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Dec 06, 2014Nursebob rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Even though Zeffirelli took many liberties with Shakespeare’s caustic comedy, paring away much of its complexity in the process, this brash costume epic still manages to float thanks in large part to the combined star power of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. One of the Bard's more problematic plays, at least to 21st century sensibilities, Kate’s transformation from fiery hellcat (or independent spirit?) to domesticated hausfrau can be interpreted as either a straightforward example of 16th century sexism or, with a small stretch of the imagination, a subtle rebuke steeped in irony and satire. Certainly Kate’s closing monologue concerning a woman’s happy subservience to her lord and master will forever be open to heated discussions. But no matter, this is still a lively, raucous free-for-all full of pageantry and rich Renaissance backdrops all set to an airy score by Nino Rota. Although lacking the lush romanticism of his later Romeo and Juliet (1968), Zeffirelli nevertheless manages to infuse a spirited passion into this film adaptation. And when those sparks begin to fly between Burton and Taylor the erotic overtones are unmistakable.