By: Alex Phuong (A Toast) –
Shakespeare in Love remains one of the most controversial films ever made. Some would say that it is a modern classic because it honors William Shakespeare. Others would criticize it as an overrated version of Romeo and Juliet. A lot of people also like to complain about how the *&^% did Gwyneth Paltrow win the “Best Actress” Academy Award. Many modern moviegoers are major supporters of Cate Blanchett and the incomparable Meryl Streep, but those same film lovers might have forgotten that Emily Watson gave one of her best performances that same year in Hilary and Jackie.
A Toast!
This film is highly underrated! People like to talk about films like Elizabeth and Saving Private Ryan, but that attention, unfortunately, made Hilary and Jackie somewhat fade into obscurity. Emily Watson gave what could arguably her greatest performance as Jackie. It is great that Rachel Griffiths also received an Oscar nomination that same year. These two actresses really did honor the legacies of Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré.
Verdict
This is a passionate drama that explores the different facets of love based on the lives of two truly extraordinary sisters.
Hilary and Jackie (1998) Bonus Drinking Game
Take a Drink: every time Jacqueline du Pré plays the cello
Double That Drink: every time her sister, Hilary, plays the flute
Do Not Be Sober: as romantic passion adds drama to this film
And Cheers: to the bond between sisterhood and the enduring power of love!
