In Japan of the 19th century before the West intrudes, two brothers are at war over their feudal kingdoms, which explains the political world of “As You Like It.” One evil brother, dark haired and dark in spirit, banishes his fair brother (both Brian Blessed) to the forest of Arden with a loyal lord named Jacques (Kevin Kline). Rosalind (Bryce Dallas Howard), the fair brother’s daughter is kept hostage and companion to Celia (Romola Garai), daughter of the dark Duke. When the girls are also banished for being sympathetic to the public, they are followed into the forest by admiring young men. Taking on secret identities, the girls are swept into the magical Arden. The forest also causes confusion and spreads love in a madcap way among all the expatriates. With several couples trying to find their true loves, the story ends the way an audience likes it: happily ever after.