Review of Hamlet (1996) by Michael Y — 20 Aug 2010

The greatest story of all time is presented in the most fitting way possible, as it deserves, and only a deserving man like Kenneth Branagh brings this masterpiece to the world.

Ok, we all know how great the story of Hamlet is. (unless you are still yet to take the high school study) So there is no point to give this movie points on the story. (cause that would be cheating) The real points do, however, come from the presentation of Shakespeare's classics. And so, I confess that there is no better presentation than that, this film. With an all star cast of Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie, Kate Winslet, Charlton Heston, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, and many, many others including Kenneth Branagh as Hamlet, this film brings out the best delivery and presentation of their lines and actions. What is unusual and unique is that Branagh (being the director of this movie too) presents Hamlet in it's entirety, line through line, word for word, capturing all the hilarity and intensity that other adaptations would have missed.

Branagh goes in a completely different direction with this adaptation, in many ways. 1. The entirety thing. 2. The play does not take place in a medieval period, but rather a 19th century Victorian setting. 3. This movie is shot as a classic epic movie that would run 4 hours long. 4. This would be the last full lengh movie to be shot with 70mm film. (+mm = better picture. 70 being the biggest) The style of this movie brings back the kind of feeling only felt when watching classic epic films from years before. It's not just these elements that make this film look great, but it's Branagh's unexpected ability as a director that shows his commitment and his talent in such an impressive way. The shots in this movie are phenomenal and unique.

This is my favourite Hamlet film of all time. Even though the hours are long, the way that Branagh presents the film makes the movie never seem too long. For such an old and depressing story, Branagh shows just how much energy this play truely has. The tension is tight, the actions are full of feeling, the scenery is beautiful, the music is immersing, and the way this classic and brilliant play is portrayed will amaze you and make you beg for more. Or maybe it's just me, but this movie without a doubt blew me away.