Much Ado About Nothing
Seen it?1993 | 111 min | Drama, Comedy, Romance
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Romeo + Juliet or 10 Things I Hate About You, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13: scary moments. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In this Shakespearean farce, Hero and her groom-to-be, Claudio, team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro, the week before their wedding to hatch a matchmaking scheme. Their targets are sharp-witted duo Benedick and Beatrice -- a tough task indeed, considering their corresponding distaste for love and each other. Meanwhile, meddling Don John plots to ruin the wedding.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe, 1 BAFTA and 1 Cannes award.. Plus: Nominated for 1 Razzie, the "worst of the year" awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$23 million worldwide on a $11 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 192K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
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10 Things I Hate About You Saturday SpecialAnother musical romantic comedy, and a Saturday Special.
Pride & Prejudice
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Prom
Weeknight WatchAnother musical romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Wrong Paris Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
- Emma ThompsonBeatrice
- Kenneth BranaghBenedick
- Kate BeckinsaleHero
- Denzel WashingtonDon Pedro
- Michael KeatonDogberry
- Keanu ReevesDon John
- Robert Sean LeonardClaudio
- Richard BriersSignor Leonato
- Imelda StauntonMargaret
- Jimmy YuillFriar Francis