Watch BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet

BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet is a 1980 television movie adaptation of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, directed by Rodney Bennett and starring Derek Jacobi as the Danish prince. The movie follows the tragic story of Hamlet, who is driven to madness by the murder of his father, the king of Denmark, by his uncle Claudius. The film takes a traditional approach to the story, set in medieval Denmark, perfectly capturing the essence of the play. The sets are intricate and detailed, and the costumes are authentic and visually stunning. The cast brings the characters to life with conviction and depth, making the viewer feel fully immersed in the story.

The performances of the actors are exceptional, particularly that of Derek Jacobi, who brings an intensity and complexity to his portrayal of Hamlet. He captures the character's brooding nature and inner turmoil, expertly conveying his ever-changing moods and emotions. Jacobi's performance is both captivating and haunting, making the viewer feel deeply invested in the story.

Claire Bloom, who plays Hamlet's mother Gertrude, also delivers a powerful and nuanced performance. She portrays the character's guilt and regret over her role in the murder of her husband with great authenticity, and her scenes with Jacobi are particularly powerful.

Patrick Stewart, who is now best known for his role in the Star Trek franchise, plays King Claudius, the villain of the story. Stewart brings a malevolent and calculating presence to the role, making the viewer hate him as much as Hamlet does. His performances in the scenes where he confesses his guilt are particularly powerful and chilling.

The film uses Shakespeare's original dialogue, which may be daunting for those unfamiliar with the play. However, the actors deliver their lines with such conviction and clarity that the language feels natural and easy to follow.

The movie is directed with great care and attention to detail, and the pacing is superb. The tension steadily builds throughout the film, leading to the tragic and unforgettable conclusion.

Overall, BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet is a masterful adaptation of one of Shakespeare's greatest plays. It is a gripping and emotional journey that will leave the viewer deeply moved. The performances of the talented cast, combined with the stunning production design and expert direction, make this a must-see for all fans of Shakespeare and classic drama.

BBC Shakespeare: Hamlet is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.