The Taming of the Shrew

Great pairing of two wayward psychoses in this TAMING. How can you not fancy a man who'll not only turn up to his wedding wearing high heeled boots, eye shadow and nail polish but but who then has the chutzpah to take on the resultant triplets? No wonder Kate is so smug at the end.

Shirley Henderson is a fabulous fruitcake, bolting on to her THE WAY WE LIVE NOW characterization even more aggression, plus much fruitful searing and wonderful body language. She'd be at home in Sicily if she didn't get knocked off first.

Rufus Sewell crosses every obstacle in presenting Petruchio as a remotely possible twentieth century human being and even makes you think you'd invite him to a dinner party (possibly a major mistake).

The rest of the casting was equally choice (my heart was especially taken by Twiggy) and the wit was sharper than a serpent's tooth!

I can't help thinking that the reaction I had to this tele-play (hilarity, surprise, horror, disgust, warm & fuzzies) was probably identical to how Shakepeare's original play was received in its day. Firstly, the casting was exquisite - Rufus Sewell was a big surprise to me, but perfectly cast as the boisterous and unpredictable Petruchio; Shirley Henderson spent much of the play enraged, but wonderfully (I'm stealing her word, 'Swivel'!!); and Stephen Tompkinson performed to his usually high standard as the sad manager to Katherine's sister, played by Jaime Murray.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? It was flawless, and like the other episodes of 'Shakespeare Retold', this play captured the feeling, the mood, the bawdiness of the original play, and in turn created an emotional response in the viewer which many stodgy and underdeveloped performances of the stage-play may not be able to reach.

And another thing......... I'd never thought much of Rufus Sewell, but in this he's something of a honey!!!

I really loved it. Not always you can find a so entertaining adaptation, specially of a Shakespeare's play and a comedy!. Laugh and a serious interpretation and reflexion about love and marriage without boring the audience is what this film gives you. A smart script, excellent music and good photography, there's no doubt why this film is so loved by so many people. This film has brilliant actors that keep your eyes on the screen with good lines,sarcasm and fantastic performances. Easily recommended, excellent for those who appreciate Shakespeare's plays and intelligent comedies.

Time watching it is time laughing.

I don't know if anyone else noticed it, but for me it was the music which really turned this adaptation into something special. Well done to Hal Lindes whoever he is for composing the original music, but also to the person who edited it to maximum effect. It made the film so much fun. Of course, the two main actors, Shirley Henderson and Rufus Sewell were excellent too, even though it was difficult to believe that a future PM could behave as badly as she did, or that she could get married and go on honeymoon without the paparazzi swarming all over the place! How nice to see a new single play on TV with no gruesome murders or police in the cast. Bring back Play for Today!

I have never seen "The Taming of the Shrew" before, but I admit it was worth watching. This adaptation was fantastic. So were the main characters, Shirley Henderson and Rufus Sewell. They were so good together - they really connected.

I did not know who Rufus Sewell was, but he was really funny too he made me laugh. Especially when he got out of that taxi with heavy eyeliner and nail polish, almost stripped to the waist and top of it all knee high black boots, he looked like a real Glam Rocker from the seventies what a sight it was!! For a moment I thought he wanted to boogie, instead he decided to get married and down towards the altar he tottered.

I think Rufus's a brilliant actor, remarkably appealing and very fascinating too. I really hope he will make more plays like this one in the future.