Dir. Kenneth Branagh (trailer)
Kenneth Branagh's 4-hour adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet is one of the best Hamlet adaptations ever put onto film. Rivaling Laurence Olivier, Branagh is one of the most well-known Shakespearean actors working today, frequently directing and acting in film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, such as Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V.
This 1996 adaptation of Hamlet is one of the most complete adaptations to date, hence the long running time, Branagh leaves nothing out. Featuring an all-star cast of actors, ranging from classic Hollywood legends to comedians, this film is full of amazing performances that will blow you away, including Charlton Heston and Jack Lemmon, as well as cameos by Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. Branagh plays the titular Prince Hamlet perfectly, at first charming and princely but later on unhinged and filled with rage. Hamlet's mistress Ophelia is played by Kate Winslet, who manages to make an impact with the little screen time her character is given.
Filmed on 70mm film, the cinematography is breathtaking, using large rooms to make the movie feel like a play but also giving a massive cinematic quality. Every scene in the film looks like a painting, especially the wedding scene during which thousands of flower-petals pour from the ceiling and fill the large room in a blanket of white.
Even those who are not familiar with Shakespeare or may feel they won't be able to keep up with a film adaptation of his plays find themselves able to enjoy this film. The actors that Branagh has compiled are masters of their craft and use body language and natural speaking inflections to make it easier to follow along with the plot even if you are not entirely sure what is being said.
I recommend this film to anyone who likes period pieces and classic literature film adaptations.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Recommended for fans of: historical/period pieces, Pride & Prejudice (2005), Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990), classics
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