All Is True (2018)

Overview
"All holds true" is a 2018 biographical drama film directed by Kenneth Branagh, who likewise stars in the leading role. The film explores the final years of the life of popular playwright, William Shakespeare. The title "All is True" is derived from the alternative name of Shakespeare's play, "Henry VIII". The film includes an ensemble cast consisting of Judy Dench as Anne Hathaway and Ian McKellen as the Earl of Southampton.

Plot
The movie begins in 1613, with London's popular Globe Theatre burning to the ground during a performance of "Henry VIII". Following this disaster, William Shakespeare (played by Branagh), currently a well known playwright, chooses to retire from composing and return to his home in Stratford-upon-Avon. He intends to invest his staying years with his household whom he had ignored for his work. He returns to a stretched relationship with his other half Anne Hathaway (played by Dench) and his 2 making it through children, Susanna and Judith.

Much of his past decisions impact his life in retirement. The death of his kid Hamnet, 17 years back, creates a sticking around environment of regret and unhappiness. Shakespeare obsesses over developing a memorial garden for Hamnet, who he thought was a gifted poet in the making-- a belief not shared by his partner.

Characters
The stretched relations in between Shakespeare and his family take spotlight in the movie. Judith (Kathryn Wilder), Shakespeare's outspoken more youthful child, is resentful and bitter. She is mad at her dad for his disregard and for favoring her dead twin brother, Hamnet. His older child, Susanna (Lydia Wilson), is caught in a loveless marriage. Anne Hathaway feels pushed away due to her illiteracy and her separated relationship with her other half. William himself battles with the guilt of being a missing dad and partner.

Major Themes
"All is True" examines themes of household, grief, popularity, and the expense of genius. The movie takes a look at the individual costs of Shakespeare's fame - the method he neglected his family for his work. Through Shakespeare's interactions with his family, the movie exposes the psychological toll of his profession choices.

The film raises questions about imaginative identity, authorship, and adulation. The outcome is a deeply human and moving representation of a distinguished figure, too often mythologized, in his twilight years wrestling with personal issues that echo common human experiences.

The film also discuss the societal issues of the time, such as illiteracy amongst ladies, patriarchal norms, and prejudices.

Important Reception
"All holds true" got combined reviews from critics, with considerable praise for the performances, especially Branagh and Dench. Nevertheless, some critics cited the film's plot as its main weak point, calling it meandering and too melancholic. Despite the combined evaluations, "All holds true" offers an original take on one of the world's biggest authors and gives audiences a look into an overlooked duration in the life of William Shakespeare.

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