Visually stunning and an overall success

Having seen two theatrical productions and two other film versions of this timeless Shakespeare play, I was duly impressed by this highly ambitious cinematic effort to film 'Hamlet' in its entirety. The visuals are incredible--set in a 19th-century palace and shot with 70mm film, it is not to be missed (and, indeed, I recommend the widescreen version if your television is large enough). The cinematic feel of the film works well also; whereas a major flaw with other films of this play is that they simply feel like a grand theatrical production, Kenneth Branagh makes this film a truly engrossing spectacle. To see Fortinbras' army bursting through all the mirrored doors in the throne room is something not to be missed, Hamlet yelling his 'How all occasions do inform against me' soliloquy at the top of his lungs atop a glacier is unusual and spectatular, and Hamlet's meeting with his father's ghost is simply terrifying. Most of the roles are pretty well cast--Kate Winslet is a very good Ophelia, Derek Jacobi makes a great Claudius, and Billy Crystal even makes a delightful appearance as a gravedigger. Branagh sometimes leaves something to be deisred in his title role--the soliloquy is a mumbled monotone (though very well shot!)--and why the heck is Jack Lemmon, a great comedic actor, playing Marcellus? Robin Williams at first makes a good Osric with his natural comic charms, but is completely incongrous in some of his actions (for which I suppose we can blame the director). But the only really big problem with this film was the soundtrack: while at times it helped get the mood of the scene, it sometimes became a hindrance in some of the conversations and soliloquies. But, one cannot ask for everything, and if you are looking for a good Shakespearean film adaptation, I hightly recommend this to you.

5 stars...but not perfect

I love Kenneth Branagh, and was especially hooked after watching Henry V. Here, with Hamlet, he doesn't succeed in creating the "definitive movie version" (as he did with Henry), but nevertheless creates a solid (and complete!) version that is easily the best out there thus far.

(...)

Anyways, as mentioned above, the movie has distinct flaws that may simply be quibbling. The death scene with Claudius is simply painful - Branagh throws a rapier like a dart and pegs Claudius in the back with it. Admittedly, the film is approached with an opera-like feel (suspension of disbelief is required), but dart-throwing rapier death is probably a bit much. Along the same lines, there is a bizarre blue screen moment that needed to be cut (Hamlet's decision to return to the castle). Also, the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is made explicit through flashbacks, which while hot, is odd in relation to the play itself, which is filled with innuendo and ambiguity. Much more fun that way, I feel.

Okay, so they're quibbles. However, these are quibbles about key areas of the movie (such as the climax), so I think it merits pointing out. That aside, the acting is (mostly) brilliant, particularly on the part of Derek Jacobi. His Claudius is probably the best I've ever seen; almost outshines Hamlet.

This is a great movie. It's not everything I would have hoped for, but it's by far the best we have right now.

Excellent Film

Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet" works so well on the big screen because the guy has a knack for Shakespeare, acting, directing, and knowing what "modern" audiences wanted out of a Shakespearean play. He takes the tale of Hamlet, prince of Denmark, and transports it to more of a modern setting (well, more modern than the 16th century). He assembles an all-star cast that includes Kate Winslett, Charlton Heston, Derek Jacobi, Billy Crystal, Jack Lemmon, Robin Williams among others in this adaptation of Shakespeare's classic.

Although 4 hours in length (mainly because every word in the play is inserted in the script), the stunning effect of the play is extraordinary. The backdrop for the ghost of Hamlet in the opening scene, the mirror used when Hamlet (Branaugh) is making his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, the palace in which Hamlet and Laertes fight, and the snowy landscape in which Fortenbras and his men arrive are all instances of using scenery and directing to update this version of the play.

Although the setting and interpretation of what Shakespeare intended are left in doubt, the movie itself is visually stunning and the acting is great. Although Branaugh hired a few American actors to take on some of Shakespeare's characters (for instance, Robin Williams plays Osric and Billy Crystal plays one of the gravediggers), there "American" accents are hardly noticed in the film.

As an educator, I also think this is a fantastic version to use as a resource for a study of the play. Because the dialogue is accurate to the play, it works well. Also, this version seemingly makes the work of Shakespeare easier to understand. (Although, as a warning, there is one scene with Winslet (Ophelia) and Branaugh (Hamlet) that is definitely "adult" in nature).

Overall, a great gamble by Branaugh to update Shakespeare's work into his own insight. There is also a few extras on the VHS version: interviews with many of the cast members as well as a behind the scenes about the movie.

Also recommended: Hamlet (Mel Gibson version)