As You Like It (2006)
Director
Starring
Last On
12:00-14:00
Sun 27th May 2012 120m
BBC2
Synopsis
Kenneth Branagh replants the "Forest of Arden" in 19th-century Japan for this, his fifth retelling of a Shakespeare classic. But, aside from providing an excuse for some oriental set dressing, there seems little point to the relocation, as most of the action unfolds in the woods. Bryce Dallas Howard is charming as Rosalind, the daughter of the exiled Duke Senior (Brian Blessed, in one of two roles). She falls for Orlando (David Oyelowo), but after she is also banished from court, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and finds refuge in Arden. There, she once again befriends Orlando and tests his "romantic hero" credentials through a mock relationship. However, the only laughs to come from this comedy set-up are those of disbelief at how Orlando could fail to see through her lame disguise. Despite sterling support from the likes of Alfred Molina and Kevin Kline, Branagh's blinkered direction means all the magic and intrigue are lost. The director apparently doesn't appreciate the power of a close-up and mishandles the pace - in effect leading us a merry dance up the garden path.