Kenneth Branagh directs, writes and stars in this musical adaptation of Shakespeare's play, relocated to Thirties Britain. The King of Navarre (Alessandro Nivola) asks three of his fellow Oxford students to join him as he embarks on a three-year course of abstinence and hard study; they agree, although Berowne (Branagh) in particular is reluctant. However, each of the men soon forgets their vow with the arrival of the French princess (Alicia Silverstone) and her attractive entourage. Romance is soon in the air, but will the amorous males manage to conceal their broken promise to each other while pursuing true love?