In Search Of Shakespeare Reviews

Good Documentary, if a little too unquestioning...

This is a fine looking series from the BBC and is enthusiastically written and presented by Michael Woods. However, not all is well in Avon county...

Constructed as more of a layman's introduction to The Bard, the programme maker's seem unable to contruct a convincing portrait of the elusive Shakespeare. For all the historical weaving and supposing that Woods indulges in, I was left feeling none the wiser, as to the true character of Shakespeare, than when I first begun. (Obviously some would suggest merely reading his work - but there is a private man to be uncovered also; and in this task Woods sadly fails in any concrete measure.)

Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable 'romp' through the ages of Elizabethan Britain, even if it does sweep the whole 'Shakespeare authorship' question rather distastefully under the proverbial carpet.

Questions remain - amongst them, for instance, how did the apparently ill-educated William of Avon manage to produce such a staggeringly accomplished and learned body of work? There are many, many such loose, or disconneted, strands in the life of William Shakespeare yet you would be hard pressed to discover even a hint of nuance in Woods's celebratory series.

Yet still, this series is heartily recommended - for its charm and enthusiasm, if less so for it's mythic bardic obedience.

By the way, I meant to give this four out of five (rather than five). But if there were a three and a half option, that is what I would have chosen.

Shakespeare's world brought to life

Michael Wood presents his research, as always, in a thoroughly engaging way. Not only does he offer some new facts about Shakespeare's life, but he also sets it in the context of what was happening around him at the time. This really does bring things to life emphasising the impact of the turbulent times that was Shakespeare's world.

Shakespeare made flesh

This work takes you back to Shakespeares world like no other I have seen, By taking you to the places he lived, was educated in and that built his character you truly do get an insight into both the man and the period in which he lived.

[Highly rated reviewer]

CD 2: A momentum end

Incredibely researched, this documentary about uncovering Shakespeare's private and public affairs is exhaustive to say the least; it's also insightful, genius and inspirational. Top marks to the makers for keeping Shakespeare alive again for the next generation, and packing it all in a marvellous two CD set that is wholly entertaining.

Good stuff!

Informative, well worth the watch. Traces Shakespeare's steps by location at important stages of his life and tries to give us a taste for the man in his environment, culturally and historically.

Fascinating

Thoroughly researched, and presented in a lively, knowledgeable, sensitive manner.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Disc 1: A fine start to a fine documentary...

Certainly one of the most informative and in-depth documentaries on the life of Shakespeare - the greatest written ever to have lived. Michael Wood is excellent in his presenting and the mystery, and the way Shakespeare's life is unravelled on-screen, is simply very exciting. There are two two of the four parts on this disc: the first is delightful, the second enriching; the hours pass away instantly! I would recommend this documentary to anyone who likes literature, theatre or biographies. Let's hope that the second disc lives up to this first one!

Interesting but drawn out

If you're interested in English culture and history, then get this. The narrator is incredibly enthusiastic and quite amusing, and the historical snippets that he uses to contextualise the work of Shakespeare are great. If you're looking for the conspiracy theory that Shakespeare didn't exist, or was multiple people, you're going to be disappointed; he barely mentions it. It makes one proud to be an English speaker when one watches this thing. Pity we now have to endure the harsh reality of Little Britain when England once produced this kind of cultural monolith. A bit drawn out, which is why I give it 4/5.

In Search of Shakespeare Disc One

I understand now why good documentary makers such as David Attenborough approach their subject matter so quietly and without reference to their own emotions; because much like a good novel, such a low key approach allows the viewer to experience fully their own emotions about the subject matter. This subject is both important and interesting. However, Michael Wood shows so many of his own emotions, and those being exaggerated, that I found it interfered with my own sense of interest, surprise and even shock at the revelations.

Very informative and interesting to watch whether a Shakespeare fan or not. Found out new things that I did not know about Shakespeare before.