The Merchant of Venice (2004 film)

In 16th-century Venice, Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) hopes to wed Portia (Lynn Collins). But to have a chance at winning her hand in marriage, he needs to have a lot of money a critical resource he lacks. And because Bassanios rich friend Antonio (Jeremy Irons) is unable to help, hes forced to make a deadly deal with pitiless moneylender Shylock (Al Pacino). Bassanio will get his money and without paying interest. If he doesnt pay it back, however, he will owe Shylock a pound of his flesh.

Contents

• The Merchant of Venice 2004 trailer
• Cast
• Similar Movies
• Reception
• References

The Merchant of Venice is a 2004 romantic drama film based on Shakespeares play of the same name. It is the first full-length sound film in English of Shakespeares play — other versions are videotaped productions which were made for television, including John Sichels 1973 version and Jack Golds 1980 BBC production.

The title character is the merchant Antonio (Jeremy Irons), not the Jewish moneylender Shylock (Al Pacino) who is the more prominent character. This adaptation follows the text, but omits much. Director Michael Radford believed that Shylock was Shakespeares first great tragic hero who reaches a catastrophe due to his own flaws. The film begins with text and a montage of how the Jewish community is abused by the Christian population of Venice and brings attention to the fact that, as a convert, Shylock would have been cast out of the Jewish ghetto in Venice.

The film is a co-production between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Luxembourg.

In 16th century Venice, when a merchant must default on a large loan from an abused Jewish moneylender for a friend with romantic ambitions, the bitterly vengeful creditor demands a gruesome payment instead.