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About this movie

Genres:
Drama, Romance
Language:
English
Running time:
2:09:58
Partner rating:
PG-13
Released:

Cast & Crew

Cast

  1. Jolely Richardson
  2. David Thewlis William Cecil
  3. Jamie Campbell Bower Young Earl of Oxford
  4. Derek Jacobi
  5. Xavier Samuel Earl of Southampton
  6. Edward Samuel
  7. Edward Hogg Robert Cecil
  8. Sebastian Armesto Ben Johnson
  9. Rafe Spall William Shakespeare
  10. Rhys Ifans Earl of Oxford
  11. Vanessa Redgrave Queen Elizabeth I
  12. Sebastian Reid Earl of Essex
  13. Joely Richardson Young Queen Elizabeth I

Directors

  1. Roland Emmerich

Producers

  1. Roland Emmerich
  2. Larry Franco
  3. Robert Leger

Anonymous


Thumbnail Play video in overlay1:59

Trailer for Anonymous

Director Roland Emmerich takes a break from his long string of big-budget disaster films with Anonymous, a historical drama that suggests Shakespeare was a fraud. Edward de Vere (Rhys Ifans) is an aristocrat who yearns to write poetry and plays, but due to social and political constraints, he is forced to use a front for his political-minded works because they subtly encourage Queen Elizabeth to alter her plan for succession in a way that is i... Director Roland Emmerich takes a break from his long string of big-budget disaster films with Anonymous, a historical drama that suggests Shakespeare was a fraud. Edward de Vere (Rhys Ifans) is an aristocrat who yearns to write poetry and plays, but due to social and political constraints, he is forced to use a front for his political-minded works because they subtly encourage Queen Elizabeth to alter her plan for succession in a way that is in direct opposition to her most-trusted political advisers. When drunken, illiterate, fame-hungry actor William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) passes off the plays as his own, de Vere finds his man, but eventually he is blackmailed when the morally dubious thespian wants more and more. Anonymous screened at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.
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Reviews by Rotten Tomatoes

Scored 'rotten' by Rotten Tomatoes

47%Tomatometer score: 47% positive reviews from professional critics.

percent positive reviews

  1. Positive review
    Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile A wonderful hypothetical about the identity of William Shakespeare, Anonymous is incredibly credible, a story of intrigue and facades. Full review External link
  2. Positive review
    Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia) I felt absolutely drawn along in this film. I had a really boisterous, Elizabethan good time. Full review External link
  3. Positive review
    David Stratton, At the Movies (Australia) The film presents an interesting argument, but didn't entirely convince me. Full review External link
  4. Positive review
    Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun (Australia) Though Anonymous is historical hogwash of the highest order, it is never less than highly entertaining. Full review External link
  5. Positive review
    Michael Simms, FILMINK (Australia) Though far-fetched, this celebration of storytelling is an exhilarating and visually lavish thrill ride. Full review External link

Read more reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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