The film unfolds during the later years of Queen Elizabeth’s rule and depicts a period when William Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes) finds himself struggling with a lack of inspiration and financial difficulties. He's pressured by Richard Burbage (Martin Clunes) and Geoffrey Rush, portraying Philip Henslowe, both seeking work that he is supposedly already obligated to produce. The situation appears rather grim. When Gwyneth Paltrow, an enthusiastic theatregoer prevented from acting due to her gender, disguises herself as "Thomas Kent" for an audition, Shakespeare quickly recognizes the deception, and his creative spark returns. However, “Viola de Lesseps,” as she’s really called, is promised to the impoverished “Lord Wessex” (Colin Firth) and destined for Virginia once he can secure her father's dowry. The story that follows is a fast-paced, gently humorous, romantic drama featuring a group of talented actors who contribute effectively to the overall feel of the narrative. Fiennes delivers a strong performance as the struggling playwright, and Paltrow, Rush, an unexpectedly good Ben Affleck, Imelda Staunton portraying her knowing nurse alongside Jim Carter in a similar onstage role, and Barnaby Kay as the playful “Nol” also stand out. The costumes and sets are visually impressive; the script by Marc Norman and Sir Tom Stoppard is clever and engaging, incorporating lines from Shakespeare’s own works into the screenplay. There was a risk that the abundance of talent could have overshadowed the story, but director John Madden manages to maintain cohesion. It's likely this film will be primarily remembered as Dame Judi Dench’s way of receiving an Oscar (after losing out for "Mrs. Brown" previously), and her contributions are adequate, though there is much more substance to this tale about a playwright’s romantic challenges. The movie feels somewhat extended, appearing to conclude on several occasions, but it remains a story that the writer himself might have appreciated.

Source on TMDB