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Review

Gloriously romantic and brilliantly written comedy of manners about what happened in the life of young William Shakespeare which inspired him to write "Romeo and Juliet" -- or as he was going to call it, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." The dashing Fiennes is Will, England's up-and-coming playwright of the late 16th century who when we first meet is suffering from writer's block. Oscar winner Paltrow is luminous as Viola, a high-born, stagestruck lady who poses as a man and tries out for Will's new production. From there, romance of an extraordinary kind blossoms. The writers and director Madden have done a magnificent job taking slices of text from "Romeo and Juliet" and incorporating them into the plot, which becomes more ingenious as it moves along. The ensemble is superb, including a very funny Rush as Will's agent, and Oscar winner Dench, who steals the show in her few scenes as Queen Elizabeth. Shakespeare in Love is that rarity -- an intelligent, funny and captivating romantic entertainment. Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.