LLT December 1, 2008 As You Like It Director, Kenneth Branaghs As You Like It, is aesthetically pleasing and richly

made. Its a truly lavish production. The theme of this play, is that people will always covet what belongs to anther is unattainable. This is demonstrated with Orlando and his brother, who would hate him for being gentle and wanting to be a better person. His hatred compels him to give Orlando a pittance of his given inheritance and deny him education. He keeps the majority of the inheritance their father bequeathed. Then there is New Duke Frederick, who banished his brother, taking what belongs to him, his land and people. In addition, indirectly, there is Celia, who could have had and in a way did have, all that once belonged to Rosalind. The individuality of this production would have to be in the costumes. The movie takes place in Japan and so the characters interchange what they wear between early 19th Century garb and Japanese clothing. I considered this unique. This play wasnt at all believable. The New Duke, Fredericks change of heart, towards the end is unexpected. It doesnt make total sense, but I suppose it halfway does, because hes feeling remorse. His remorse stems from having banished his family. His becoming religious doesnt make sense. Orlandos willingness to pretend Ganymede a.k.a Rosalind is Rosalind, doesnt quite wash. Hes willing to pretend a boy is his beloved. That doesnt make sense. I learned in this play, that both dukes were willing to make their daughters their heirs. I considered this new. I didnt think that was done in that period of time. Another unique aspect is Shakespeares reoccurring use, of having a woman cross-dress. Its interesting how each instance is made believable.

The protagonists of As You Like It, are Orlando, Celia, the Old Duke, and Rosalind. The antagonist is the New Duke Frederick. The conflict between these characters, is that theyre all persecuted in some way, by the new duke. He has banished Rosalind and his brother, the Old Duke. He has put a contract on Orlando, wanting him back, dead or alive. He has alienated his daughter, Celia. In summation, hes the prime antagonist. The climax of the play, is when Rosalind promised Phoebe, Silvius, and Orlando their true love and marriage. She doesnt tell them how this will be, only that they must meet the next day. The next day she reveals her true identity. Silvius has his Phoebe. Orlando his Rosalind and Oliver his Celia. As You Like It takes place in Japan, 19th Century. The play begins in the colony made by the Old Duke, now usurped by his brother, Frederick. The majority of the play takes place in the Forest of Arden. It is there the play unfolds. The total mise en scene is within the forest, so a lot of the lighting is natural and the only artificial sort is by candlelight or fire. The music is also partly vocal, done within the play, and instrumental. The instrumental aspect is the soundtrack and it worked quite well with the shift in moods and changes in location and scene. The main protagonist was Bryce Dallas Howard, as Rosalind. Howard did well in playing the part of a boy and achieving Rosalinds hearts desire. She was definitely believable and worked well physically, for the part of a tall youth/woman. Romola Garai was Celia. She did well in portraying a loving cousin to Rosalind and a love to Oliver. Her fairness and girlishness worked well with feminine and silly character. Orlando was played by David Oyelowe. David did well in playing a sensitive and romantic youth. He did well in showing Orlandos gentle and philosophical way of seeing life.

Brian Blessed played Duke Frederick. He was a good antagonist and very passionate in his part. He managed to give his character life and interest. He also played Duke Senior or the Old Duke. It was a complete opposite from his other role as Frederick. He now played a gentle, caring, almost kingly figure. He was compassionate, gentle, thinking, and noble. Director Kenneth Branagh used a lot of his knowledge of acting in this production. One could see that hes learned a great deal from his Shakespearean roles. He understood how one of Shakespeares plays should be directed and did so. His vision worked and I enjoyed it. The set was appropriate of the time and place of the play. The costumes were diverse and fascinating. The kimonos used by the characters were beautiful and went well with the local. The production was excellent. Ironically, I was most moved by Olivers love for Celia. It was obvious his regard was strong, I suppose, I didnt feel as much with Rosalind and Orlando, because they took so long. Overall, I enjoyed this production and would definitely see it again.