Hamlet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A moody prince pretends to be crazy, puts on a play, accidentally kills the wrong guy, and then everyone dies, mostly because of bad communication.

🍿 Hamlet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Ghost’s Revelation

Prince Hamlet returns to Denmark from university to find his father dead and his mother, Gertrude, married to his uncle Claudius, who has swiftly taken the throne. Hamlet is visited by the ghost of his father, who reveals he was murdered by Claudius. The ghost demands Hamlet avenge his death.

Feigned Madness and The Mousetrap

Torn between grief and a desire for revenge, Hamlet feigns madness to investigate his uncle’s guilt. He stages a play, ‘The Mousetrap,’ mirroring the murder of his father, hoping to provoke a reaction from Claudius. Claudius’s reaction confirms his guilt to Hamlet.

Accidental Murder and Ophelia’s Descent

In a fit of anger, Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, the King’s advisor and father to Ophelia and Laertes, while Polonius is hiding behind a curtain. This act leads to Ophelia’s madness and eventual death by drowning. Laertes seeks revenge for his father and sister’s deaths.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh): The Prince of Denmark, consumed by grief and a thirst for revenge after discovering his uncle murdered his father.
• Claudius (Derek Jacobi): Hamlet’s uncle, who murders his brother to seize the throne and marry Gertrude.
• Gertrude (Julie Christie): Hamlet’s mother, who marries Claudius soon after her husband’s death, causing Hamlet immense distress.
• Ophelia (Kate Winslet): Hamlet’s love interest, who is torn between her affection for him and her duty to her father, Polonius.
• Polonius (Richard Briers): The Lord Chamberlain and father of Ophelia and Laertes, who is a pompous and meddling advisor to Claudius.
• Ghost of Hamlet’s Father (Brian Blessed): The spirit of the former king who reveals his murder to Hamlet and demands revenge.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hamlet: “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” – Hamlet contemplates life and death in his most famous soliloquy.
• Hamlet: “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” – Hamlet says this to Polonius, indicating his feigned madness has an underlying purpose.
• Hamlet: “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” – Hamlet comments on Gertrude’s overacting during the play within a play.
• Marcellus: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” – Marcellus remarks on the ominous atmosphere surrounding the events at Elsinore.
• Hamlet: “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” – Horatio’s final words to the dying Hamlet, expressing his love and respect.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,708,156
• Worldwide Gross: $6,296,790

💥 Hamlet Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being awestruck by the sheer scale of this ‘Hamlet.’ Four hours felt like a commitment, but the stunning visuals and incredible performances drew me in. Derek Jacobi as Claudius was brilliant. The “To be or not to be” scene, staged in the hall of mirrors, gave me chills. I really felt the characters’ pain and conflict, and it made me appreciate Shakespeare in a whole new way.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Shakespearean literature”
  • “Viewers interested in epic dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate classical acting”
  • “Students studying ‘Hamlet'”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Mature Themes”
  • “Death”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Branagh’s ambitious adaptation brings Shakespeare’s complete ‘Hamlet’ to the screen with a visual splendor that is both grand and intimate. While the runtime may deter some, the performances, especially Jacobi’s Claudius, are captivating.
• The New York Times: “Though lengthy, Branagh’s ‘Hamlet’ offers a passionate and faithful interpretation. The 19th-century setting is visually striking, and the all-star cast delivers memorable performances. This version emphasizes the play’s psychological depth.
• Los Angeles Times: “Branagh’s ‘Hamlet’ is a noble but flawed effort. While the ambition to present the full text is commendable, the film sometimes feels overstuffed. The supporting cast, however, shines, particularly Winslet’s Ophelia.

Audience Reactions

The all-star cast brought so much depth to the characters.: Viewers praised the film’s faithfulness to the original play, elaborate sets, and impressive performances.

The length was daunting, but worth it for the complete story.: Many found the 19th century setting added a fresh and interesting perspective.

Overall Consensus: Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Hamlet’ is an ambitious and visually stunning adaptation, praised for its faithfulness to the complete text and strong performances, although its length can be a deterrent for some viewers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)- 1997

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is the first full-length movie version of Hamlet ever made, using the Second Quarto (1604) text with additions from the First Folio (1623) to create an idealized “complete” Hamlet.”
• “The film is set in a lavish 19th-century setting, deviating from the play’s original Elsinore, Denmark location, providing a grand visual backdrop for the drama.”
• “Kenneth Branagh aimed to make the play accessible to a general audience without simplifying it, using cinematic techniques such as flashbacks to clarify ambiguities.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hamlet?

Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Hamlet’ (1996), a four-hour epic, can be difficult to find on streaming services due to its length and rights. You can often find it for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these platforms for availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hamlet, you might like these similar films:

• Henry V (1989): Another Shakespeare adaptation directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, showcasing his ability to bring classic plays to the screen with cinematic flair.
• Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990): This movie explores the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor characters, offering a unique and existential take on the classic tragedy.
• The Lion King (1994): A Disney animated film that is loosely based on Hamlet, dealing with themes of revenge, betrayal, and succession within a royal family.
• Throne of Blood (1957): Akira Kurosawa’s adaptation of Macbeth set in feudal Japan, exploring similar themes of ambition, betrayal, and the supernatural.

🛒 Hamlet Related Products

• Hamlet (The Complete Pelican Shakespeare): A complete and annotated edition of ‘Hamlet’ with detailed insights into the play’s language, themes, and historical context, invaluable for students and Shakespeare enthusiasts.
• Funko Pop! Shakespeare – Hamlet: A stylized vinyl figure of Hamlet in his iconic attire, perfect for displaying your love for Shakespeare and adding a touch of literary flair to your collection.
• Hamlet – The Board Game: Hamlet is a board game about family, ambition, and betrayal. You will play as a member of Hamlet’s extended family as you navigate a twisting web of deceit in order to acquire influence and power. But beware – dark omens swirl throughout the castle, and if you become too reckless, you might just end up face-down in a shallow grave
• Hamlet (Blu-ray): Kenneth Branagh’s full-length version, digitally remastered. Watch all four hours of the original full film

🎧 Soundtrack

Hamlet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In Pace” – performed by Plácido Domingo
• “Hamlet Main Theme” – performed by Patrick Doyle

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Video SparkNotes: Shakespeare’s Hamlet Summary

Trying to wrap your head around Hamlet? This SparkNotes summary breaks down the entire play in just 8 minutes. It’s a great way to get the gist before diving into the details!

Ghosts, Murder, and More Murder – Hamlet Part 1: Crash Course Literature 203

Want to know why people are still talking about Hamlet centuries later? John Green from Crash Course gives you the lowdown on the play’s themes, history, and plot in a way that’s both informative and hilarious. You won’t be disappointed!

Hamlet (Shakespeare) – Thug Notes Summary and Analysis

Ever wonder what Hamlet would sound like if it were explained by a modern-day ‘thug’? Thug Notes breaks down the plot and themes in a way you’ve never heard before. It’s surprisingly insightful!

Last Action Hero – Hamlet Parody Scene (1/10) | Movieclips

What happens when Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Hamlet? Pure comedic gold! This parody scene from ‘Last Action Hero’ is a hilarious reminder of how Shakespeare’s works have permeated pop culture.

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