Watch A Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a 1996 film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play of the same name. Directed by Adrian Noble, the movie stars Lindsay Duncan, Alex Jennings, and Desmond Barrit. The story takes place in a magical forest outside of Athens, where four young lovers find themselves entangled in the enchantments of the fairy world. The Duke of Athens (David Strathairn) is preparing for his wedding to the Queen of the Amazons (Sophie Marceau), while the ruler of the fairies, Oberon (Barrit), and his mischievous servant, Puck (Stanley Tucci), are causing chaos with their magical spells.

The main plot follows the romantic entanglements of four Athenians: Lysander (Dominic West), Hermia (Anna Friel), Demetrius (Christian Bale), and Helena (Calista Flockhart). Lysander and Hermia are in love, but Hermia's father insists that she marry Demetrius instead. Helena is in love with Demetrius, who does not return her affections.

Meanwhile, in the fairy world, Oberon is angry with his wife, Titania (Michelle Pfeiffer), over a child custody dispute. He enlists Puck to help him by using a magical flower to cause her to fall in love with the first person she sees. Puck, however, mistakenly puts the spell on the four Athenian lovers, causing them to fall in and out of love with one another in a comical series of events.

The fairies also get involved in the affairs of the mortals when Puck transforms Bottom (Kevin Kline), a would-be actor, into a donkey. Titania falls in love with the donkey and lavishes him with affection, while Bottom is initially confused and then delighted at his newfound fame.

The film's standout performances come from the actors playing the fairy king and queen. Barrit's Oberon is an imposing figure, full of rage and jealousy, while Pfeiffer's Titania is graceful and regal, with a deep sense of empathy for the mortals she encounters. Kline's Bottom, too, is a scene-stealer, bringing a lot of humor to his bumbling portrayal of the weaver-turned-donkey.

While the plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream is complicated and relies heavily on mistaken identities and plot twists, the movie presents a visually stunning world that captures the magic and enchantment of Shakespeare's play. The film's sets and costumes are lavish and otherworldly, with the forest taking on a dreamlike quality that serves to heighten the otherworldly tone of the story.

Ultimately, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a fun and whimsical adaptation of the beloved Shakespearean play. While it may not be the most faithful adaptation, its visual beauty and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the Bard and newcomers alike.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a 1996 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.