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Hamlet (1996) Certificate PG

Hamlet
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Rated 4.0 stars
Average rating
(75%)
 
Starring: Kenneth Branagh | Kate Winslet | Brian Blessed | Richard Briers | Julie Christie
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Studio: WARNER HOME VIDEO
Run time: 242 mins
Genres: Drama | Thriller
Languages: English
Released: April 21, 2008

Kenneth Branagh's own version of the Bard's classic tragedy.

Rating of 4 stars out of 5
Radio Times

This monumental full-length, four-hour, unabridged version of the play has Kenneth Branagh directing himself as the Prince. Admirable, and challenging, this is a very showbizzy staging — in addition to the leading players (such as Kate Winslet as Ophelia, Julie Christie's Gertrude, Derek Jacobi as Claudius), there is a veritable galaxy of star appearances to tweak the interest. While some critics might say this is not so much a movie as a chorus-line of talents, Branagh has to be admired for the ambition of this ravishingly beautiful staging, although his occasionally patronising direction can be irritating.

Highest rated reviews

11 out of 12 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 5.0 stars
Shakespeare on speed

Angie Adams from Essex, 22nd August, 2005

Brannagh's portrayal of the deluded Danish prince is superb. This is Shakespeare that has been made accessible and will appeal to the masses. A great supporting cast makes this film definitely worth a watch. You may even want to dive into the Bard big time after watching this.

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2 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 4.0 stars
I think its great

A Customer from Bristol, England, 13th May, 2007

I am not a fan of Shakespeare and when my friend wanted to watch this I was reluctant. I was really surprised. I really enjoyed it and actually want to see more of this sort of thing. Totally worth seeing. Especially Kate Winslet she was brilliant, I knew she was a good actress but she really does a good job. It also has Brian Blessed in it what more could you want?

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1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 2.0 stars
One for the Kenneth Branagh fans

A Customer from Hebden Bridge, UK, 7th October, 2009

Kenneth Branagh does Hamlet in true Kenneth Branagh fashion and the end result is Kenneth Branagh being Hamlet. Lots of standard Kenneth Branaghry and no sign of any angst-ridden teenagers. Oh look! There's Emma Thomson. Makes Larry look good

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1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 5.0 stars
Watch This

Mawech from from Reepham, 11th September, 2007

I am a Shakespeare fan, but have never really been into Hamlet; but then I've only ever seen the various cut back versions I've seen on the stage. This is the first time I've seen the full text version; and it's worth the time invested. It makes much more sense, it hangs together much better. Maybe them there directors ought to learn the the master knew his trade better than they know theirs?

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Most recent reviews

Rated 3.0 stars
Long and hard going....

A Customer from Tamworth, 20th March, 2010

Well acted, true to the script, well produced. Being Shakespeare you really need to concentrate on the language to keep up with it but it was just so long I kept not having time to start the second disc. Eventually sent it back without watching the whole thing. Probabaly should have stuck with it. Best for a rainy weekend holed up watching TV all day....

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Rated 4.0 stars
Hamlet

CJH from , 17th October, 2009

I've always wanted to see this, but I've neeeeeever had the previous inclination to watch something that's four hours long. So, as someone who does not know Hamlet... nor Shakespeare let's be honest here... once I learned how to keep up with the dialogue, I loved the excessive Shakespearian use of vocab to describe things. While the film is notoriously long, it isn't as much an endurance test as I thought it would be. I put this down to the witty humour laced throughout (whether intentional or not, is debatable!) and while it is ultimately a tragedy, I think to have people watch the complete novel it needs to keep you entertained throughout. Branagh does a great job as Hamlet, while there are many other familiar faces throughout, while the sets (all one of them practically!) are very lush. Altogether, I now see why my High School English teachers sucked at not teaching me Shakespeare!

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Rated 5.0 stars
Lovie Feast

Digary from , 10th September, 2009

This version of Hamlet is very much 'spot' the famous English Actor. But is all the better for that. I'm not sure why it didn't get a wider release when it was made. I thought the choice of a Victorian/Prussian setting was inspired and the direction brought you right into the action. This is now my favorite film version.

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