The Merchant of Venice (1980) Full Movie Download: A Review
If you are looking for a classic Shakespearean comedy with a twist, you might want to check out The Merchant of Venice (1980), a TV movie adaptation of one of the Bard's most controversial and relevant plays. In this article, we will review the movie's plot, cast, direction, and themes, and help you decide whether it is worth watching or downloading.
the merchant of venice (1980 full movie download)
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Introduction
What is the movie about?
The Merchant of Venice is a comedy that revolves around the conflict between Antonio, a wealthy Venetian merchant, and Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Antonio borrows money from Shylock to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia, a rich heiress who has to choose her husband from among three caskets. Shylock agrees to lend the money without interest, but on one condition: if Antonio fails to repay him on time, he will have to forfeit a pound of his flesh. When Antonio's ships are lost at sea, Shylock demands his bond, and a dramatic trial ensues. Meanwhile, Portia disguises herself as a lawyer and intervenes to save Antonio's life.
Who are the main actors and director?
The movie features a stellar cast of British actors, including Warren Mitchell as Shylock, John Franklyn-Robbins as Antonio, John Nettles as Bassanio, Gemma Jones as Portia, Leslee Udwin as Jessica, Richard Morant as Lorenzo, Kenneth Cranham as Gratiano, and Marc Zuber as the Prince of Morocco. The movie was directed by Jack Gold, who also directed other Shakespeare adaptations such as Macbeth (1983) and King Lear (1984).
Why is the movie controversial and relevant?
The movie is controversial because it deals with the issues of antisemitism, racism, and religious intolerance that were prevalent in Shakespeare's time and are still relevant today. The movie does not shy away from showing the discrimination and violence that Shylock faces as a Jew in a Christian society. It also explores the moral dilemmas and contradictions that both Shylock and Antonio face in their quest for justice and mercy. The movie raises questions about the nature of law, love, friendship, and revenge that are still pertinent in our modern world.
Plot summary
Act 1: Antonio's loan and Bassanio's quest
The movie begins with Antonio expressing his sadness to his friends Salerio and Solanio. He does not know why he is so melancholy, but he suspects it has something to do with his business ventures. His friend Bassanio arrives and tells him that he is in love with Portia, a beautiful and wealthy lady who lives in Belmont. He asks Antonio for a loan of three thousand ducats so that he can travel to Belmont and woo her. Antonio agrees to help him, but he does not have enough money at hand. He suggests that Bassanio borrow the money from a moneylender using Antonio's credit as security.
Bassanio approaches Shylock, a Jewish moneylender who hates Antonio for his antisemit Shylock, a Jewish moneylender who hates Antonio for his antisemitic remarks and his practice of lending money without interest, agrees to lend the money to Bassanio on one condition: if Antonio fails to repay him on the due date, he will have to forfeit a pound of his flesh. Antonio, confident that his ships will return with profit, accepts the bond. Bassanio departs for Belmont with his friend Gratiano.
Act 2: Jessica's elopement and Portia's suitors
In Venice, Shylock's daughter Jessica plans to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian friend of Antonio and Bassanio. She is unhappy with her father's strict and miserly ways, and she wants to convert to Christianity. She steals some of her father's jewels and money and escapes with Lorenzo when Shylock is invited to dine with Antonio and Bassanio. Shylock is furious when he discovers her flight and vows to take revenge on Antonio.
In Belmont, Portia is bound by her father's will to marry the man who chooses the right casket among three: one of gold, one of silver, and one of lead. Each casket contains a clue to its contents, and the suitor who picks the one with Portia's portrait inside will win her hand. Portia is visited by several suitors, but she dislikes them all. She hopes that Bassanio will come and choose correctly. The first suitor, the Prince of Morocco, chooses the gold casket, which contains a skull and a message that warns him of his error. The second suitor, the Prince of Arragon, chooses the silver casket, which contains a fool's head and a similar message. Both princes leave disappointed.
Act 3: Shylock's bond and Portia's plan
Bassanio arrives in Belmont and is welcomed by Portia. He chooses the lead casket, which contains Portia's portrait and a message that praises his choice. Portia gives him a ring as a token of her love and asks him never to lose it or give it away. Bassanio promises to keep it forever. They exchange vows of marriage and are joined by Gratiano and Nerissa, Portia's maid, who also fall in love and decide to wed.
However, their happiness is interrupted by a letter from Antonio, who informs Bassanio that all his ships are lost and that he cannot repay Shylock. Shylock has sued him in court and insists on taking his pound of flesh. Bassanio is distraught and decides to return to Venice with all the money he can muster to save his friend. Portia tells him to go and assures him that she will pay any amount to free Antonio. She then secretly sends a messenger to her cousin Bellario, a famous lawyer in Padua, and asks him for his advice and assistance.
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Act 4: The trial scene and the verdict
The trial scene is the climax of the movie. It takes place in the court of Venice, where the Duke presides over the case. Antonio is brought before him, along with Shylock, Bassanio, Gratiano, Salerio, Solanio, and other spectators. The Duke expresses his sympathy for Antonio and tries to persuade Shylock to show mercy and accept twice the amount of the debt instead of the flesh. Shylock refuses and demands his bond according to the law.
The Duke then calls for Bellario, who has sent a letter saying that he cannot come but has recommended a young lawyer named Balthazar (who is actually Portia in disguise) to take his place. Balthazar arrives with Nerissa (who is disguised as his clerk) and asks for permission to question both parties. He first appeals to Shylock's sense of mercy, quoting from the Bible and arguing that mercy is more noble than justice. He then warns him of the consequences of his actions, saying that he will be hated by all men if he sheds Christian blood.
Shylock remains adamant and rejects all offers of money or mercy. He prepares to cut off Antonio's flesh with a knife and a scale. Balthazar then changes his tone and says that he has found no flaw in the bond and says that Shylock can have his pound of flesh, but not a drop of blood. He also says that if Shylock sheds any blood, he will be guilty of murder and forfeit his lands and goods to the state. He further adds that if Shylock shows any mercy, he will be pardoned and allowed to keep half of his wealth, while the other half will go to Antonio.
Shylock realizes that he has been outwitted and asks for his money instead. Balthazar denies him that option and says that he must stick to his bond or face the penalty. Shylock then begs for mercy and offers to settle for the original amount of the debt. Balthazar says that he has to accept the Duke's offer or nothing. The Duke spares Shylock's life and grants him half of his wealth, on the condition that he converts to Christianity and leaves the other half to Jessica and Lorenzo in his will. Shylock agrees, but is broken and humiliated by the outcome.
Antonio is freed and thanks Balthazar for saving his life. He offers him a reward, but Balthazar refuses and asks only for the ring that Portia gave to Bassanio. Bassanio hesitates, but Antonio persuades him to give it as a sign of gratitude. Gratiano also gives his ring to Nerissa, who asks for it as well. Balthazar and Nerissa leave, promising to meet them in Belmont.
Act 5: The reconciliation and the twist
The final act of the movie takes place in Portia's estate in Belmont, where Lorenzo and Jessica are enjoying a romantic night under the moonlight. They are joined by Portia and Nerissa, who have returned from Venice disguised as themselves. They welcome Bassanio, Antonio, and Gratiano, who have also arrived from Venice. Portia and Nerissa pretend to be angry with their husbands for giving away their rings, and accuse them of being unfaithful. Bassanio and Gratiano try to explain themselves, but are unable to convince them.
Portia then reveals her true identity as Balthazar and shows them the rings that she and Nerissa have retrieved. She explains how she saved Antonio's life and tricked Shylock with her legal skills. Bassanio and Gratiano are amazed and ashamed by their mistake, and beg for their wives' forgiveness. Portia and Nerissa forgive them and embrace them with joy. Antonio also rejoices and thanks Portia for her generosity.
The movie ends with a happy note, as Portia gives Antonio a letter that informs him that three of his ships have safely arrived in port, restoring his fortune. She also tells him that Shylock has converted to Christianity and left his wealth to Jessica and Lorenzo. Antonio is overjoyed by the news and blesses Portia for her kindness. The couples celebrate their love and friendship, and look forward to a peaceful and prosperous future.
Analysis and evaluation
How does the movie adapt Shakespeare's play?
The movie is a faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's play, with only minor changes in some scenes and dialogues. It preserves the original language, tone, and structure of the play, while adding some visual elements and music to enhance the mood and atmosphere. The movie also follows the historical setting and costumes of the 16th century Venice, giving it a realistic and authentic look.
How does the movie portray the characters of Shylock and Portia?
The movie portrays Shylock as a complex and sympathetic character, who is driven by a mixture of greed, resentment, pride, and pain. He is not a pure villain, but a victim of oppression and injustice, who seeks revenge on those who have wronged him. He is also a loving father, who is heartbroken by his daughter's betrayal. Warren Mitchell gives a powerful performance as Shylock, showing his emotions showing his emotions and motivations with subtlety and nuance. The movie portrays Portia as a smart and strong-willed character, who is not only beautiful and rich, but also clever and resourceful. She is not a passive or obedient lady, but a confident and independent woman, who takes charge of her own destiny. She is also a loyal and compassionate friend, who risks her own safety and reputation to save Antonio's life. Gemma Jones gives a charming performance as Portia, showing her wit and charm with grace and elegance.
How does the movie deal with the themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice?
The movie deals with the themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice in a balanced and nuanced way, showing the different perspectives and arguments of the characters. It does not take sides or judge the characters, but lets the audience decide for themselves who is right or wrong. It also shows the irony and hypocrisy of the characters, who often contradict their own words and actions. The movie highlights the moral ambiguity and complexity of the situation, where there is no clear-cut solution or happy ending.
Conclusion
What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the movie?
The main strengths of the movie are its faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's play, its excellent cast and direction, its realistic and authentic setting and costumes, and its exploration of the themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice. The movie captures the essence and spirit of the play, while adding some visual flair and musical score to enhance the experience. The movie also respects the original language and structure of the play, while making it accessible and understandable to modern audiences.
The main weaknesses of the movie are its low budget and production quality, its slow pace and long duration, and its controversial and outdated portrayal of some characters and issues. The movie suffers from some technical flaws and limitations, such as poor lighting, sound, editing, and special effects. The movie also drags on some scenes and dialogues, making it boring and tedious at times. The movie also faces some criticism and backlash for its depiction of Shylock as a sympathetic character, which some viewers may find offensive or inaccurate.
What is the overall message and impact of the movie?
The overall message and impact of the movie is to challenge the audience to think critically and empathetically about the issues of justice, mercy, and prejudice that are still relevant today. The movie does not offer a simple or easy answer to these issues, but rather invites the audience to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and to consider the perspectives and experiences of others. The movie also aims to entertain and educate the audience about Shakespeare's play, which is one of his most famous and influential works.
FAQs
Q: Where can I download or watch The Merchant of Venice (1980) full movie?
A: You can download or watch The Merchant of Venice (1980) full movie online from various sources, such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, or iTunes. However, you should be aware of the legal and ethical implications of downloading or streaming pirated or unauthorized content.
Q: Is The Merchant of Venice (1980) suitable for children?
A: The Merchant of Venice (1980) is rated PG by the British Board of Film Classification, which means that it is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. The movie contains some scenes of violence, bloodshed, discrimination, and antisemitism, which may be disturbing or upsetting for some viewers. Parents are advised to watch the movie with their children and discuss the issues raised by the movie.
Q: What are some other movies based on Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice?
A: Some other movies based on Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice are The Merchant of Venice (2004), starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Jeremy Irons as Antonio, Shylock (1999), starring Steven Berkoff as Shylock and Harry Meacher as Antonio, and The Maori Merchant of Venice (2002), starring Waihoroi Shortland as Shylock and Scott Wills as Antonio.
Q: What are some of the differences between the movie and the play?
A: Some of the differences between the movie and the play are that the movie omits some minor characters and scenes, such as Launcelot Gobbo, Old Gobbo, the Duke of Saxony's nephew, and the masque. The movie also rearranges some of the scenes and dialogues, such as placing the trial scene before the casket scene, and having Portia give her famous "quality of mercy" speech before Shylock arrives. The movie also adds some details and embellishments, such as showing Shylock's house being vandalized, having Portia kiss Bassanio before he chooses the casket, and having Antonio kiss Bassanio before he leaves for Venice.
Q: What are some of the literary devices and techniques used by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice?
A: Some of the literary devices and techniques used by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice are irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, imagery, rhyme, meter, pun, paradox, antithesis, hyperbole, and repetition. For example, irony is used when Shylock asks for a pound of flesh instead of interest, which turns out to be his downfall. Foreshadowing is used when Portia says that she can easier teach twenty what were good to be done than be one of the twenty to follow her own teaching. Symbolism is used when the three caskets represent the different values and qualities of the suitors. Metaphor is used when Antonio compares himself to a tainted wether of the flock. Simile is used when Bassanio compares Portia to a golden fleece. Personification is used when Shylock says that his ducats are his daughter. Allusion is used when Portia refers to classical and biblical figures such as Hercules, Jason, Daniel, and Jacob. Imagery is used when Lorenzo describes the beauty of the night sky. Rhyme is used when Portia says that "the lottery of my destiny bars me the right of voluntary choosing". Meter is used when most of the lines follow a pattern of iambic pentameter. Pun is used when Gratiano says that "a second Daniel" has come to judgment. Paradox is used when Portia says that she will neither choose whom she would nor refuse whom she dislikes. Antithesis is used when Shylock says that he will have his bond or nothing. Hyperbole is used when Bassanio says that he would sacrifice everything for Antonio's sake. Repetition is used when Shylock repeats the phrase "I'll have my bond".
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