Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) is unable to woo the beautiful Portia (Lynn Collins) without the help of his friend Antonio (Jeremy Irons). Since the merchant's money is currently tied up in his ships, the two go to Shylock (Al Pacino), Venice's sinister moneylender and accept his strange terms, Shylock won't charge any interest, but if Antonio can't repay his debt, it will cost him a pound of flesh. While Antonio waits to see if his fortunes will be won or lost at sea, Bassanio must travel to the country to try to win his bride. Despite his charm and borrowed fortune, Bassanio still has to pass the test of the coffins if he wants to be married.