Of course, most people have their own favourite film versions of "Hamlet," William Shakespeare's classic tragedy about love, murder, revenge and family loyalty, that was first performed at the Globe Theater in 1603. Classic tragedy, right up there with "Romeo & Juliet," "Richard III," "Othello," "Julius Caesar," "Macbeth" and "King Lear." Personally, Kenneth Branagh's 4 hour version of the play is the greatest, next to Sir Laurence Olivier's 2/1/2 hour film version, produced in 1948. The all-star cast is terrific (featuring Academy Award winners Julie Christie, Charlton Heston, Sir John Gielgud, Jack Lemmon, Richard Attenborough and Robin Williams, among others; Gielgud, Derek Jacobi and Kenneth Branagh have each played Hamlet over 300 times on stage). The costumes (as per the opulent 19th-century setting) and sets are visually lush. There is nothing bad about this production. It's clear that Branagh spared no expense to make this movie. At $18 million, it was worth every penny. As far as letting children see this film, I would highly recommend it for ages 10 and above, due to the mature subject matter (death, lost love, revenge, etc), the archaic English, some non-explicit, but suggesstive, love scenes between Ophelia (Kate Winslet) and Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh) and the 4 hour running time. The film has recieved a PG-13 rating from the MPAA for violent images and some sexuality, but I rate it PG for some violence.
Hamlet (1996)
(1996, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Derek Jacobi)
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Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
The GREATEST Screen Version Of William Shakespeare's Tragedy.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
One of the finest films ever made.
We watch it every New Year's. Hamlet always teaches new lessons. My boys loved it! Transcendent. luminous. Change your plans and see it tonight!
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Do yourself a favor and watch Laurence Olivier's version instead.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
A must-see movie.
Kenneth Branagh's embodiment is the ebst yuo will ever see of this character. Truly Amazing.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
A must-see movie.
Kenneth Branagh embodiment of Hamlet's character is the best you will ever see. Truly Amazing.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
A must-see movie.
Kenneth Branagh embodiment of Hamlet's character is the best you will ever see. Truly Amazing.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
One of the best films of all time
