The story begins with twins Viola (Imogen Stubbs) and Sebastian (Steven Mackintosh), young performers on a ship, delighting their audience with their identical appearances and playful banter. During their journey, they are caught in a violent storm that wrecks their ship, and the twins are tragically separated. Viola and a few survivors wash ashore in the unfamiliar land of Illyria. Believing Sebastian to have drowned, Viola is grief-stricken but determined to find her way in this new place. Seeking safety and purpose, she decides to disguise herself as a boy, taking on the name “Cesario,” and seeks service in the court of Duke Orsino (Toby Stephens).
Duke Orsino, the ruler of Illyria, is infatuated with Countess Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter), a noblewoman in deep mourning over her brother’s recent death. Olivia uses her grief as a reason to reject Orsino’s romantic advances, preferring to isolate herself in her estate. Despite her refusals, Orsino remains undeterred and sends his new page, “Cesario” (Viola in disguise), to woo Olivia on his behalf. Viola’s task is complicated by her growing affection for Orsino, who remains oblivious to her true identity.
When Viola meets Olivia in her male guise as “Cesario,” Olivia is immediately struck by “Cesario’s” charm and wit, falling in love with the messenger. Unaware of Viola’s true identity, Olivia pursues “Cesario,” further entangling the complicated web of affection. Viola, caught between her love for Orsino and Olivia’s infatuation with her alter ego, finds herself in a precarious and increasingly awkward position.
Meanwhile, comedic chaos brews in Olivia’s household. Olivia’s pompous steward, Malvolio (Nigel Hawthorne), becomes the target of a cruel prank orchestrated by Maria (Imelda Staunton), Olivia’s lady-in-waiting, and Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith), Olivia’s hard-drinking uncle. They are joined by Feste (Ben Kingsley), the estate’s clever and sardonic fool, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Richard E. Grant), an inept nobleman who hopes to win Olivia’s heart. The conspirators forge a letter, supposedly written by Olivia, professing love for Malvolio and instructing him to dress and behave in ridiculous ways to win her affection. Malvolio, eager to please Olivia, falls for the trick and makes a fool of himself, believing he has a chance at romance with his mistress. Olivia is bewildered by his sudden bizarre behavior and has him confined, leaving him at the mercy of Maria and her co-conspirators, who subject him to further humiliation.
Sir Toby, ever the mischief-maker, also pushes Sir Andrew to court Olivia. However, Olivia pays Sir Andrew no attention, and Sir Toby goads him into challenging “Cesario” to a duel to prove his worth. The duel goes disastrously for Sir Andrew, who is no match for Viola, though neither participant has much desire to fight. The encounter ends comically as Sir Andrew’s bravado crumbles under the pressure.
Unbeknownst to Viola, her twin brother Sebastian has survived the shipwreck and has also arrived in Illyria. He is accompanied by Antonio (Nicholas Farrell), a kind and loyal sailor who saved him from drowning. Antonio, harboring a mysterious past, reveals that he has enemies in Orsino’s court and must tread carefully. Their paths begin to cross with the others when Antonio mistakes Viola, disguised as “Cesario,” for Sebastian and feels betrayed when “Cesario” does not recognize him or come to his aid during a confrontation.
Meanwhile, Olivia encounters Sebastian and, mistaking him for “Cesario,” passionately professes her love. Confused but intrigued, Sebastian agrees to marry her, thinking himself lucky to have found a beautiful and wealthy bride. This twist causes further confusion as Orsino hears of the marriage and believes “Cesario” has betrayed him. Feeling hurt and betrayed by the page he had come to trust and confide in, Orsino dismisses “Cesario” and confronts Olivia.
The truth is revealed when Sebastian and Viola come face-to-face, resolving the confusion surrounding their identities. Viola reveals her true nature and explains her disguise. With all misunderstandings cleared up, Orsino realizes his feelings for Viola and proposes to her. Overjoyed, she accepts, and the two couples—Orsino and Viola, and Sebastian and Olivia—prepare to celebrate their unions.
As the joyous events unfold, the subplot involving Malvolio reaches its conclusion. Freed from his confinement, Malvolio leaves the estate in anger, vowing revenge on those who humiliated him. Sir Andrew, equally humiliated but somewhat reconciled to his failures, also departs, alongside Sir Toby, who has found his match in Maria.
The film concludes with a grand celebration of love and unity. Both couples, surrounded by friends and family, rejoice in their newfound happiness. As the festivities continue, Feste, the wise and wry fool, performs his melancholic yet reflective song, “The Wind and the Rain,” providing a fitting close to the tale.
Raymond
Good film