Is The Taming of the Shrew Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

The Taming of the Shrew returns to the screen in 1980, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Comedy, Romance, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Baptista has two daughters: Kate and Bianca. Everyone wants to wed the fair Bianca, but nobody's much interested in problem child, Kate. Baptista declares that he won't give Bianca away in a marriage until he's found a husband for Kate, so all the suitors begin busily hunting out a madman who's willing to do it, and they find Petruchio: a man who's come to wive it wealthily in Padua. And Petruchio marries Kate with a plan to tame her, while everybody else begins scheming to win Bianca's hand."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Simon Chandler shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Taming of the Shrew worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Comedy, Romance, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1980, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Taming of the Shrew is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 126 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.