--- product_id: 50625321 title: "Twelfth Night" price: "NT$1329" currency: TWD in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 url: https://www.desertcart.tw/products/50625321-twelfth-night store_origin: TW region: Taiwan --- # Twelfth Night **Price:** NT$1329 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Twelfth Night - **How much does it cost?** NT$1329 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.tw](https://www.desertcart.tw/products/50625321-twelfth-night) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Shakespeare's comedy of errors is adapted for the screen by Trevor Nunn and stars a host of famous British actors (including Ben Kingsley, Nigel Hawthorne and Mel Smith). Twins Viola and Sebastian are shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria and separated, each believing the other dead. Viola disguises herself as a man, and soon Sebastian is being mistaken for her and vice versa. Matters are complicated when the beautiful Olivia falls in love with Viola, whom she believes to be male. Review: simply magical - --spoilers---- Never before have I been *so* excited by a Shakespeare play although I love his plays. I always used to think, from the productions I'd seen of Twelfth Night, that Orsino's decision to marry the newly revealed Viola was just a bit too passionless and convenient - as though Viola would "do" since Olivia was no longer available. It just goes to show that none of those other productions had managed to project what Trevor Nunn and the splendid line up of actors give us in this masterly version. The actors for Viola and Sebastian are so well matched that they really do look related if not identical in features and Viola makes a very convincing young man. I've never liked Helena Bonham Carter more than in this movie - she's just perfect as Olivia. The same for Richard E.Grant, and all the others, except I wondered if Malvolio isn't just a little less irritating than he should be so we are more sorry for him than we should be at the end. As for Toby Stephens as Orsino, well I was transfixed. The Duke was always my favourite character in this story and Stephens has him absolutely perfect with all the dark undertones and his melancholy frustrations along with Viola's powering this aspect of the story. This movie should be shown to all schools along with Branagh's Much Ado which is almost as good, and surely then pupils would be demanding Shakespeare instead of apparently being put off it by teachers not wanting to teach it or whatever reason it is they have these days for avoiding it. Review: Worth watching - I have fifty English pounds and a stunning cast that could perform any Shakespearean play. Let's make a film! This could easily explain the reason Trevor Nunn has brought Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to the big screen. Only his third attempt at directing film; credit where credit is due, Nunn has succeeded in providing a simple but effective adaptation of the original text. A miniscule budget and distinct lack of cinematic devices (although bestowed with Cornwall's magnificent scenery) suggests a dismal hope of a box office smash. However, that does not mean that Twelfth Night is not worth watching. Whilst it relies heavily on the comic aspects within the original text, it therefore provides an informative insight to themes and characterisation. Yet Nunn cannot be accused of being naïve to the demands of a modern audience, shaping Shakespeare's lines to lacerate callously, invoking eminent and prevailing emotion. Nunn has far from rejected the play's evident connotations to `Comedy of Errors', revelling in slapstick comedy and mistaken identity. Twelfth Night pursues the tale of two mixed-sex twins, separated in a dramatic shipwreck both assume the other has perished. When Viola adorns her brother's persona for better protection all sorts of mayhem and foibles transgress as fate draws them back together. Nunn's decision to set the film in the 1890's is the most peculiar aspect of the film, although the Merchant's costume suggests subtle connotations towards the Boer War. The other period dress, incredibly, succeeds as a composition. Nunn has not attempted a completely contemporary approach but has implied that Shakespeare's words are still prominent throughout history. The truly gritty, dark and intense approach to the text, especially regarding the camera shots (close-ups are utilised particularly efficiently) and cinematography, is compounded by what can only be described as a brilliant and radiant cast. Even the smaller roles are played with a conviction that would make any production team proud. Maria's (Ismelda Staunton) understated role provides a sense of humanity through desire to the character of Sir Toby that would otherwise be lost. Richard. E. Grant in the role of Sir Aguecheek devises a suave chemistry between himself and Mel Smith (as Sir Toby) that propels them into the realm of comedy duo genius, reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy's interaction and physical appearance. Imogen Stubbs is indisputably enchanting as Viola and compared to the pastel, youthful complexion of Sebastian (Steven Mackintosh) plausibly achieves the transition between genders. Nunn excels himself by including the palpable sexual tension between the dashing Duke Orsino (Toby Stephens) and his manservant Cesario, the skilfully disguised Viola. Using composition close-ups that provide an intensity and realism that only enhance the virtuosity of Shakespeare's lines. Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter who looks as though she has just stepped out of a Rossetti painting) brings innocence and poignancy to her unfeasible desire for Cesario. Tearing the audience between comedy and tragedy, her desperation for love emphasises how the play itself totters precariously on the edge of disaster. The complexity of the situation is developed by the sinister element of humour established by Sir Toby, Sir Aguecheek and Maria as they deservedly exploit Malvolio's flaws as an avaricious, ambitious character. However, Nigel Hawthorne's (Malvolio) mesmerising portrayal of a pompous yet vulnerable character, invokes pathos amongst the audience. As he leaves the court forever, it provides a poignant and unbalanced end; Nunn's directing highlights the events have not resulted in opulence for all. Feste is particularly evocative as the anarchic, idiosyncratic but wise fool present in a number of Shakespeare's works. Ben Kingsley immerses himself in the role, creating a superiority that scorns the other actors, adding a dimension and theme of observation to the film. His contribution to the music ergo, rhythm the scenes in which he is present is another reason his performance stands out. Interchanging between diegetic and non-diegetic songs, his melancholy but seductive voice is an aural delicacy. Sound, plays a crucial part in this adaptation of Twelfth Night and Nunn's awareness of production elements is startlingly clear. As Viola is scrambling ashore, the disjointed arpeggio as the keys of the piano are swept aground is symbolic of the confusion and distress that is exuded from her character. Renaissance Films have undoubtedly spent far less than on other Shakespearean adaptations (for example, Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing) but should be exceptionally satisfied with Trevor Nunn's original and considered approach to such a vastly well-known and undeniably daunting comedy. The film is one of elegance and dignity (produced without bias or agenda) and at no point degrades itself for cheap laughs or sympathetic humour but retains confidence in the lines and this is something that makes it stand out amongst many. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B00005S872 | | Actors | Ben Kingsley, Helena Bonham Carter, Mel Smith, Nigel Hawthorne, Richard E. Grant | | Aspect Ratio | 4:3 - 1.33:1 | | Best Sellers Rank | 2,148 in DVD & Blu-ray ( See Top 100 in DVD & Blu-ray ) 106 in Romance (DVD & Blu-ray) 244 in Face Night Care Creams 381 in Comedy (DVD & Blu-ray) | | Country of origin | United Kingdom | | Customer reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (687) | | Director | Trevor Nunn | | Is discontinued by manufacturer | No | | Language | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | | Manufacturer reference | 5017239191213 | | Media Format | Anamorphic, Colour, HiFi Sound, PAL, Widescreen | | Number of discs | 1 | | Producers | David Parfitt, Stephen Evans | | Product Dimensions | 19 x 13.5 x 1.4 cm; 80 g | | Release date | 29 Oct. 2001 | | Run time | 2 hours and 8 minutes | | Studio | Entertainment in Video | | Writers | Trevor Nunn | ## Images ![Twelfth Night - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71wZB-L+ANL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ simply magical *by H***N on 11 July 2007* --spoilers---- Never before have I been *so* excited by a Shakespeare play although I love his plays. I always used to think, from the productions I'd seen of Twelfth Night, that Orsino's decision to marry the newly revealed Viola was just a bit too passionless and convenient - as though Viola would "do" since Olivia was no longer available. It just goes to show that none of those other productions had managed to project what Trevor Nunn and the splendid line up of actors give us in this masterly version. The actors for Viola and Sebastian are so well matched that they really do look related if not identical in features and Viola makes a very convincing young man. I've never liked Helena Bonham Carter more than in this movie - she's just perfect as Olivia. The same for Richard E.Grant, and all the others, except I wondered if Malvolio isn't just a little less irritating than he should be so we are more sorry for him than we should be at the end. As for Toby Stephens as Orsino, well I was transfixed. The Duke was always my favourite character in this story and Stephens has him absolutely perfect with all the dark undertones and his melancholy frustrations along with Viola's powering this aspect of the story. This movie should be shown to all schools along with Branagh's Much Ado which is almost as good, and surely then pupils would be demanding Shakespeare instead of apparently being put off it by teachers not wanting to teach it or whatever reason it is they have these days for avoiding it. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth watching *by D***I on 10 January 2007* I have fifty English pounds and a stunning cast that could perform any Shakespearean play. Let's make a film! This could easily explain the reason Trevor Nunn has brought Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to the big screen. Only his third attempt at directing film; credit where credit is due, Nunn has succeeded in providing a simple but effective adaptation of the original text. A miniscule budget and distinct lack of cinematic devices (although bestowed with Cornwall's magnificent scenery) suggests a dismal hope of a box office smash. However, that does not mean that Twelfth Night is not worth watching. Whilst it relies heavily on the comic aspects within the original text, it therefore provides an informative insight to themes and characterisation. Yet Nunn cannot be accused of being naïve to the demands of a modern audience, shaping Shakespeare's lines to lacerate callously, invoking eminent and prevailing emotion. Nunn has far from rejected the play's evident connotations to `Comedy of Errors', revelling in slapstick comedy and mistaken identity. Twelfth Night pursues the tale of two mixed-sex twins, separated in a dramatic shipwreck both assume the other has perished. When Viola adorns her brother's persona for better protection all sorts of mayhem and foibles transgress as fate draws them back together. Nunn's decision to set the film in the 1890's is the most peculiar aspect of the film, although the Merchant's costume suggests subtle connotations towards the Boer War. The other period dress, incredibly, succeeds as a composition. Nunn has not attempted a completely contemporary approach but has implied that Shakespeare's words are still prominent throughout history. The truly gritty, dark and intense approach to the text, especially regarding the camera shots (close-ups are utilised particularly efficiently) and cinematography, is compounded by what can only be described as a brilliant and radiant cast. Even the smaller roles are played with a conviction that would make any production team proud. Maria's (Ismelda Staunton) understated role provides a sense of humanity through desire to the character of Sir Toby that would otherwise be lost. Richard. E. Grant in the role of Sir Aguecheek devises a suave chemistry between himself and Mel Smith (as Sir Toby) that propels them into the realm of comedy duo genius, reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy's interaction and physical appearance. Imogen Stubbs is indisputably enchanting as Viola and compared to the pastel, youthful complexion of Sebastian (Steven Mackintosh) plausibly achieves the transition between genders. Nunn excels himself by including the palpable sexual tension between the dashing Duke Orsino (Toby Stephens) and his manservant Cesario, the skilfully disguised Viola. Using composition close-ups that provide an intensity and realism that only enhance the virtuosity of Shakespeare's lines. Olivia (Helena Bonham Carter who looks as though she has just stepped out of a Rossetti painting) brings innocence and poignancy to her unfeasible desire for Cesario. Tearing the audience between comedy and tragedy, her desperation for love emphasises how the play itself totters precariously on the edge of disaster. The complexity of the situation is developed by the sinister element of humour established by Sir Toby, Sir Aguecheek and Maria as they deservedly exploit Malvolio's flaws as an avaricious, ambitious character. However, Nigel Hawthorne's (Malvolio) mesmerising portrayal of a pompous yet vulnerable character, invokes pathos amongst the audience. As he leaves the court forever, it provides a poignant and unbalanced end; Nunn's directing highlights the events have not resulted in opulence for all. Feste is particularly evocative as the anarchic, idiosyncratic but wise fool present in a number of Shakespeare's works. Ben Kingsley immerses himself in the role, creating a superiority that scorns the other actors, adding a dimension and theme of observation to the film. His contribution to the music ergo, rhythm the scenes in which he is present is another reason his performance stands out. Interchanging between diegetic and non-diegetic songs, his melancholy but seductive voice is an aural delicacy. Sound, plays a crucial part in this adaptation of Twelfth Night and Nunn's awareness of production elements is startlingly clear. As Viola is scrambling ashore, the disjointed arpeggio as the keys of the piano are swept aground is symbolic of the confusion and distress that is exuded from her character. Renaissance Films have undoubtedly spent far less than on other Shakespearean adaptations (for example, Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing) but should be exceptionally satisfied with Trevor Nunn's original and considered approach to such a vastly well-known and undeniably daunting comedy. The film is one of elegance and dignity (produced without bias or agenda) and at no point degrades itself for cheap laughs or sympathetic humour but retains confidence in the lines and this is something that makes it stand out amongst many. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Twelfth Night (DVD) (1996) *by D***S on 19 October 2011* In Shakespear's time one forgets that expectations would be different. In those days when men and boys played the female characters even some of the humour would be more pertinent. However in this tale of identical male and female twins Viola and Sebastian, Imogen Stubbs is wonderfully serious and funny as a young man in military uniform, with a false moustache, but no beard. The twins are entertainers on a ship which is wrecked on the shores of a hostile country. Viola believes her brother is lost, and disguises herself, to escape detection. After taking the name of Cesario and becomming the squire of an injured nobleman, Count Orsino, played by Toby Stephens, she is sent to proffess his love, and ask for the hand of a wealthy gentlewoman, Olivia, played enchantingly by Helena Bonham Carter. Of course nothing is ever simple, and the Lady falls in love with Viola, and during the course of her duties, Viola falls in love with her master. Whist Viola/Cesario plays the piano for Orsino he reflects 'If music be the food of love, play on -' Sebastian, played by Steven Mackintosh, is not lost and arrives in a fresh ship, with a companion Antonio, and whilst searching for Viola, is wooed by Lady Olivia,who mistakes him for Cesario,and marries her. This leads to an hillarious climax with Olivia wide eyed, as Antonio asks Sebastion 'how hast thow made division of thyself ? 'True identities are revealed, and Count Orsino and Viola are married also. Weaving in and out of the plot, Ben kingsley plays Festes, the wandering fool and minstrel, (who sings terribly), and Mel Smith Plays Sir Toby Belch, and Richard E Grant plays a slightly ragged and eccentric Sir Andrew Aguecheek - is Shakespeare's tongue ever out of his cheek ? Imelda Staunton plays Maria who aids and abets their ploys as suitors to Olivia, and later marries Sir Toby. Nigel Hawthorne plays a much wronged and imprisoned Malvolio. All this, and Direction by Trevor Nunn, with lovely location shots reminiscent of Devon and Cornwall. Music is by Shaun Davy, with some lively jigs, and beautiful Orchestrations. Costumes are by John Bright. Is it really pre 1996 ? I saw this film at the Cinema back then, and this DVD version does not seem at all dated. It is serious, funny, and sometimes moving, and can be enjoyed over and over again. ## Frequently Bought Together - Twelfth Night - Much Ado About Nothing [DVD] - As You Like It [DVD] --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.tw/products/50625321-twelfth-night](https://www.desertcart.tw/products/50625321-twelfth-night) --- *Product available on Desertcart Taiwan* *Store origin: TW* *Last updated: 2026-04-25*