“All is True” is a portrait of William Shakespeare during the last three years of his life, as he leaves London and returns to his family in Stratford-upon-Avon. The film follows Shakespeare as he strives to bridge the distance between himself and his wife and two daughters, recover from the loss of his only son, and come to terms with his legacy as an artist. In so doing, he is ruthlessly forced to examine his own failings as husband and father. His very personal search for the truth uncovers secrets and lies within a family at war.

Director Branagh (Shakespeare) and screenwriter Ben Elton start with the known facts about the Bard’s life during that time and attempt to fill in the gaps with what Shakespeare seems to reveal about himself through his own writings.

Ann Hornaday, in the Washington Post, calls the film “an intriguing speculative drama about the playwright’s final years.” Christopher Lloyd, in The Film Yap, calls it “splendidly acted and insightful.” Lisa Jensen, in Good Times Santa Cruz, says the film is “a wonderful homage — witty, atmospheric, at times heartbreaking — to both the towering genius of myth and the oh-so-fallible man within.” Adam Graham, in the Detroit News, calls it “a fresh look at Shakespeare, behind the guise, flaws and all. And if ever there was a man for that job, it’s Branagh.” Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material and language, “All is True” runs one hour, 41 minutes.

The Opera House Cinema Series is sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank. Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. A book of 10 movie passes is available for $60 at the door or online at www.fredopera.org. For more information, call the Opera House Box Office at 716-679-1891.

The next feature film in the Opera House Cinema Series is the film “All is True.” It will be screened this Saturday, June 29, and Tuesday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m.

The Opera House is equipped with individualized closed captioning headsets for the deaf as well as with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.

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