It's not very often that I leave a movie theater smiling.

I left Much Ado About Nothing with a case of perma-grin.

Suburban sex symbol/director/producer/actor Kenneth Branagh's latest film is simply marvelous. From start to finish, it's two hours of pure, unadulterated cinematic wonder.

With William Shakespeare's Henry V, Branagh brought England's wars with France to the screen with brilliant skill and artistry. Now he tries his hand at the gentle art of l'amour.

At its roots, Shakespeare's Much Ado focuses on love and its fiery cousin, passion. Branagh's adaptation captures these feelings and wraps them in the panoramic splendor of Italy, creating a stunning package.

The "thrill of the chase" dominates Much Ado, which centers around two pairs of lovers and the passionate intertwinings between them.

The dashing young Claudio (wonderfully played by Robert Sean Leonard) has just returned from war, and now his heart turns from the battlefield to the bedroom. When he first meets innocent Hero (Kate Beckinsale), it's love -- and lust --at first sight. The screen sizzles when the two first exchange glances.

If sparks fly between Hero and Claudio, then it's all the cast can do to keep Beatrice and Benedick from tearing each other to pieces. The romantic sparring and verbal warfare between on- and off-screen lovers Emma Thompson (Beatrice) and Branagh (Benedick) is delightfully witty.

Benedick and Beatrice are two feisty, independent souls who would rather die than admit their love for each other. As emotional gridlock sets in, the two taunt each other mercilessly. Beatrice "would rather hear (her) dog bark at a crow, than hear a gentleman say he loves me." Equally stubborn Benedick swears he will die a bachelor.

Of course, both of them end up eating their words and a happy ending is assured -- but not before the failed intervention of the evil Don John (Keanu Reeves).

That Reeves manages not to blow the role is a measure of how well-made this film is. He is the film's only low point, but his exposure is limited and he spends more time snarling than speaking.

The rest of the cast is tremendous, particularly Micheal Keaton as the crusty Constable Dogberry. Every single cast member manages to breathe life and vibrance into an almost 400-year-old play.

Shot in Greve, Italy, the film's scenery is amazing. The verdant Italian countryside and the romantic Villa Vignamaggio add flavor, as does the simplicity -- and sensuality --of the costuming.

As if this wasn't enough, Much Ado contains some of the best camera work to grace the screen lately. Long, flowing shots combine with wonderful scoring to awe audiences.

The result is a priceless piece of cinema.