The beloved William Shakespeare film adaptation starring Kate Winslet and Kenneth Branagh has received rave reviews
Viewers seeking a compelling period drama need look no further, after one adaptation of a William Shakespeare play streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+ has garnered outstanding praise on IMDb. This follows others enjoying a historical series likened to HBO’s gripping Chernobyl and an “excellent” period drama adaptation, reports the Express.
The film has attracted glowing reviews on IMDb, with one viewer posting a 10/10 critique titled: “The Bard would be proud”. The reviewer continued: “What I really liked about this film is that you don’t have to be a Shakespeare scholar to enjoy it. This is a must see for anyone and everyone. It may be four hours long, but it’s definitely worth it.”
A second viewer wrote in their top-rated review: “This is the only film of “Hamlet” that contains the full four hours of William Shakespeare’s masterpiece and gives a unique feel to the whole story.” Echoing the first review, they concluded: “This is a must see for everyone who enjoy’s good story telling, brilliant acting, and incredible direction. All of these part of William Shakespeares greatest triumph.”
A third viewer praised the production as a “masterpiece” in their 8/10 review and noted: “I’m pleased to tell you that this adaptation is every bit as good as the intense and dramatic play.” Another viewer commented in their 9/10 review that this film was amongst the “best” Shakespeare adaptations that actor and director Kenneth Branagh had created and described it as a “masterpiece”.
They elaborated: “The cast is great too. No weak link in the acting, and everyone holds their own.” The reviewer added in their piece: “The Cinematography shows off the world well and fits most scenes, same with the music [sic].” Branagh’s 1996 adaptation of The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or simply Hamlet, delivered an epic and devastating story to cinema audiences.
The Belfast and Wallander star penned and helmed the film, whilst also portraying the titular character in Hamlet. This interpretation of Hamlet was remarkable for being the first complete film version of William Shakespeare’s tragedy and its lengthy running time clocked in at four hours. Hamlet chronicled the story of the Prince of Denmark following his devastation over his father’s passing, with his uncle Claudius (Derek Jacobi) rapidly wedding his mother Gertrude (Julie Christie) to claim the throne.
Following an apparition of his deceased father, the prince set out to exact retribution for his father’s killing at the hands of his uncle.
Hamlet feigned insanity whilst investigating his father’s death, though this ultimately resulted in further losses, including Ophelia (played by Kate Winslet).
Yet, whilst pretending to lose his mind, it appeared Hamlet genuinely descended into madness as he contemplated existence and mortality.
As with all of Shakespeare’s tragedies, numerous other fatalities occurred in Hamlet as the prince pursued his vengeance. Hamlet boasted a star-studded ensemble, which also included Richard Briers from The Good Life, Nicholas Farrell from The Crown, Michael Maloney of The Trial of Christine Keeler, and Rufus Sewell from ITV’s Victoria.
There were also some big names that took on minor roles in Hamlet, including the late Robin Williams, Gérard Depardieu, Timothy Spall, Jack Lemmon, Ray Fearon, Brian Blessed, Billy Crystal, Simon Russell Beale, Don Warrington from Death in Paradise, Charlton Heston, Richard Attenborough, John Gielgud, and Judi Dench.
Hamlet went on to garner a host of award nominations, including four Oscars and two BAFTA Film Awards.
Hamlet (1996) is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV+ for a fee