English properly. I barely understood what was happening half the time because of this. I didn't like it but it wasn't 'bad'. The actor who plays Lancelot scared me.

Shakespeare would have given -1 to this movie. In this movie, Antonio and Bassanio have been portrayed as two bisexual men whereas Portia and Nerissa act like two high school girls, probably going through puberty.In Act I Scene 2, there were many comical parts but were not given much importance.Or even, in Act V Scene 1, Lorenzo and Jessica's exchange of 'On such a night',or their game of references to mythical and legendary nights have been omitted Yeah, I know it's a movie so everything can't be included, but, unnecessary parts too have been included, like many a times, women inadequately dressed, pass in front of the camera or like Prince of Arragon spitting on a container.Even Portia and Nerissa kiss! All in all,extremely disappointed.

The Merchant of Venice (2004): Dir: Michael Radford / Cast: Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes, Lynn Collins, Zuleikha Robinson: Powerful William Shakespeare adaptation about conquest that ultimately leads to self damnation. Jews are persecuted while Christianity dominates but Shylock agrees to lend Antonio money but through a sealed bond, which could result in a pound of his flesh if the bond is broken. His young friend Bassanio has fallen in love with Portia, which leads to Antonio's assistance through the bond. Perhaps the one argument that could be made is that of the forced religious views dealt out during crucial moments otherwise director Michael Radford establishes the look and time frame that are crucial to the viewpoint. As Shylock Pacino has suffered many losses but his anger afflicts him with his biggest loss. Jeremy Irons displays passion and love for Bassanio but reluctantly accepts consequences. Joseph Fiennes is well cast as Bassanio while Lynn Collins steals scenes as the resourceful Portia whose wit comes through during a clever cross exam. Other roles are not so broad and mainly seen as appearances exclusively. Here is one of the better Shakespeare adaptations produced that presents strong images of human excel. It also presents a strong theme regarding the downfall of revenge and how hate can ultimately destroy us. Score: 8 ½ / 10

It's 1596 Venice. Jews face restrictions even in the liberal city state. They are forbidden to hold property. They charge usury which is something unChristian and are demonized for it. Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) asks 3000 ducats from melancholy Antonio (Jeremy Irons) to woo wealthy heiress Portia (Lynn Collins). Bassanio is able to get moneylender Shylock (Al Pacino) to make it an interest-free 3 month loan but Antonio must give a pound of flesh if he fails to repay the loan. There is animosity on both sides. After Antonio's ships are lost, Shylock goes to court seeking his pound of flesh.This is one of the more troubling Shakespearian plays to a modern audience. The villainous Shylock is the quintessential money-grubbing vengeful Jew that is the caricature Jew for every antisemite. There is no doubt that Al Pacino is brilliant and injects a humanity into a villain that is usually two-dimensional. In fact, it is questionable if Shylock is truly a villain in his hands. The comedy may not wear well especially as a modern play but Pacino turns it into something more compelling.