Set in the late 19th century, it was filmed on location in Cornwall, including scenes shot at Padstow and at Lanhydrock House near Bodmin, with Orsino and his followers wearing uniforms that evoke the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

His attempts to woo her, however, are met with bewilderment by Olivia who has him committed, where he is subjected to further humiliations by Maria (Imelda Staunton), Feste (Ben Kingsley) and Sir Toby Belch (Mel Smith).

The film ends with both couples holding a party to celebrate their marriages, while the supporting players, including the humiliated Sir Andrew and Malvolio, leave the estate with their heads held high and Feste sings his song, "The Wind and the Rain".

Extra dialogue was added at the beginning with Feste narrating the events surrounding the shipwreck and the separation of the twins and of a conflict between Viola and Orsino's native countries.

The conflict is not mentioned again in the film (though it could be connected to Antonio's past as "Orsino's enemy"), and the Captain appears openly at the party at the end where he is embraced by Viola.

The site's critical consensus reads, "Director Trevor Nunn makes some questionable choices, but his stellar cast -- which includes Helena Bonham-Carter, Ben Kingsley, and Nigel Hawthorne -- more than rises to the material.

"[2] Online film critic James Berardinelli writes, "With Twelfth Night, director Trevor Nunn (Lady Jane) follows in Branagh's footsteps by adapting one of the comedies for the screen.