This is an excellent production of Bill’s age old tale of a little financial arrangement that became legendary. Al Pacino is quite remarkable as hateful yet pitiable Shylock. Jeremy Irons plays a rather confused or lost Antonio. Ralph Fiennes is unbearable Bassanio.

The debate of course especially in America is whether Bill’s tale is anti-Semitic. I am not sure that sentiment meant much in the 16th century. In any case, it is a matter of opinion and the film takes more or less a neutral stand and tries to generally be true to the spirit of the play.

Venice is a treat here. All the aerial shots are just brilliant. The Grand Canal seems to engulf the inherent moral vacuum and insists on prettiness and grandiosity.

Good way to acquaint yourself with one of the most durable classics.