A horrible film adaptation of Shakespeare's play. Those 2 bloated egos - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, literally, tore, ripped, and chewed this film's story to absolute shreds.

I agree with Nursebob's assessment, this rendition of the classic play is a delight. The mature approach to the script by two well lauded and experienced actors at the apex of their careers, caught in their own caustic strivings as their personal marriage disintegrated, was a delight to behold. One wonders how much of the script and acting was Shakespeare and how much a forum reflecting their own internal struggles? An enjoyable romp through a by gone era while absorbing the culture of the time!

I liked it. Totally disagree with 'Akirakato' there. Its supposed to be a classic, do you know what that means?? It means its not a modern movie with modern language. This movie embraces what Shakespeare is all about, if they adapt it to be current then it will lose that vital essence of what the original creator wanted it to have.

I like it. 4 stars for moi!

30 minutes into the movie there come no gripping, no funny and no fascinating scenes.
This is supposed to be a lavish screen production of the classic Shakespearean play.
However, it is such a slow-paced, below-average-acting, monotonous and boring film that I couldn't stand seeing more than that.
We aren't in the days of Shakespeare.
The director and writer should've adapted the original play so that the film might be able to satisfy the expectation of the current audience.

Even though Zeffirelli took many liberties with Shakespeare’s caustic comedy, paring away much of its complexity in the process, this brash costume epic still manages to float thanks in large part to the combined star power of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. One of the Bard's more problematic plays, at least to 21st century sensibilities, Kate’s transformation from fiery hellcat (or independent spirit?) to domesticated hausfrau can be interpreted as either a straightforward example of 16th century sexism or, with a small stretch of the imagination, a subtle rebuke steeped in irony and satire. Certainly Kate’s closing monologue concerning a woman’s happy subservience to her lord and master will forever be open to heated discussions. But no matter, this is still a lively, raucous free-for-all full of pageantry and rich Renaissance backdrops all set to an airy score by Nino Rota. Although lacking the lush romanticism of his later Romeo and Juliet (1968), Zeffirelli nevertheless manages to infuse a spirited passion into this film adaptation. And when those sparks begin to fly between Burton and Taylor the erotic overtones are unmistakable.

Despite elegant costumes and its much-lauded direction by Franco Zeffirelli, this Shakespearean marital comedy failed to deliver. As a viewer, it didn't work its magic on me. ~~~ This film's disappointment-factor was mainly due to its 2 lead actors, Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton, for (1) Being too old for their parts (She, 35. He, 42), as well as (2) Both of them being co-producers of this less-than-satisfying production. ~~~ In my opinion, these 2, together, literally ground Shakespeare's 16th Century play right into the dirt without even giving it a fair chance to really breathe and come to life. ~~~ Featuring lots of irksome scenery-chewing by Taylor (who, as usual, wore way too much mascara and eyebrow pencil) and plenty of pompous bellowing by Burton (who was nothing but an egocentric windbag), this 1967 costume comedy certainly did wonders for encouraging spousal abuse from both sides of the matrimonial bed. ~~~ Apparently, this $4 million production was a huge, box-office hit upon its initial release. But, now, 47 years later, it sucks. Had this film's 2-hour running time been reduced by a good 30 minutes, then, yes, perhaps that might've helped matters, somewhat.

Very well acted by all involved. Great portrayal of Shakespeare's work. Nothing against this movie, but of course, being a modern woman, I don't really like the concept of a woman being subject to the man. I think of marriage as more of a partnership. But Elizabeth Taylor must have felt the same way, because she puts a fabulous twist at the end. Not fully rebellious, but certainly not fully tamed. :) All in all, good movie!