Prince Don Pedro’s (Denzel Washington) army returns from battle, reuniting lovers Hero (Kate Beckinsale) and Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard). As they plan to wed, they also plan a little matchmaking between Hero’s cousin Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Claudio’s companion Benedick (Kenneth Branagh). Beatrice and Bennedick are sworn enemies and fight whenever they see each other and are in this way perfect for each other. Unfortunately the prince’s half brother Don John (Keanu Reeves) sees a chance to cause some trouble. He has one of his men court a woman in Hero’s bedroom so that Claudio believes Hero is unfaithful. Claudio waits until the wedding day to voice his anger and leaves Hero at the alter. By this time Benedick and Beatrice have pledged their love for each other, so Beatrice asks Bennedick to seek revenge for her slandered cousin. The entire estate is in an uproar until the buffoons of the neighborhood watch uncovers the truth.