Educational Media Reviews Online

This video is a portrayal/dramatization of the life and times of William Shakespeare. Expert commentary on the author is provided by veteran Shakespearean actor Brian Blessed, Robert Smallwood (Deputy Director of the Shakespearean Centre in Stratford-on-Avon), and Stanley Wells (Director of the Shakespeare Institute). Discussion of Shakespeare's life, influences, and writings is interspersed with dramatized scenes of life in 16th-17th England, as well as buildings and artwork of the period. Some scenes from Henry V and Hamlet are given near the end of the video.

I found this video to be enlightening and educational. For instance, much of Shakespeare's life is hidden in obscurity, and experts do not know very much about what he did or where he was at key points in his development. He disappears from Stratford-on-Avon in 1586, leaving his wife and child, and does not reappear in any historical records until 1592 in London. What I found particularly enjoyable about this video was the excellent music that accompanied many of the dramatizations. As a musicologist, I found the authentic musical selections fit well with the flow of the video. There is a sackbutt consort near the beginning, as well as recorder selections, and there is even a scene where one of the characters is playing a hurdy-gurdy (sure to invoke questions from any viewing audience). It is obvious that much time and attention was given to the dramatizations of the period, and Films for the Humanities & Sciences videos are always of the highest quality. As an introduction to Shakespeare for K-12 and adult audiences, I highly recommend this video. For college-age audiences in English history and historical studies I recommend (not highly recommend) as it is only a very brief introduction to the life and influence of William Shakespeare.