Watch Kiss Me Kate

Kiss Me, Kate is a musical comedy film, released in 2003, directed by Michael Blakemore, starring Brent Barret as Fred/Petruchio, Rachel York as Lilli/Kate, and Nancy Kathryn Anderson as Lois/Bianca. The movie is based on the stage musical, which was inspired by William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of the Shrew. The story follows the tumultuous backstage antics of a touring production of the Shakespearean play, The Taming of the Shrew. The leading man, Fred/Petruchio, is also the director and producer of the show, and his leading lady, Lilli/Kate, is his ex-wife. The two still have strong feelings for each other, which they struggle to contain as they bicker and argue throughout rehearsals and performances.

The show is a comedy of errors, with misunderstandings and mistaken identities at every turn. Alongside Fred and Lilli's love-hate relationship, there are also the romantic entanglements of two other characters, Lois/Bianca (Lilli's understudy) and Bill/Lucentio (one of Fred's actors). The pair are secretly in love but are forced to play out a subplot of mistaken identities as they try to keep their romance hidden from the rest of the company.

The performances in Kiss Me, Kate are outstanding, with both Brent Barrett and Rachel York giving powerful and nuanced performances as the leads. They portray the physical comedy and verbal sparring of the characters with ease, and their singing voices are excellent, capturing the energy and power of the stage musical. Nancy Kathryn Anderson is also fantastic as Lois/Bianca, giving a lively and vivacious performance that is both funny and endearing.

The film's music is another highlight, with the classic songs from the stage musical given a new lease of life by the talented cast. Numbers like "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" and "Tom, Dick or Harry" are performed with gusto and are sure to leave audiences humming along.

The sets and costumes are also impressive, bringing the Shakespearean setting of the play to life with rich colors and luxurious fabrics. The film's choreography is likewise impressive, with the large ensemble numbers showcasing the talents of the whole cast.

One of the film's most interesting features is the way it blends the original Shakespearean play with the modern-day setting of the touring production. The script and lyrics incorporate references to contemporary culture and popular entertainment, creating a playful and self-aware tone that lightens the mood and keeps the audience engaged.

Overall, Kiss Me, Kate is a delightful and entertaining musical comedy that is sure to delight lovers of the stage musical and newcomers alike. With its stellar cast, catchy songs, and witty script, it is a film that will make audiences laugh, sing, and tap their feet.

Kiss Me Kate is a 2003 musical with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.