As You Like It

All the world is a Shakespearean stage for director Kenneth Branagh, who on a trip to Kyoto had the idea of setting this comedy among English merchants in 19th century Japan. The exotic milieu lends new mystery to the magic forest of Arden. (And it allows Branagh to work in some sumo wrestling.) But it's the strong cast, especially Bryce Dallas Howard as witty, strong-willed Rosalind, that gives this East-West fusion its flavor.