Watch Shakespeare High

Shakespeare High is a 2011 documentary film that follows a group of high school students from across Southern California competing in the annual Shakespeare Festival. The film is directed by Alex Rotaru and features appearances by Richard Dreyfuss, Val Kilmer, and Kevin Spacey. The movie takes place over the course of one school year, documenting the journey of several high school students as they prepare for the Shakespeare Festival. The students are from a variety of schools in the region, each with their own unique approach to Shakespeare and their own reasons for participating in the festival.

The film opens with shots of the students performing some of Shakespeare's most iconic scenes, such as the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy. These scenes are interspersed with interviews with the students, who explain their love of Shakespeare and how they came to be involved in the festival.

As the movie progresses, we see the students participating in workshops and rehearsals, working to perfect their performances. One student, a boy from a rough neighborhood, struggles to memorize his lines and fears he will let down his team. Another student, a girl who has grown up acting, finds it difficult to balance her passion for Shakespeare with her desire to fit in with her peers.

Throughout the film, we also get glimpses of the festival itself, which takes place on the stage of the Globe Theatre in London. Students from around the world come to compete, each bringing their own unique interpretations of Shakespeare's works.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it shows the students interacting with Shakespeare's plays. Some are drawn to the language and the poetry, while others connect with the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. One student even finds parallels between her own life and the character of Ophelia, who is driven to madness by the men around her.

The film also touches on the role of Shakespeare in modern society. Some of the students feel that the plays are outdated and irrelevant, while others argue that the themes are timeless and universal. The movie doesn't take a definitive stance on this issue, instead letting the viewers draw their own conclusions.

Overall, Shakespeare High is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that celebrates the power of Shakespeare and the dedication of high school students. It's a must-see for anyone who loves Shakespeare or who is interested in the creative process.

Shakespeare High is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 59.