Story
Much Ado about Nothing is a romantic comedy. It’s adapted by director and writer Joss Whedon from William Shakespeare’s famous play of the same name. Although it’s set in a contemporary context, the language and plot are largely unchanged from the play.The movie is about the relationship between Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Beatrice (Amy Acker), two fierce and independent people who have vowed never to marry. After being tricked by their friends into thinking that each is deeply in love with the other, the two begin to warm to each other. Ultimately they let go of their pride so they can be together.The story’s subplot involves villainous Don John (Sean Maher) trying to destroy his brother’s family and friends. He tries to prevent a happy marriage between young lovers Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Hero (Jillian Morgese) by tricking Claudio into thinking that Hero is being unfaithful. Don John’s plan is eventually discovered and the story moves towards a happy conclusion for more than one couple.
Themes
Deception; love and fidelity; gender and double standards; public shaming of women
Violence
This movie includes some violence and/or threats of violence:
Sexual references
This movie has a few sexual references. For example:
- Don John sets out to cause trouble, telling Claudio that the woman he loves is ‘The Lord’s Hero … every man’s Hero’. Don John is suggesting that Hero has been unfaithful with many men.
- Claudio believes Don John and confronts Hero on the day of their wedding. He says that she ‘knows the warm bed’ and ‘rages in savage sexuality’. He goes on to say that he ‘will not give [his] soul to a wanton’.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
This movie shows quite a lot of substance use. For example:
- During the first party, many of the guests drink wine and champagne. They all carry glasses with them, while a few guests (such as Claudio) drink entire shot glasses of alcohol.
- The characters toast in celebration many times. For example, Claudio, Hero, Beatrice and Don Pedro all toast to the newly announced marriage between Claudio and Hero.
- Claudio, Don Pedro and Leonato all drink shots as they plan to play ‘love gods’ and make a match between Benedick and Beatrice.
- Conrad smokes a marijuana joint when she secretly meets with Boratio at night.
- Claudio and Don Pedro drink from a flask.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie has some sexual activity. For example:
- Don John has an intimate scene with Conrade. He climbs on top of her while she is lying down on a bed, spreads her legs and begins touching and kissing her breasts. They then kiss passionately before they are interrupted by a knock on the door.
- While the main characters talk in the kitchen, the maid Margaret begins kissing a man. He touches her body and breasts while pushing her against the wall and kissing her neck. They eventually run off together as the other characters keep talking.
- There are flashback sex scenes between Beatrice and Benedick. Both are seen without clothes on, although Beatrice is in lingerie, while they kiss and make love.
- Boratio seduces Margaret to trick Claudio into believing that Hero has been unfaithful. They have sex in Hero’s room, but remain fully clothed (because Boratio has asked Margaret to wear Hero’s clothes).
- Several of the characters kiss passionately, including Claudio and Hero and Benedick and Beatrice.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
This movie has some coarse language, including frequent name-calling in Shakespearean language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Much Ado about Nothing is the latest version of this Shakespearean romance. The movie is most likely to appeal to adults. Its themes, sex scenes and sexual references make it more suited to children aged 15 years and over.
The movie is about the way people want to connect with each other and form lasting relationships.
The movie suggests that people who hurt others will be punished, but people who make honest mistakes will ultimately find happiness. For example, Don John is captured and punished for his crimes, but the lovers all end up happy. The movie also suggests that sometimes it’s better to follow your heart than your head, and that you shouldn’t allow pride to rule your life. The movie emphasises the importance of forgiveness, trust and honesty in a relationship.
You could talk with your children about the gender double standards and gender inequality shown in the movie.