Happy Birthday Shakespeare (2000)

Family man Will Green, a tourist bus driver is convinced that life would be better if he and his family moved to the birthplace of his favourite man Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-Upon-Avon where he could open his own restaurant. Will also harboured dreams about beginning a romance with tour guide Alice.

Film Overview
"Happy Birthday Shakespeare" is an upbeat BBC movie released in 2000. The movie, directed by Nick Hurran, elaborately weaves William Shakespeare's sonnets and some parts of his plays into a vibrant story. The primary theme of the film is about going after dreams and hopes, an underpinning aspect of the majority of Shakespearean works. The movie has actually effectively attempted to deliver components of funny, love, and drama, all essential to the bard's oeuvre.

Plot Summary
The film revolves around two enthusiastic characters, Terry and Julie, who survive on a rundown council estate in Stratford-upon-Avon. Terry imagine traveling the globe, while Julie, an amateur actress, desires perform Shakespeare on a popular phase. While Terry and Julie struggle to find ways to attain their dreams, their lives get complicated with a household to look after, resulting in love, laughter, and tears.

The coup de grace comes when Terry buys a decaying old tour bus, marks it as their next home, and deliberately parks it outside their council flat, planning to take it for a world tour with his big household. Julie, on the other hand, is successful in getting a leading function in an interesting brand-new production of Romeo and Juliet.

Characters and Performances
Star Neil Morrissey masterfully portrays the character of Terry, an unemployed dreamer. He successfully expresses Terry's love for his family, his vigorous optimism, and his decision to give them the world. On The Other Hand, Dervla Kirwan remarkably embodies Julie's character. She handles to bring to life Julie's enthusiasm for acting, her love for her family, and her strength in dealing with misfortune. Their excellent efficiencies, along with the performances of other cast members, weaved an engaging story that mesmerized viewers till the end.

Integration of Shakespearean Works
What makes this film distinct is the director's effective amalgamation of Shakespearean deal with the modern storyline. Notable scenes include Terry's children providing sonnets as part of their research, Julie outpouring her feelings while providing a soliloquy from Romeo and Juliet, and Terry's amusing attempts to comprehend Shakespeare. Furthermore, the film itself is set in Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, highlighting the sustained impact of the legendary bard's works.

Conclusion
"Happy Birthday Shakespeare" turns out to be a remarkable film with its striking mix of Shakespearean elements and an interesting story. The plot's climax hilariously portrays the family getting associated with a disorderly efficiency of Romeo and Juliet. In general, the movie perfectly conveys life's unpredictability and how dreams and truth could lead to a comic yet heartfelt turmoil.

Impact and Message
Even two decades since its release, "Happy Birthday Shakespeare" remains a touching ode to Shakespeare and his ageless works. The movie explores various life elements - family, love, dreams, and losses - similar to various Shakespearean dramas and sonnets. Ultimately, via aspects of comedy and love, the film provides a message of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a relatable work of art for the audiences.

Top Cast

  • Freddie Highmore (small)
    Freddie Highmore
    Steven Green
  • Sam Morris
    Martin Green
  • Neil Morrissey (small)
    Neil Morrissey
    Will Green
  • Dervla Kirwan (small)
    Dervla Kirwan
    Kate Green
  • Tony Selby (small)
    Tony Selby
    Roy
  • David Gillespie
    Graham
  • Amanda Holden (small)
    Amanda Holden
    Alice
  • Roger Frost
    Frank
  • Mark Williams (small)
    Mark Williams
    Ted
  • Kacey Ainsworth (small)
    Kacey Ainsworth
    Rita