All Is True Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Shakespeare retires after his theater burns down, only to discover that family drama is even more dramatic than his plays, involving secret poems and suppressed feelings. All while he gardens.

🍿 All Is True: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Globe Burns and Shakespeare Returns Home

In 1613, London’s Globe Theatre, where William Shakespeare (Kenneth Branagh) showcases his plays, burns down during a performance. Devastated, Shakespeare abandons his writing career and returns to his family in Stratford-upon-Avon after two decades of absence. His wife, Anne Hathaway (Judi Dench), and daughters, Susanna and Judith, are surprised by his sudden return and intention to stay.

Strained Family Relationships

Shakespeare’s return is not met with open arms. His relationship with Anne is distant due to his long absence. His daughters harbor their own resentments. Judith feels overshadowed by her deceased twin brother, Hamnet, while Susanna faces accusations of adultery, further straining the family dynamics. Shakespeare attempts to reconnect but struggles to bridge the emotional gap.

Secrets and Revelations

As Shakespeare tries to rebuild his life, secrets begin to surface. The truth surrounding Hamnet’s death, previously believed to be from plague, is revealed. Judith confesses that she, not Hamnet, wrote the poems Shakespeare cherished, leading to a re-evaluation of the past and a deeper understanding within the family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• William Shakespeare (Kenneth Branagh): The renowned playwright who returns to Stratford after the Globe Theatre burns down, grappling with grief and strained family relationships.
• Anne Shakespeare (Judi Dench): Shakespeare’s wife, who harbors resentment over his long absences and the death of their son.
• Judith Shakespeare (Kathryn Wilder): Shakespeare’s younger daughter, who feels overshadowed by her deceased twin brother and undervalued by her father.
• Susanna Hall (Lydia Wilson): Shakespeare’s elder daughter, who is married to a puritan doctor and faces accusations of adultery.
• Earl of Southampton (Ian McKellen): Shakespeare’s former literary patron, whose visit stirs up rumors and unspoken feelings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• William Shakespeare: “If you want to be a writer, and speak to others and for others, speak first for yourself. Search within. Consider the contents of your own soul. Your humanity. And if you’re honest with yourself, then whatever you write, all is true.” – Shakespeare advises a young aspiring writer on finding truth and authenticity in one’s own experiences and emotions.
• William Shakespeare: “I’ve lived so long in imaginary worlds, I think I’ve lost sight of what is real.” – Shakespeare reflects on his detachment from his family life due to his immersion in the world of his plays.
• Earl of Southampton: “You forget yourself, Will, it is not your place to love me.” – The Earl sets a firm boundary, reminding Shakespeare of the social constraints of their relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $1,200,481
• Worldwide Gross: $3,019,143

💥 All Is True Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘All Is True’. It felt like a quiet, thoughtful exploration of Shakespeare’s life beyond the plays. The scene where he’s reciting Sonnet 29 with Ian McKellen was especially powerful, giving a glimpse into the Bard’s emotions. It made me think about the personal stories behind the legendary figures we study in school, and how their humanity shaped their art. Definitely a film for those who appreciate character-driven stories and beautiful cinematography!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Shakespeare”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Kenneth Branagh enthusiasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mention of suicide”
  • “Mature themes and emotional intensity”
  • “Thematic elements related to grief and loss”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Branagh’s ‘All Is True’ is a beautifully shot and acted film, delving into Shakespeare’s personal struggles with grief and family. While the pace might be slow for some, the performances from Branagh, Dench, and McKellen elevate the material. The script touches on relevant themes of loss, legacy, and reconciliation, making it a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘All Is True’ offers an intimate glimpse into the life of William Shakespeare, exploring his relationship with his family after his return to Stratford-upon-Avon. Despite the strong performances, the film lacks a certain spark and suffers from a somewhat predictable narrative, failing to fully capture the genius of its subject.

Audience Reactions

The performances by Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen were phenomenal and incredibly moving.: Viewers praised the cast for their convincing portrayals and the film’s sensitive exploration of family dynamics.

The cinematography beautifully captured the English countryside and created a somber, reflective atmosphere.: Audiences appreciated the film’s visual appeal, noting the stunning scenery and effective use of lighting.

Overall Consensus: ‘All Is True’ is a well-acted and visually appealing drama that offers a speculative glimpse into the final years of William Shakespeare’s life. However, its slow pace and somewhat predictable narrative may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kenneth Branagh both directed and starred as William Shakespeare, showcasing his deep connection to the Bard’s works.”
• “The film explores a speculative period in Shakespeare’s life, focusing on his family relationships and personal struggles after the burning of the Globe Theatre.”
• “Several interior scenes were lit primarily by candles, enhancing the historical feel and creating a more authentic visual experience.”

🖥️ How to Watch All Is True?

As of [Current Date], ‘All Is True’ may be available for streaming purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current availability in your region. Some cable providers may also offer the movie on demand. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) may also be available through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed All Is True, you might like these similar films:

• Shakespeare in Love (1998): Explores a fictionalized period in Shakespeare’s life, blending historical drama with romantic comedy.
• Anonymous (2011): Presents an alternate theory about the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays, sparking historical debate.
• The Madness of King George (1994): A historical drama that delves into the personal life and struggles of a prominent figure in English history.
• The Wife (2017): Explores the complex dynamics and sacrifices within a marriage of a prominent writer, echoing themes of family and artistic legacy.
• Bright Star (2009): A biographical drama focusing on the personal life and romantic relationships of poet John Keats.

🛒 All Is True Related Products

• Shakespeare: The Complete Works: This comprehensive collection contains all of Shakespeare’s plays, poems, and sonnets. Essential for any fan, offering endless hours of reading and performance enjoyment.
• Funko Pop! Shakespeare: A stylized collectible vinyl figure of William Shakespeare. Perfect for displaying your love of literature and film.
• The Shakespeare Game: A challenging trivia game testing your knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays, characters, and history. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh film): Kenneth Branagh’s epic and complete film version of Hamlet, now available for digital download. Experience the full play in a stunning cinematic production.

🎧 Soundtrack

All Is True features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Fear No More” – performed by Abigail Doyle
• “All Is True – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Patrick Doyle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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