A Turbulent Drama Set in Elizabethan England

This film is a historical mystery based on the greatest enigma in literary history, debated since the 18th century: "The works attributed to Shakespeare were written by someone else."
It adopts the most widely accepted theory today among the authorship candidates: that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author. The film explores why he had to conceal this truth, set against the backdrop of the Elizabethan era's power struggles over the throne, weaving in hidden love and political intrigue.


William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright in history. Yet, there's no record of him receiving higher education, and not a single original manuscript in his hand has ever been found. Did Shakespeare the writer even exist, or was someone else the author of his masterpieces, the plays and poems?

A Long-Awaited Release After Years of Development

The director is Roland Emmerich, known for blockbuster entertainment films like "Independence Day." The concept for this film had been in development for over 10 years. Upon hearing about the authorship question from screenwriter John Orloff, Emmerich was convinced it would be an incredible film, "packed with all the dramatic elements of Shakespeare's plays," and decided to produce it. However, securing funding proved difficult. It was only after subsequent commercial successes that the project finally came to fruition, allowing him to achieve his ideal casting.


Rhys Ifans, who garnered acclaim for his performance in "Notting Hill," plays the lead role of the Earl of Oxford. The iconic Queen Elizabeth I, who presided over the golden age of the British Empire, is portrayed by the esteemed actress Vanessa Redgrave, known for "Julia." And playing the role of the guide from modern times to the 16th century is Derek Jacobi, a quintessential Shakespearean actor who himself supports the "Shakespeare = Earl of Oxford" theory. The ensemble cast of distinguished British actors is a must-see. Here, a historical mystery unfolds as first-class entertainment.


"Anonymous"

Directed and Produced by | Roland Emmerich

Screenplay and Executive Produced by | John Orloff

Starring | Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, Jamie Campbell Bower, Derek Jacobi

Distributed by | Phantom Film

Presented by | Sony Pictures

2011 / English / 35mm / Color / Scope / SRD / Original Title: ANONYMOUS / 129 min

Opening Saturday, December 22nd at TOHO Cinemas Chante, Shinjuku Musashinokan, and other theaters nationwide.


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