As You Like It
Bryce Dallas Howard, Kevin Kline, Romola Garai; Directed by Kenneth Branagh
When the good Duke Senior (Brian Blessed) is banished from court by his evil brother, Duke Frederick (also Brian Blessed), he and his loyal followers hightail it to the forest where they sup on venison and vegetables, tell a few tales, and sing a few songs. Meanwhile, back at court, Duke Senior's daughter, Rosalind (Bryce Dallas Howard), and her cousin, Celia (Romola Garai), spend the next few days under the volitale and violent shadow of Duke Frederick, who doesn't hesitate to impart to Rosalind his suspicions of her possible scheming and plotting against him. After one particular nasty round of death threats, Rosalind and Celia decide to leave the court in secret, bringing along their faithful companion, Touchstone (Alfred Molina), and making plans to venture into the forest in search of Duke Senior. In the interim, Rosalind falls madly in love with young Orlando (David Oyelowo), whose bitter relations with an ambitious brother put his life in danger. Things are complicated further when the two girls decide to disguise themselves for safety's sake, with Celia adapting the bedraggled appearance and conduct of a shepherdess, and Rosalind donning the garb and manners of a young man named Ganymede. When Rosalind happens upon Orlando in the forest, she decides to use her new identity to discover the depths and purposes of his heart.
Director Kenneth Branagh's next venture into Shakepearean territory is perhaps his most unconventional yet. The cast is largely made up of British actors, and the Shakespearean dialogue is preserved, not dumbed down or modernized. What is unusual is that we find ourselves in 19th century Japan, where the Bard's players don kimonos and engage in sumo wrestling. It was quite bewildering, and not a little off-putting. There were more than a few elements that begged imagination to be stretched a bit thin. For one thing, it is entirely unbelieveable that a schoolboy jacket (entirely cut to complement a feminine form) and a hat pulled low over the eyes with a plume of long hair stuffed underneath would have been enough to keep Rosalind from being recognized, not only as the Duke's daughter that she is, but as a woman with no discernible hint of masculinity whatsoever. Throw in a random lion attack, a brotherly spat which employs karate kicks, and one gets more than a little headspun.
All that being said, As You Like It still has a lot going for it. Not the least of which is the absolutely gorgeous scenery. The forest was a lush garden bathed in that holy "golden hour" glow which only stood to amplify the emotions and passions onscreen. Alfred Molina was a sort of take-him-or-leave-him for me in his performance as goofy Touchstone. Kevin Kline (sporting one heck of a shaggy gray mane), tried to balance things out as the somber philosopher, Jaques. David Oyelowo as Orlando is a fine young talent in the film, though his chemistry with Howard was iffy at best. The two leading ladies (Ms. Howard and Ms. Garai) steal the show and really make the dizzying story worth watching.
I was not familiar with the plot of Shakespeare's play going into the film, and first though it to be on the straight path to a tragedy. Thirty minutes in, my projections spun completely around when I started to surprise myself by laughing. This is really a silly show to watch, and I mean that in the best sense. The throes of love bring about a levity and comedy that makes the interchanges something of a joy to watch. With such an ominous history that Shakespeare has with his romantic subjects, for once, it was kind of nice not to have to fear for the lives of the lovers. I have always enjoyed Branagh's films, and by the end of the calamity, finished it up having had a good time.
Grading
Story = B
Originality = B+
Acting = A
Enjoyability = A-
Visuals = A
Overall = B+
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