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Hamlet (1996) – Movie Review
Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet (1996) is a monumental cinematic achievement—an ambitious, unabridged adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy that dares to deliver the entire original text on screen. Clocking in at over four hours, this lavish production is as much a visual feast as it is a literary tribute, presenting the Bard’s work with dazzling grandeur and emotional depth.
Branagh, who directs, produces, and stars in the titular role, fully inhabits the troubled Prince of Denmark, delivering a performance that’s both intensely personal and commanding. His Hamlet is intellectual and impassioned, unraveling in real time before our eyes with all the inner turmoil, revenge, and existential dread that define the character. Branagh’s take avoids minimalist melancholy—instead, he paints Hamlet as a man whose grief fuels action and dangerous introspection in equal measure.
Set in the 19th-century Victorian era, the film is a visual spectacle. Shot in 70mm, it boasts opulent set designs, golden halls, mirrored corridors, and snow-covered graveyards that mirror the emotional stakes of the narrative. Branagh infuses the story with kinetic energy and elaborate camera work, keeping the lengthy runtime engaging and visually rich.
The ensemble cast is packed with talent: Derek Jacobi as Claudius is superbly layered; Julie Christie gives a poignant performance as Gertrude; and Kate Winslet delivers a hauntingly fragile Ophelia. Supporting appearances from Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Charlton Heston, and Jack Lemmon offer unexpected but effective moments that enrich the world of Elsinore with recognizable faces and distinctive tones.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this Hamlet is its unwavering faithfulness to Shakespeare’s full text—a rarity in film adaptations. While this might be daunting for casual viewers, it allows the film to explore the psychological, political, and philosophical layers of the play in exquisite detail. For those familiar with the source material, it’s an absorbing, deeply rewarding experience.
Branagh’s Hamlet is not just a film—it’s a theatrical event captured on screen, combining Shakespearean rigor with cinematic flair. It’s bold, operatic, and unapologetically grand—arguably the definitive film version for purists and lovers of Shakespeare.
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