A richly detailed historical film that argues Shakespeare was not the author of his own plays. The candidate here is Edward de Vere, the 17^th Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans), who is seen deeply involved in the intrigues of Elizabeth's reign. In my opinion, his theory is nonsense, but don't allow that to prevent you from enjoying this wonderfully written and produced re-creation of a great epoch in English history. With Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis and Rafe Spall as the hapless Bard. - Three and a half stars