Streaming movies on Netflix do not always offer a great selection, but sometimes there are little gems hiding among many run-of-the-mill choices. One of those gems is a 5-episode BBC series titled Shakespeare Re-Told, originally aired by BBC in 2005 (Wikipedia). By now I have watched only two of the four relatively short films: The Taming of the Shrew (a few weeks ago), and Much Ado About Nothing, tonight. I always admire creative ways in which writers and directors manage to bring to life, and renewed relevance some of the great works of the past, an these two TV films are both spectacular examples of how satysfying and rewarding watching a modern adaptation can be.
CONTINUE >>> I enjoyed The Taming…, and was curious to see how it could be adapted to our times, where the role of women, and our sensibilities and ways of thinking about the subject have changed so much. The adaptation keeps as much as it can from the original, without offending our modern sensibilities. And if The Taming… adaptation can be described as excellent, Much Ado… goes way, way beyond just excellent. It is quite stunning, and a real pleasure to watch. I still have three more episodes in the series to watch, and I am very much looking forward to it.