The Merchant of Venice
No Ordinary Love
•
2h 11m
"Pacino, tackling a tough trap of a role, raises the bar in a mesmerizing acting triumph." Rolling Stone
Venice Film Festival (I mean, how could they say no??)
Telluride Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival
Hong Kong International Film Festival
São Paulo International Film Festival
Venice, 1596. Melancholy Antonio loves the youthful Bassanio, so when Bassanio asks for 3000 ducats, Antonio says yes before knowing it's to sue for the hand of Portia. His capital tied up in merchant ships at sea, Antonio must go to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender he reviles. Shylock wraps his grudge in kindness, offering a three-month loan at no interest, but if not repaid, Antonio will owe a pound of flesh. The Jew's daughter elopes with a Christian, whetting Shylock's hatred. While Bassanio's away wooing Portia, Antonio's ships founder, and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. With court assembled and a judgment due, Portia swings into action to save Bassanio's friend.
USA - 2004 - 2h 11mins
Director: Michael Radford
Writers: William Shakespeare (play), Michael Radford (screenplay)
Stars: Al Pacino, Joseph Fiennes, Lynn Collins, Jeremy Irons, Charlie Cox