The Taming of the Shrew

It was a Christmas gift for my best friend, who loves this movie. When he unwrapped the wrapping paper and saw the title, he was happily surprised. He watched it that night.

The acting is superb! This movie is Shakespeare at its finest.

I sure wish more people would see this and erase the tepid impression so many other films of Shakespeare's work have left on them. This is certainly one of the best of all those put on film. Taming of the Shrew is a funny work but hard to perform. Without the exactly correct actor, it loses half it's punch as it relies on the facial expressions that will translate the words into feeling. Hard to do from a centuries old work that has very little in the way of director's notes! This masterpiece has the three main elements to greatness locked up: Franco Zeffirelli as the director and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as the two main characters. Really, given the visual talent of Zeffirelli and the magnetic passion between Taylor and Burton, everything else is bound to fall into place. Like many others, I found the performances of some of the secondary characters not to my exact liking but I think, in retrospect, that it was simply that they were overwhelmed by the talents of the main characters and specifically directed in a way that would create this feeling in the audience. We should feel annoyed by some of those characters and adding a certain tone of voice helps to ensure the audience feels that way. So, I'm not taking anything from the film for that. Taylor as Kate the Shrew and Burton as the wild and unsavory Petruchio are perfect. Burton often has that slightly dirty look to him and his booze roughened voice just adds sauce to the mix. Taylor is at her most beautiful in this movie; no longer so young she is lushly filled out, has character in her face and confidence in her work. The sexual tension between this legendary couple is like over-cooked dynamite, ready to blow in this movie and it lends the final touch to their explosive scenes. You just have to see it to truly appreciate it. The costuming in this film is a notch above superlative with Taylor positively sewn into her bodices and yet still athletic as she races across a roof from her sarcastically effusive husband-to-be. Burton is a slovenly, yet manly and handsome, mess in his well designed dags and pouffy sleeves. The musical score is also exceptional so it is just as much a feast for the ears as the eyes. You don't have to be a fan of Shakespeare to enjoy this movie. You don't have to be a fan of older "classic" movies either. You just have to enjoy a good movie experience overall to really love this film. It's an excellent way to introduce Shakespeare to those who might shy away from it also.

This old movie came out when I was a teenage but I never saw it due to my dislike for most all things Shakespeare especially Hamlet. But since I always enjoy most of what Elizabeth Taylor produced, all of her decent movies that is, I decided it was high time to see it and found it so hilariously funny that it defied my mind. Liz and Richard are totally wonderful in this as they are equally as wonderful in Cleopatra. I think the chemistry, if you will, that they had together is what allowed them to pull off so many great films. It is really too bad that in real life they had to make such a botch of their marriage but I know they loved each other. You can tell by the way they kiss as that cannot be faked. I remember hearing that when they filmed their kissing scenes they had to be almost pulled apart when the director yelled, "CUT!" I always thought that was pretty fun. The costumes are superb and the dialogue so deliciously old world. I am so glad I saw it. I plan to view it again and again. I recommend it to all those who adore Liz and language and costumes from that day. What I loved the most was her speech at the end about loving and honoring husbands. It was a triumph! I am sure feminists hate it. We need much more of this in our country. Honor and respect for husbands are in short supply in most American marriages. I loved it all!

Great Movies Excellent quality, story, so glad I got this! Also gave one as a gift.

"The Taming of the Shrew" is a delightful romp, and very entertaining, even for people who do not normally go out of their way to watch Shakespeare. I can imagine serious scholars rolling their eyes at the liberties taken here, and the "star turns" by those two icons of 60s Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. However, for most of us who basically just want to be entertained--and I suspect with this play, that was the bard's intent--this version is good fun, robustly acted, and with lovely sets and costumes, a feast for the eye. One suspects that Ms. Taylor had a ball, hurling insults and various pieces of furniture at her real-life, on-again off-again, spouse. It looks like Mr. Burton had a good time too, although one frequently has the impression that this was a "well-lubricated" performance ! The supporting cast is fine, with a pleasant film debut for Michael York. As usual, Zeffirelli gives us a film that is gorgeous to look at--and I'm not just referring to Ms. Taylor ! The DVD has a certain haziness to it, but this may be the way that Zeffirelli intended the film to look. "The Taming of the Shrew" today, of course, is about as "politically incorrect" as a piece of literature can be. While women will find this film amusing, the idea that the female spirit should be "reined in" like that of a wild horse, will cause some discomfort to feminist viewers, I'm sure. Nevertheless, this film is highly entertaining, and might give younger viewers an idea as to what all the Taylor/Burton fuss was about. Recommended. A very sad footnote--one of cinema's greatest stars has left us. Ms. Elizabeth Taylor passed away on 23 March 2011. There is little for me to say after justifiably extensive media coverage, except that--in her case--even the word "star" seems inadequate.

Just like watching the film at a picture show. Excellent quality!

My wife and I have watched this at least a half a dozen times and I'm sure we'll do it again! A thoroughly entertaining adaptation of Shakespeare's wonderful comedy. Rich sets; great acting!

Still the best adaption of Taming of the Shrew I've seen. Whatever your politics, you can't deny the chemistry between these two great actors. Sparks fly throughout. Cruelty from him and contempt from her, resolving into a not too serious acceptance by the shrew of her status as tamed. Despite the, to modern sensibilities, awkward dramatic premise and absurdity of outcome, the pyrotechnics between these two will keep you laughing throughout.

Buena película, tiene la opción de escucharla doblada al español o bien en inglés con subtítulos. Es amena y parece durar muy poco pues mantiene buen ritmo toda la película. El DVD es región 1.

現代の感覚で言えば「男尊女卑」にあたるストーリー展開を 豪華絢爛たる舞台＆衣装・演劇的大仰さにあふれた演技 喜劇・アクション・恋愛劇を融合させたかのような演出によって 歴史大作として楽しむことを可能にした作品であります。 まさに「突っ込み封じ＆大作ムード生成の妙技」に長けた 恋愛喜劇であると言えるでしょう。

What a wonderfull theatrical feast this Burton - Zeffirelli production is. Elizabeth Taylor gives the definitive performance of Katharina the shrew, with beautifull menacing eyes and almost insane aggression, which turns to classic charm and elegance, as she learns to love and respect. Richard Burton at his peak delivers a commanding and humourous and equally powerful performance as Petruchio visiting Padua to find a wife. To eveyones relief, especially her father, Petruchio takes on Kate, a 'lusty wench' and it is obvious there is an immediate attraction, as they unravel Shakespeare's eloquent battle of the sexes magnificently. A coffer of 20,000.00 crowns, is no small incentive to the Bridegroom. They are backed by an excellent cast, including Michael York as Lucentio, greatly enamoured of Kate's fair sister Bianca, (Natasha Pyne) who being the youngest is not allowed to marry before Kate. He and his Valet Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) swap roles in true Shakespearian manor, to gain access to the household, and woo Bianca. Giancarlo Cobelli plays the nervous priest at the wedding ceremony. The success of this lavish spectacle owes a lot to the authentic and imaginative 16th Century costume designs. Costumes which Elizabeth Taylor displays radiantly were designed by Irene Sharaff, overall costume design by Danilo Donati, and production design by Renzo Mongiardino. Music composed by Nino Rota, conducted by Carlo Savina, keeps the Paduan Festival atmosphere rolling with lutes, flutes and sackbuts, and one or two very nice minstrell songs. Running time is 117 minutes, but seems shorter because of the complete entertainment value; and this Columbia Tristar DVD of 2001 gives excellent wide screen colour and sound quality. Special features include a short conversation with Elizabeth taylor, and Richard Burton, and their presentation at the Royal Command performance in London to Princess Margaret in 1967. That featurette alone is now memorable.

Great film! After watching on TCM I knew I had to get it. Taylor and Burton at one of their best! So funny!