I am no fan of Shakespeare but I do remember loving Kenneth Brannagh's Much Ado when it came out in my 20's. Nearly 30 years later I find myself trying to motivate my teen son in Twelfth Night for school.
Having managed to enthuse ourselves by working through the CliffsNotes synopsis and character list, I sought out something on the lines of the Brannagh, and we set some time aside to watch the 1980 BBC recording (2nd choice after the 1996 version which can't be streamed in the UK). We tried hard to get into it but gave up within 30 long minutes.
I'm so glad we persevered and discovered this low budget Shanty Productions version c/o their YouTube 'viewtorial'. Honestly I found the unconscious Viola poster image discouraging - it's a great image, but to me, it implied that the film would be too avant-garde to help with the schoolwork. In fact, almost any still from the film wouldn't do it justice, as its charm is entirely down to the thoroughly enjoyable acting and stagecraft.
I barely know the play, so much of the dialogue (apart from fragments I've worked through with my son) is above my head, but somehow still enjoyable and engaging, and in that regard, as great as Brannagh's Much Ado.
I'd give 0/10 for visuals - it really looks like it's filmed in the actors' homes and with whatever clothes they picked from their own wardrobes.
Music was similarly low budget but it successfully adds atmosphere.
But I so totally enjoyed watching with my like-minded son, that I can't rate the experience any less than 10. I'm certain that I will watch it several times.
