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Hamlet (1991)

(1991, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Glenn Close, Helena Bonham Carter, Mel Gibson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Mel Gibson emotes as the doleful Dane.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Sword fights and a poisoning.
  • Sex:

    Hamlet mimes sexual intercourse (fully clothed) and his mother kisses her grown son suggestively.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hamlet (1991)

Parents need to know that this version of Hamlet is played to suggest an incestuous relationship between the Prince of Denmark and his mother, Queen Gertrude. In one angry scene, Hamlet mimes sexual intercourse (fully clothed) while berating Gertrude for marrying his uncle before his father was cold in the grave. His mother, in turn, kisses her grown son suggestively.

Read our full review by Randy White

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the limitations and advantages of bringing a Shakespeare play to the screen. Did you find the play's arcane language more accessible? What about special effects? Why do you think the play's running time was cut in half? Did that help or hurt the story?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 2.0

    my 12 year old sisters review

    this movie has too many deaths, ghosts, murder, and a tragic ending

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    on point!

    i thought mel did a stand up job! it was an excellent film!

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