All Is True

All Is True is a biographical drama film released in 2018. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, also known for his formidable acting roles, the film paints a vivid portrait of the life of one of the world's most celebrated authors, William Shakespeare. Offering an intimate insight into the last years of his life while exploring themes of legacy, loss, and familial complexities, All Is True brings Shakespeare's world to life like never before.

The acting prowess of the film's star-studded cast impresses the audience, driving the emotional weight of the narrative and making the world of the 17th century come alive. Kenneth Branagh not only directs the film but also plays the lead role of William Shakespeare in a masterful transformative performance, fully encapsulating the complexities and nuances of this historical figure's character. The impressive cast also includes Dame Judi Dench in a stellar performance as Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, and Sir Ian McKellen as the Earl of Southampton, two significant figures in Shakespeare's life that add depth to the story. The rich supporting cast fleshes out the world around these characters, creating a canvas against which the main narrative can unfold.

All Is True begins with Shakespeare's return to Stratford in 1613 following a disastrous fire that destroys his beloved Globe Theatre. The movie effectively dramatizes this less explored chapter of Shakespeare's life, capturing the essence of a man experiencing a vocational crisis. As Shakespeare grapples with the tragedy of losing his theatre, he also confronts his troubled past, the death of his son, the uneasy relationship with his wife, the strained relations with his daughters, Susanna and Judith, and his own mortality. These personal struggles, intermingled with societal and familial expectations, sit at the heart of the film and offer a humanizing portrayal of the literary giant.

At the core of All Is True lies the complex dynamics of Shakespeare's familial life. Judi Dench's performance as Anne Hathaway beautifully unfolds the relationship between Shakespeare and his wife, a relationship marked by strain and distance, yet interlaced with an undeniable bond. The film tackles the themes of marriage, strained parental relations, grief over the loss of a child, and the formidable social patriarchal norms of the period. In contrast, Ian McKellen's Earl of Southampton offers glimpses into Shakespeare's social contacts and interactions.

The period is meticulously recreated in the film, complete with historically accurate sets, costumes, and music. The production design revels in historical authenticity, transporting the viewer back to Stratford in the early 17th century. This, accompanied by Zac Nicholson's breathtaking cinematography steeped in the hues of candlelight and dawn, recreates the moody world where Shakespeare scribbled down his timeless tales.

Also worth mentioning is the thoughtful and finely crafted screenplay by Ben Elton, known for his humorous touch in BBC's Blackadder. Elton steps away from overt humor in All Is True but retains his knack for sharp dialogues and well-paced storytelling. With Elton's profound understanding of the Shakespearian time and context, as well as Branagh's vision and expertise, the film meticulously peels away layers of history to reveal the depth of Shakespeare's character.

All Is True serves as a moving tribute to William Shakespeare's life. It humanizes the man behind the greatest works in English literature and explores the themes which influenced not just his literary creations, but also the final chapter of his life, offering a nuanced and intimate portrayal of a life lived under the weight of genius.

Impeccable performances, an engaging script, and authentic period detail make All Is True a film worth seeing, particularly for enthusiasts of history, literature, and Shakespeare. Above all, it's a film about the cost of literary genius and how Shakespeare used his personal experiences to fuel his trademark explorations of love, loss, and the human condition. It is an intimate, thought-provoking, and deeply empathetic exploration of William Shakespeare's life and legacy through Branagh's lens.