Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet

[Nilandia]

I'm letting my nerd show through, but I don't really care.

For those people who remember Kenneth Branagh's movie of Shakespeare's Hamlet, it was just released on DVD last week. If you haven't seen it and enjoy Shakespeare or period movies at all, rent it at the least.

It's the entire play, word for word without cutting anything out, yet it displays such an attention to detail that it holds your attention captive for the whole time. The movie is perfectly cast in my opinion, including Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie, Kate Winslet, Billy Crystal, Charlton Heston, Richard Attenborough, John Gielgud, Judi Dench, Gerard Depardieu, Brian Blessed and Jack Lemmon.

Without a doubt, this is the best movie version of any Shakespeare play I have ever seen.

Gretchen

[Asha]

Awesome cast! And Branagh is genuis. Nothing new there.

[Valthissa]

If you like Shakespeare and great movies, check out Kurosawa's Throne of Blood.

I think it's interesting at how modern Branagh's version feels compared to Richard Burton's interpretation. I wonder if 40 years from now Branagh will look dated to future audiences.

(and I hope enjoyment of Shakespeare is not definitive proof of geekiness)

C/Valth

[Ilvane]

Oh that was a great movie, Gretchen totally agreed here. I love Kenneth Branagh too, such a great actor.

I've always enjoyed Gerard Depardieu, too! Yes, a great cast for sure.

Angela

[Deadelf]

Agreed Gretchen, the best version of Hamlet ever done. Thanks for the heads up on the DvD release.