If you own a computer with an Internet connection (as we assume you do, since you are, in fact, reading this blog) you are aware that today marks the birth and death of William Shakespeare. In honor of the birth of the Bard, here are five movies that take a page from his book.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
Based on: The Taming of the Shrew
Julia Stiles was my alt-girl icon in this 1999 film. And the scene where Heath Ledger serenades the football stadium? Nine-year-old me was in Swoonsville, USA.
2. She’s the Man
Based on: Twelfth Night; or What You Will
Amanda Bynes takes her turn as gender-swapping Viola in this 2006 adaptation. It’s just the right amount of kooky Bynes-ian facial expressions; Shakespeare would be proud.
3. Were the World Mine
Based on: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This gay musical romp takes Shakespeare and gives him a little twist. High schooler Timothy turns everyone in his town gay after being cast in his school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Hilarity ensues.
4. The Lion King
Based on: Hamlet
This film adaptation is contentious. Some people believe the Lion King’s roots are more Biblical than Shakespearean, but it’s arguably a bit of both. And come on, Timon and Pumba are a riot no matter what.
5. Romeo + Juliet
Based on: Romeo and Juliet (duh)
This Baz Luhrmann film is less an adaptation and more a modern remake. However, how could we pass up including young Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes? The suicide scene is timed so perfectly it gets me crying outraged angry tears every time.
Did we miss your favorite Shakespeare update?
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Image source IMDb
