Drama: A king’s son seeks revenge for his father’s death.
PLOT:
It has only been two months since the King of Denmark’s death and his widow, Gertrude (JULIE CHRISTIE) has already remarried. Her groom, Claudius (DEREK JACOBI), is the former king’s brother and thus he ascends to the throne. This greatly upsets Gertrude’s son, Hamlet (KENNETH BRANAGH), who believes his mother married the wrong man too soon. His doubts grow after a friend, Horatio (NICHOLAS FARRELL), informs him that he and others have seen the dead king's ghost. When Hamlet himself meets the apparition, he learns that Claudius poisoned his father to take over the monarchy. Hamlet’s ensuing strange behavior makes everyone think he’s gone mad, including the king’s counselor, Polonius (RICHARD BRIERS) who happens to be the father of Ophelia (KATE WINSLET) who is romantically involved with Hamlet. As Hamlet lays out his plans to trap Claudius, he accidentally kills Polonius that causes his son, Laertes (MICHAEL MALONEY), to swear revenge upon Hamlet. From that point on, great tragedy falls upon Denmark’s aristocracy as Hamlet enacts his revenge.
WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?
Only if they’re really into Shakespeare or this play. Otherwise, this four-hour production will seem like a school-related nightmare to them.
WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13
For some violent images and sexuality.
CAST AS ROLE MODELS:
KENNETH BRANAGH plays a man whose plan to revenge his father's death causes more fatalities to follow.
DEREK JACOBI plays a man who poisons his brother, weds that man's wife, and plots to kill her son.
While few children will want to see this film, it’s also highly unlikely that teenagers will want to see it either. That’s too bad, because it’s a very well-made version of the story, despite its four-hour running time. The latest version of "Romeo and Juliet" (Fall 1996) made Shakespeare seem "cool" and stylized, but this film will seem boring and drawn out compared to that film. Of course the former was aimed at teens while this one goes for the adult, art-house crowd. At times the production clicks and yanks you into the scenes and you forget that you really can’t understand what’s being said. Other times, however, the old English verbal flow overwhelms your thought processes and you’ll struggle to make sense of what they’re saying on screen. That’s unfortunate, because as you try to decipher the wonderfully poetic language, you might miss nuances here and there that add to the production. Of course that’s always been the problem with Shakespearean productions. Those who’ve studied the Bard enough times can easily sit through one of the plays or movies while it takes others some time to get acclimated to the subtlety and flow of the dialogue. Readers should note, though, that the plot is easy to follow. It's just the filler scenes and dialogue (of which there is a great deal, particularly coming from the full text version of the play) that will occasionally get lost. Still, the movie never quite feels like four hours (the intermission helps) and the production values and most of the performances are outstanding. Some of the actors, however, are horribly miscast and occasionally throw the movie out of step. The biggest problem (that is thankfully short-lived) is the casting of Jack Lemmon as one of the sentry guards. While Lemmon is a great comedic actor, he just doesn’t fit into a Shakespearean production and his presence seems to have pushed his co-actors off balance as the scenes with him just don’t work. Robin Williams is a bit easier to handle, and while somewhat funny, still slightly throws the production out of whack. Surprisingly, Billy Crystal’s take as one of the grave diggers actually works, although when you first see him, you expect his usual shtick. His performance, however, is pleasantly funny. Humor doesn’t come from most of the other characters, but turns by the other actors, notably Branagh and Jacobi, are excellent and may spawn several Oscar nominations. Had this film been a bit shorter, it would’ve received a higher rating from us, but as it is, we give it a 7.5 out of 10.
OUR WORD TO PARENTS:
As said above, most kids will probably avoid this film, but there are still a few things to be aware of. There is some violence and one scene with quite a bit of blood on the floor. Hamlet and Ophelia are seen in bed together (having sex) but no sexual movement or nudity is seen although there is some bare skin present. Beyond that, the theme and plot could provoke parent-child discussion. We suggest, as always, that you read the scene listings to determine if this film is appropriate for you and your family.
Hamlet and Ophelia are seen passionately kissing in bed. While they’re nude and lots of skin is seen, no "private parts" are seen in the quick views of them.
There are lines in the play referring to men lying between women’s legs and to "making love" and at another time, Ophelia drops to the floor, spreads her legs and gyrates her hips up and down (after she’s gone crazy over her father’s death).
Sentry guards throw their spears at the ghost but they end up flying through thin air.
Claudius pours poison into his brother's ear and moments later the king is dead.
Some sword to shield fighting is seen during an actor’s story telling.
Hamlet knocks over furniture in anger.
Polonius is a bit rough with Ophelia (dragging her along, banging her into walls) as he talks to her.
Hamlet sees movement behind a curtain and stabs his rapier through it several times. He then discovers that he has killed Polonius.
Claudius slaps Hamlet on the face.
Laertes threatens Claudius with his sword after Polonius’ death.
It’s reported that Ophelia drowned (herself).
Laertes attacks Hamlet at a funeral and has to be pulled off him.
As an advancing army attacks the castle, many outside guards are killed and others inside are wounded or killed as the soldiers burst through the windows.
There is a fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes where a little blood is drawn on both of their shoulders. Hamlet’s wound, however, is poisoned. The two smash into walls and Laertes ends up falling from a balcony, also with a poisoned foil wound.
Gertrude dies after drinking from a poisoned goblet of wine intended for Hamlet.
A man stabs himself in the stomach with his own knife.
Hamlet throws his foil, spearing Claudius to the wall. He then sends a chandelier crashing into the trapped king.
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