Review of Hamlet (1996) by George R W — 26 Aug 2009
Kenneth Branagh once again shows why he is currently the best at adapting "The Bard" to the silver screen. Despite its four hour run time this film moves at break neck pace. This is due to two reasons. Firstly, Shakespeare. While not my favorite of the Bard's works, it is his best. Hamlet is literature's greatest story of revenge. Secondly, Kenneth Branagh's superb direction. Shakespeare can get bogged down with all the talking, but Branagh was able to drive engaging performances from the entire cast.
Which brings us to the performances. This film was a varitable who's who. And everybody acted their asses off. But the two standouts were Branagh as Hamlet and Winslet as Ophelia. They both deserved Oscars for their efforts (Branagh Best Actor; Winslet Best Supporting Actress).
In my experience there are only two film versions of Hamlet that are of note this and the 1948 Laurence Olivier Best Picture Winner. And even though I love Olivier, Branagh's version had the balls to shoot the the play in its entireity, And with its lavish sets, marvellous costumes, and the quality of the actors all around I think I have to say that this is the best version.
Bottom Line: **** If you don't like Shakespeare, watch this, because it just might make you a fan of The Bard.
This review of Hamlet (1996) was written by George R W on 26 Aug 2009.
Hamlet has generally received positive reviews.
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