As the 16th century looms large, the loved up “Bassanio” (Joseph Fiennes) approaches his wealthy merchant friend “Antonio” (Jeremy Irons) for a loan. You see, he wants to impress “Portia” (Lynn Collins) to the tune of 3,000 ducats. Unfortunately, his friend is already heavily invested elsewhere and cannot oblige, but he does agree to stand surety for a loan from “Shylock” (Al Pacino). This loan isn’t secured in any traditional sense, however. The lender, a Jew, is weary of being treated harshly by those in power in Venice, including by “Antonio” and so demands that in the event of default, he …
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