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Hamlet

Play trailer Poster for Hamlet Released Sep 28, 1948 2h 33m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 48 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier's "Hamlet" continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired - both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself - as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world's greatest dramatists.
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Hamlet

Hamlet

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Critics Consensus

A well-executed labor of love from star and director Laurence Olivier, Hamlet not only proved that Shakespeare could be successfully adapted to the big screen, it paved the way for further cinematic interpretations.

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Critics Reviews

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Marjory Adams Boston Globe Mr. Olivier may be looked upon, after this picture, as the most distinguished actor and director in the cinematic world. He has performed a service to art that cannot be measured. He has given us a mark to aim at for the next generation. Aug 17, 2022 Full Review Richard L. Coe Washington Post Here is Hamlet, the ghost story, the revenge plot, the action-filled melodrama, the character study, the fount of great language, the well-spring of thought... Here, in short, is one of the great movies of our day. Aug 17, 2022 Full Review Pauline Kael New Yorker Whatever the omissions, the mutilations, the mistakes, this is very likely the most exciting and most alive production of Hamlet you will ever see on the screen. Jul 28, 2022 Full Review Mark Johnson Awards Daily The film lacks any kind of ingenuity or identity beyond the merits of Olivier’s accomplishments. However, many still consider this to be the categorical Hamlet. Jun 27, 2023 Full Review Carson Timar ButteredPopcorn When it comes to captivating filmmaking and epic scale even with limited sets, 1948's Hamlet is an honest masterpiece. Rated: A Aug 28, 2022 Full Review Edwin F. Melvin Christian Science Monitor Though questioning eyebrows may be raised over some of the measures adopted. even those who may be inclined to take exceptions will find that the film holds their close attention. Aug 18, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Andy F More than a film this is a work of art. From its spectacular sets through to a perfect casting, this masterpiece is enthralling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Iconic. leaves you sitting in the melancholy of it all. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member So errr yeah, I haven't got a scoot what any of them were saying at any point in this film. If you ever meet a time traveller from 16th century England, stick this on to keep them entertained, they'll prob find it incredible. If you happen to have been born in the past hundred and twenty years or so you'll probably be equally bemused by this. I feel asleep for a good half hour and don't think I missed anything. In the end everyone dies and it's a crying shame they didn't get a hurry on and die within the first five minutes. Worst Oscar best picture winner ever and I've seen Out of Africa before you ask... so that really is saying something. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review david c Olivier is amazing and the music is excellent. Not sure why Jean Simmons was nominated for an Oscar though. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review ashley h Hamlet is an excellent film. It is about Prince Hamlet who struggles over whether or not he should kill his uncle, whom he suspects has murdered his father, the former king. Laurence Olivier and Jean Simmons give incredible performances. The screenplay is well written. Laurence Olivier also did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama. Hamlet is a must see. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Laurence Olivier critiques Hamlet as a heathen who struggles during his quest for redemptive values. In the beginning, when Horatio brings up the ghost of the deceased king, the Prince of Denmark, the once stubborn individual, suspects his presence as a sign of God. Thus, his sword stands as both a weapon and a rosary. Furthermore, as a confused and conflicted prophet who was guided by a vengeful omen, Hamlet progressively questions his own actions. On his vow to murder the "serpent who wears the crown," Claudius (Basil Sydney), his religious ethics overpower him within the first half of the film. Despite his Mousetrap play and his attempt to kill the incestuous uncle, his moral imperative suggests otherwise, watching the giant cross, the inanimate embodiment of God, above him. His girlfriend Ophelia (Jean Simmons) is a roaming guardian angel providing Hamlet comfort and innocence upon hearing his fall from grace and sanity. Therefore, when he shoos her away and sends her into her watery grave, his innocence disintegrates and his spiritual essence increases. Once he kills Claudius, the young prince has earned his redemption and dies from a poisoned sword. Laurence Olivier's Hamlet is the study of religious narcissism and morality. (5 Yorick Skulls out of 5) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Hamlet

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier's "Hamlet" continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired - both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself - as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world's greatest dramatists.
Director
Laurence Olivier
Screenwriter
Laurence Olivier, William Shakespeare
Distributor
Universal Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co
Two Cities Films Ltd., Rank Organization, Pilgrim Pictures, J. Arthur Rank Films [gb]
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 28, 1948, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 23, 2017
Runtime
2h 33m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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