16 th Century Venice: Young nobleman Bassanio (Fiennes) has asked his friend Antonio (Irons) to lend him money in order that he might sail to Belmont and try for the hand of the fair Portia (Collins).

However, Antonio’s money is all tied up in his business and his ships are all away at various ports. There is nothing they can do but seek out the Jewish moneylender, Shylock (Pacino). Shylock is resentful towards Antonio, as it was he who spat at him earlier in the market. In fact Shylock is all too well aware of the contempt all the Christians have for him and his Jewish brethren. What Antonio is proposing, however, is a business transaction, nothing more. Shylock is persuaded but not before he enacts a condition of his own. If Antonio defaults on the loan, then Shylock will take a pound of his flesh as payment. It is a harsh bargain but Antonio is certain he will have no trouble paying him the money and so agrees. He further invites Shylock, in the spirit of an amicable relationship, to dine with him later that night. Reluctantly Shylock agrees.

What Shylock does not know is that his daughter Jessica (Robinson) has fallen in love with the Christian nobleman Lorenzo (Cox). Shylock has already lost his servant Gobbo (Crook) to Bassanio and has no compassion left for the Christians. While Shylock is out at dinner, under the cover of darkness and masks, Lorenzo along with friends Bassanio and Gratiano (Marshall) steal away Jessica from her father’s house. Jessica also takes his hoard of money to help her in her new life. Lorenzo and Jessica then set sail for Belmont and the home of Portia.

Meanwhile at Belmont, Portia is dismayed by the ever increasing numbers of suitors. All are lacking in one way or another but the terms of her father’s will mean that whoever chooses the correct casket will win her heart and her fortune. She is relieved that none have so far triumphed. Then Bassanio and his party arrive. She is instantly struck by his good looks and begins to hope that here she will gain a husband. It is that same instance that Gratiano catches sight of Portia’s maid, Nerissa (Goldenhersh) and another potential love alliance is formed.

Bassanio wastes no time in making the choice and when he chooses the lead casket, he also wins the girl. Everyone is thrilled and a huge marriage feast is planned. Drinking and merrymaking abound until news comes from Venice that Antonio has lost all his ships, all his money and now forfeits his loan and his life to Shylock. Bassanio must return to Venice to try to save his friend. Portia entreats him to take double the money Antonio owes in a bid to stave off Shylock’s forfeit. Reluctantly he leaves with Gratiano.

Shylock meanwhile has gone quietly mad from the loss of both his daughter and his ducats (money). Further he hears rumours of his daughter’s terrible conduct and not even his faithful Tubal (Corduner) can now contain him. Now obsessed, Shylock will not accept anything but his pound of flesh. He shall have his bond no matter what.

As Antonio’s trial unfolds, it seems Antonio is doomed until a wise young doctor mysteriously arrives. Surprisingly young, he and his clerk argue the case from both sides. At first it appears that they will allow Shylock his bond but then there is a change. He can take the flesh but he is not allowed anything else, no blood, no sinew, no muscle. He must also take exactly one pound, no more, no less. It is an impossible task to fulfil. It is clear that Shylock has lost and not only has he failed in this but the court now seeks its own form of justice on the man who would show no mercy to his enemy. Shylock is forced to give up half his money and the rest is to go to his daughter on his death, furthermore, and most cruelly he is forced to give up his religion and become that most hated of all things, a Christian. It is indeed a heavy punishment.

Meanwhile Bassanio is overwhelmed with thanks for the doctor’s actions. He promises him anything. The doctor asks for his ring, the ring Portia gave him, that she bid him never remove. He is extremely reluctant but he owes him such a debt of gratitude that he cannot refuse. The clerk takes Gratiano’s ring for his payment.

So they all return to Belmont, along with Antonio. But more revelations are to come. When both Bassanio and Gratiano are questioned by their wives, as to the presence of their rings, they are forced to reply that they gave them away. Shockingly Portia and Nerissa then reveal the truth, that they had disguised themselves as the doctor and his clerk and they had saved the life of Antonio. Suitably chastised by their wives, the couples retire leaving Antonio to contemplate his life, once more, alone. And Jessica struggles with her feelings for the father she has abandoned.

Movision Entertainment & Arclight Films
Present

In association with
UK Film Council
Film Fund Luxembourg

Delux Productions S.A.
Immagine E Cinema/Dania Film
Instituto Luce

A Cary Brokaw/Avenue Pictures
Navidi-Wilde Productions
Jason Piette-Michael Cowan/Spice Factory
Production

A Michael Radford film

Al Pacino
Jeremy Irons
Joseph Fiennes
Lynn Collins

William Shakespeare’s
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Directed by Michael Radford

Screenplay by Michael Radford

Produced by
Cary Brokaw
Barry Navidi
Jason Piette
Michael Lionello Cowen

Executive Producers
Manfred Wilde
Michael Hammer
Peter James
James Simpson
Alex Marshall
Robert Jones