Watch Hamlet

Hamlet from 1996 is a British film adaptation of William Shakespeare's timeless play of the same name. Directed by Kenneth Branagh and released by Castle Rock Entertainment, Hamlet features a star-studded cast that includes Kenneth Branagh himself in the titular role, Julie Christie as Queen Gertrude, Derek Jacobi as King Claudius, and Kate Winslet as Ophelia, among others.

The film, which runs for over four hours, follows the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark who seeks revenge on his uncle and now stepfather, King Claudius, for murdering his father and marrying his mother. The play's themes of deceit, revenge, and moral decay are brought to life with powerful performances and beautiful cinematography.

One of the striking features of the film is the elaborate and opulent settings that transport the viewer to the lavish royal court of medieval Denmark. The movie is shot in a magnificent castle in Denmark, which adds to the authenticity of the film's setting. The costumes are also intricately designed and add to the film's overall grandeur.

Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Hamlet is one of the most memorable in film history. He brings depth and complexity to the character, making the audience empathize with his struggle and turmoil. Branagh's Hamlet is multi-dimensional, displaying the character's madness, despair, and sense of betrayal in a nuanced and powerful way.

One of the other standout performances in the film comes from Derek Jacobi who plays King Claudius. He is a brilliant actor who captures the character's duplicity and cunning with ease. Julie Christie's portrayal of Queen Gertrude is also noteworthy. Her performance is nuanced, and she successfully conveys the complexity of her character.

The film's pacing is another strong point. Despite its long runtime, the movie never feels dull or slow. The scenes are intricately woven together, and each one serves a purpose in advancing the story. The dialogues are well-written and effectively convey the emotions and thoughts of each character.

Apart from the main cast, the movie features several other talented actors who give memorable performances. Kate Winslet, in her breakout role, plays Ophelia, Hamlet's love interest. Her performance is touching, capturing the character's innocence and vulnerability. Other notable performances come from Robin Williams as Osric, a courtier, and Billy Crystal as the grave-digger.

The film's soundtrack is another highlight. It features a haunting and beautiful score composed by Patrick Doyle, who also worked with Branagh on Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing. The music adds to the movie's atmosphere and complements the visuals perfectly.

In conclusion, Hamlet from 1996 is a superb film adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. The movie's grandeur, powerful performances, and intricate plot make it a classic that is still relevant today. Kenneth Branagh's direction and portrayal of Hamlet are nothing less than exceptional, and the movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves Shakespeare or great cinema.

Hamlet is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 4 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.