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(UK/US) Directed by Kenneth Branagh. This is the first uncut filming of Shakespeare's text.
Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie, Kate Winslet, Richard Briers and Michael Maloney in the lead roles. Camoes by Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Charlton Heston, Gérard Depardieu, Jack Lemmon
Plot: Hamlet (Branagh), Prince of Denmark, is horrified when his mother, Gertrude (Christie), marries his Uncle Claudius (Jacobi) within weeks of his beloved father's death. He doesn't know the half of it. Soon the ghost of Hamlet's father appears to inform him that not only has Claudius stolen into the Queen's bed, but he's also the murderer of Hamlet's father. The ghost demands revenge. What follows is a long tale of Hamlet's angst and anguish. He can't bare to watch his mother and Claudius but he can't quite bring himself to act. Is it possible the ghost was an illusion or some evil spirit? He torments Claudius and Gertrude with innuendo, finally going so far as to stage a play which reenacts Claudius' murderous deed. Claudius sends Hamlet away with instructions for his death, but Hamlet survives to return to court. In his turmoil Hamlet discards his love, Ophelia (Winslet), who goes mad and is drown. Hamlet then accidentally kills Ophelia's father, Polonius. Hamlet is challenged to a duel by Laertes, Ophelia's brother, and must seek his final revenge on Claudius as the duel makes him confront his own demise.
Depardieu Sighting: This is an extremely worthwhile film to see -- an absolute masterpiece in fact. But don't see it for Depardieu's sake. His cameo as Reynaldo is one scene and half a dozen lines long.
Awards:
Was nominated for a whole slew of awards -- see the imdb.com page (link below).
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