I usually review books, not films, but I have to make an exception here. It is rare that a film is so much more than the text, and here is a great example. Adapted and directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring himself and Emma Thompson, plus an all-star cast, this is my favorite summer film. It brings Shakespeare’s play to life beyond what you could best imagine.

First off, there’s the beginning. The entire film takes place at a huge villa in Tuscany. The opening scenes—and the transcendent music—evoke the peace and beauty of rural life and the excitement of the men returning from the battlefield.

This is catnip for anyone who has ever dreamed of renting a villa in Tuscany: vineyarda, women in flowing white dresses picnicking among the olive trees with music and bread and wine. Then come the stirring hero shots of the men galloping along the road. And—balm to my practical soul—everyone bathes and dresses themselves in clean linen to meet, all to the thrilling soundtrack. Such joy!

Of course complications ensue. So does comedy, this being Shakespeare, after all. Brilliantly paced, brilliantly acted.

At no point does Shakespeare’s language seem anything other than utterly normal, thanks to the quality of the cast. I have to single out Denzel Washington whose dialogue seems even more natural, if that’s possible. What a gift, to make this language seem everyday!

Films based on books or plays often cut corners to keep the running time down to the standard limit. Often they choose one theme or story line among many to follow. This is the rare exception where the film exceeds the reading experience.

There is so much joy here, so much celebration of life! Give yourself the gift of streaming this film today. With a hey, nonny, nonny!

Is there a book or play you’ve read where the film is actually better?