147 reviews
I don't understand why the reviews for this one are so bad. I found this movie quite enjoyable. The acting seemed fine to me and the scenery and costume designs were really lovely. I enjoyed watching this movie a lot. I suppose those looking for the traditional portrayal of Hamlet might be disappointed. I enjoyed the updated dialogue and storyline from Ophelia's point of view. Give it a chance - you'll likely be pleased you did.
Helpful•170
- boothjacquie
- Sep 27, 2021
- Permalink
I love Shakespeare, but I've also always had a soft spot for Ophelia. This reimagining of Hamlet is not faithful to the original text, so have an open mind and you may enjoy it. I don't generally like movies that apply modern sensibilities to classic stories and characters, but this one was tolerable. The acting was fine, the sets and costumes beautiful. Overall it was a fine film. But if you're a purist, don't bother.
Helpful•465
- rayres0708
- Jul 18, 2020
- Permalink
Hard to believe the hostility directed against this movie.
It's not Hamlet, but another take on the story from the viewpoint of Ophelia. The director chose to show the protagonist as a strong women.
Enjoyed the character development and the storyline. Directing was solid. All the actors were quite believable in their roles.
Helpful•252
- troyandberyl
- Oct 21, 2020
- Permalink
This was enjoyable in my opinion. I've seen Hamlet. I've read the play. This is not an exact remake of the original work but I liked that it was a reimagining.
In this film, Ophelia is our main character and we seen how things unfold from her perspective. Her role in the original work is a big deal seeing as she was the innocence in a corrupt court who was driven to insanity and then suicide after the deaths of the men she loved most. Suicide was her escape from all the revenge, evil and madness taking place around her. Here we see her much more resilient without losing her innocent nature. The basic plot of the film is still present but things don't go down the same way.
I thought it was filmed well and the acting was good. I thought the concept presented was creative. I'm sure that a lot of folks will take issue and feel like it was to far removed from the original work but if you take it for what it is rather than point out all the differences, it was a good film. I say check it out.
In this film, Ophelia is our main character and we seen how things unfold from her perspective. Her role in the original work is a big deal seeing as she was the innocence in a corrupt court who was driven to insanity and then suicide after the deaths of the men she loved most. Suicide was her escape from all the revenge, evil and madness taking place around her. Here we see her much more resilient without losing her innocent nature. The basic plot of the film is still present but things don't go down the same way.
I thought it was filmed well and the acting was good. I thought the concept presented was creative. I'm sure that a lot of folks will take issue and feel like it was to far removed from the original work but if you take it for what it is rather than point out all the differences, it was a good film. I say check it out.
Helpful•467
- Foutainoflife
- Jul 16, 2019
- Permalink
I watched this because I wanted to see what Daisy Ridley's acting was like outside of Star Wars. I had seen her in Murder on the Orient Express, but her role was relatively small in that. This film isn't incredibly exciting, but Ridley certainly gives a fine performance as a fleshed-out Ophelia. The other actors carry themselves well, in addition; and the period sets, costumes, and locations are convincing.
Helpful•192
- Spidenus816
- Nov 22, 2020
- Permalink
I didn't know what to expect but I thought it was a pretty cool movie. I don't know much about Hamlet but I was entertained. Bravo.
Helpful•50
- drumdevill
- Jun 8, 2020
- Permalink
It is not surprising the name of the costume designer features so early in the credits because he played a major role in making this film so watchable. All those gorgeous costumes must have cost a bit but along with some splendid décor, ecclesiastical and baronial interiors (and a few exteriors) and outdoor scenes of woods glades and hills this film never fail to offer pleasure for the eye. The story proceeds at a sufficient pace with some unexpected twists and turns while bringing out how empty and unsatisfying royal or any great power can be. Is it really worth fighting so hard for? Pity about the mayhem of the penultimate scene, it was unnecessary, but makes Ophelia's choice at the end seem a wise one.
Helpful•188
- ron-newbold
- Aug 11, 2019
- Permalink
Helpful•202
Helpful•82
- harry_tk_yung
- Sep 23, 2019
- Permalink
"Ophelia" is a Drama - Romance movie in which we watch Hamlet from Ophelia's perspective. She was raised by Queen Gertrude in Elsinore Castle and she had some feelings for Prince Hamlet. Passion, romance, vengeance combined in this movie.
I found this movie interesting and different since it's from a different perspective than usual. The direction which was made by Claire McCarthy was good and she presented well her main characters and the plot behind her movie. The interpretation of Daisy Ridley who played as Ophelia was good and her combination with some other actors/actresses created a good result. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Naomi Watts's who played as Gertrude / Mechtild, Clive Owen's who played as Claudius and George MacKay's who played as Hamlet. Finally, I have to say that "Ophelia" is an interesting movie and I recommend you to watch it just from curiosity.
I found this movie interesting and different since it's from a different perspective than usual. The direction which was made by Claire McCarthy was good and she presented well her main characters and the plot behind her movie. The interpretation of Daisy Ridley who played as Ophelia was good and her combination with some other actors/actresses created a good result. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Naomi Watts's who played as Gertrude / Mechtild, Clive Owen's who played as Claudius and George MacKay's who played as Hamlet. Finally, I have to say that "Ophelia" is an interesting movie and I recommend you to watch it just from curiosity.
Helpful•61
- Thanos_Alfie
- Oct 30, 2021
- Permalink
As a huge fan of Shakespeare, I truly enjoyed this alternate take on the tale of Hamlet and Ophelia. The star-studded cast was a delight to watch deliver superb performances. The sets were absolutely breathtaking and the costuming was tasteful and evocative. The film was a rich feast of color and the music touched my heart. I found myself singing along with the theme and humming it after the end of the movie. I just love that a woman wrote the book, another the screenplay and the director was female as well. This definitely is a step in the right direction of telling "herstory" to take its rightful place aside "history".
Helpful•275
People are very harsh. Okay it's not Shakespeare- no pun intended- it's still pretty fun if not heavy on the PC stuff. Naomi Watts in two roles is always dependable. Clive Owens is a bit scary, the wig ... worth a watch if you're fan fiction kinda person.
Helpful•62
- Dragonborn64
- Aug 9, 2020
- Permalink
Characters act like it's happening in 21st century: winking, rolling eyes at each other, etc. Ruins the authenticity of the period of time its based in.
Helpful•7453
- anczykowska
- Jul 2, 2019
- Permalink
I watched this at home on DVD from my public library. It seems to have polarized movie-goers, many "1" votes and many "10" votes. I quite like it, the movie has an interesting story and is acted and filmed very well.
I have the advantage of not knowing very much at all about Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" , the source play for the book and now the movie. As the filmmakers explain, this is a re-imagining of the basic story with more focus on Ophelia and Queen Gertrude, and what the complexity of their characters might have been. Die-hard Shakespeare fans most likely take issue, anything that changes from his various versions would likely be considered unforgivable sins.
But taken as a story greatly "inspired" by the play, with some significant changes and trajectory for Ophelia, it works very well, at least it does for me. Not a great movie but certainly very watchable and suitably entertaining. Not a "10", not a "1", somewhere between those extremes.
Daisy Ridley is really good as Ophelia, playing her as a reasonable but strong person. I don't really know much of his work but George MacKay (mac-eye) works well as Hamlet and Naomi Watts as Gertrude.
I have the advantage of not knowing very much at all about Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" , the source play for the book and now the movie. As the filmmakers explain, this is a re-imagining of the basic story with more focus on Ophelia and Queen Gertrude, and what the complexity of their characters might have been. Die-hard Shakespeare fans most likely take issue, anything that changes from his various versions would likely be considered unforgivable sins.
But taken as a story greatly "inspired" by the play, with some significant changes and trajectory for Ophelia, it works very well, at least it does for me. Not a great movie but certainly very watchable and suitably entertaining. Not a "10", not a "1", somewhere between those extremes.
Daisy Ridley is really good as Ophelia, playing her as a reasonable but strong person. I don't really know much of his work but George MacKay (mac-eye) works well as Hamlet and Naomi Watts as Gertrude.
Helpful•116
Helpful•117
Based on the novel by Lisa Klein, the film follows the story of Hamlet from Ophelia's perspective. The movie boasts of a talented cast, tells the story on a different and interesting point of view and has a great ending. Unfortunately it suffers from some script's problems and sometimes it isn't as gripping as it should have been.
Rating: 6,5.
Rating: 6,5.
Helpful•52
- andreascaloni
- Mar 31, 2021
- Permalink
I just watched this for entertainment, I'm not a Shakespeare purist. Entertaining, engaging enough to hold my interest, with an interesting plot.
Helpful•20
- thepoetmrh
- Jul 19, 2021
- Permalink
As a rebellious and motherless child , orphan Ophelia (Mia Quiney) is taken into Elsinore Castle by Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) as one of her most trusted ladies-in-waiting and at the luxury palace she meets a young Hamlet (Jack Cunningham) . Soon enough, grown-up Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) captures the affections of the young Prince Hamlet (Calum O'Rourke) . When Hamlet's father (Nathaniel Parker) is killed and the prince's wits start to unravel into an insatiable quest for revenge, Ophelia sharply navigates the rules of power in Denmark all while struggling to choose between her true love and her own life. Vengeance Destroys Love ! . Hamlet Through Her Eyes !. Vengeance is hers !.
Nice film freely based on Shakespeare play , in fact it is more an inspiration than a faithful adaptation with carefully calculated scenarios. As appearing here and there various known personages from the classy play : Gertrude , Claudius , Polonius , Laertes , Horatius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern . Dealing with the famous and passionate romance kindles between Hamlet and Ophelia in secret as the kingdom is on the brink of war amidst its own political intrigue and betrayal ; then Hamlet vows vengeance on the murderer of his father in this tight version of the stage play . It contains compelling cast , spectacular production design in Czech Republic , where most the shooting was done , including many castles were available for on location filming , and sets were built on sound stages , being spendidly photographed by cameraman Denson Baker and beautifully costumed . However , something is lost in the process , although there are some redeeming , including those appearing Naomi Watts in a double role as Gertrude and Mechtild . Actors giving accesible and decent interpretations of the Bard's moody play . Stars Daisy Reily , famous thanks to Star Wars saga , she brings insight and nuance to her role , being well accompanied by a fine plethora of actors , mostly British ones , such as : Clive Owen as Claudius, Tom Felton , George MacKay , Devon Terrell , Sebastian De Souza and Nathaniel Parker who also played in Kenneth Brannagh's Hamlet .The motion picture was well and professionally directed by Claire McCarthy. Purists beware , this isn't a completely faithful adaptation.
There's a large number of cinematic renditions based on this classic play written by the great playwright William Shakespeare , these are the following ones : Hamlet 1948 directed and acted by Laurence Olivier with Jane Simmons , Peter Cushing , Christopher Lee , Felix Aylmer. Hamlet 1969 by Tony Richardson with Vanessa Redgrave , Marianne Faithfill , Nicol Williamson . Hamlet 1990 by Franco Zeffireli with Mel Gibson , Glenn Close , Alan Bates, Nathaliel Parker , Paul Scofield . Hamlet 1996 directed/played by Kenneth Brannagh with Kate Winslet , Derek Jacobi , Julie Christie , Brian Blessed . Hamlet 2000 by Michel Almereyda with Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlam, Diane Venora, Bill Murray . Hamlet 2001 directed/acted by Campbell Scott , with Jamey Sheridan, Blair Brown, Lisa Gay Hamilton , Sam Robards , among others.
Nice film freely based on Shakespeare play , in fact it is more an inspiration than a faithful adaptation with carefully calculated scenarios. As appearing here and there various known personages from the classy play : Gertrude , Claudius , Polonius , Laertes , Horatius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern . Dealing with the famous and passionate romance kindles between Hamlet and Ophelia in secret as the kingdom is on the brink of war amidst its own political intrigue and betrayal ; then Hamlet vows vengeance on the murderer of his father in this tight version of the stage play . It contains compelling cast , spectacular production design in Czech Republic , where most the shooting was done , including many castles were available for on location filming , and sets were built on sound stages , being spendidly photographed by cameraman Denson Baker and beautifully costumed . However , something is lost in the process , although there are some redeeming , including those appearing Naomi Watts in a double role as Gertrude and Mechtild . Actors giving accesible and decent interpretations of the Bard's moody play . Stars Daisy Reily , famous thanks to Star Wars saga , she brings insight and nuance to her role , being well accompanied by a fine plethora of actors , mostly British ones , such as : Clive Owen as Claudius, Tom Felton , George MacKay , Devon Terrell , Sebastian De Souza and Nathaniel Parker who also played in Kenneth Brannagh's Hamlet .The motion picture was well and professionally directed by Claire McCarthy. Purists beware , this isn't a completely faithful adaptation.
There's a large number of cinematic renditions based on this classic play written by the great playwright William Shakespeare , these are the following ones : Hamlet 1948 directed and acted by Laurence Olivier with Jane Simmons , Peter Cushing , Christopher Lee , Felix Aylmer. Hamlet 1969 by Tony Richardson with Vanessa Redgrave , Marianne Faithfill , Nicol Williamson . Hamlet 1990 by Franco Zeffireli with Mel Gibson , Glenn Close , Alan Bates, Nathaliel Parker , Paul Scofield . Hamlet 1996 directed/played by Kenneth Brannagh with Kate Winslet , Derek Jacobi , Julie Christie , Brian Blessed . Hamlet 2000 by Michel Almereyda with Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlam, Diane Venora, Bill Murray . Hamlet 2001 directed/acted by Campbell Scott , with Jamey Sheridan, Blair Brown, Lisa Gay Hamilton , Sam Robards , among others.
Helpful•20
All the small-mindedness aside, it seems the general consensus is that Shakespeare's Hamlet was the full story, and as Ophelia so eloquently puts it, how TF would anyone know otherwise? The fact is, Shakie's Hamlet was also a general view of events, undoubtedly with Hamlet himself as the centre, but ultimately not autobiographical. Not only is Shakespeare honoured in the many thematic layers he inspired in this movie, but the fact that these characters are in fact intelligent and legendary is something he might have commended!
The movie never promised to out-write The Man, but simply offer a different perspective with simpler tastes, as Ophelia was herself, another possible layer; yet generously and richly portrayed as Shakespeare might have witnessed and experienced his version of events. I doubt He ever thought he was omnipotent and writing factual history, just very clever at creating elaborate and engaging drama inspired by it. And if he were within our time, he may have been allowed to make Ophelia's version the published play.
So, take relief that opinions are easily made and they are a pandemic, but originality never came from those places. Oh, and upvote all the positive reviews you ever read in life, because if they do count, that's how.
The movie never promised to out-write The Man, but simply offer a different perspective with simpler tastes, as Ophelia was herself, another possible layer; yet generously and richly portrayed as Shakespeare might have witnessed and experienced his version of events. I doubt He ever thought he was omnipotent and writing factual history, just very clever at creating elaborate and engaging drama inspired by it. And if he were within our time, he may have been allowed to make Ophelia's version the published play.
So, take relief that opinions are easily made and they are a pandemic, but originality never came from those places. Oh, and upvote all the positive reviews you ever read in life, because if they do count, that's how.
Helpful•184
As a person who never read Shakespeares' work and is not familiar with this story, I think this movie was just okay.
Pros - the production design and cinematography is kinda cool. There are some really cool shots throughout the movie & dresses, the location, they felt real.
Daisy Ridley was pretty good as Ophelia, it was kinda nice to see her in something other than Star Wars.
The film is overall not that bad and watchable at times, but a lot of the time I couldn't help but think it was just mid.
The characters in this movie are very flat. Even though some actors tries their best and you can kinda see it, but the script doesn't explore or develop these characters that much. They didn't feel interesting other than Ophelia. (Even her character isn't that 'great', either)
The film isn't a disaster but I think it could have been a LOT better.
Edit: Daisy Ridley actions mad scene>>
Pros - the production design and cinematography is kinda cool. There are some really cool shots throughout the movie & dresses, the location, they felt real.
Daisy Ridley was pretty good as Ophelia, it was kinda nice to see her in something other than Star Wars.
The film is overall not that bad and watchable at times, but a lot of the time I couldn't help but think it was just mid.
The characters in this movie are very flat. Even though some actors tries their best and you can kinda see it, but the script doesn't explore or develop these characters that much. They didn't feel interesting other than Ophelia. (Even her character isn't that 'great', either)
The film isn't a disaster but I think it could have been a LOT better.
Edit: Daisy Ridley actions mad scene>>
Helpful•20
Pointless, boring, uninspired, insipid waste of time
also - lol at there being Black and Asian people in the medieval Danish court
Helpful•8590
- bozx-71318
- Jul 2, 2019
- Permalink
Possibly because Hamlet is my favourite Shakespeare play, this film held me totally. Almost put off by other people's opinions,thank fully decided for myself. This was very clever,and holding. No two share fully the same views,but I am glad that to mine own self I was true. A haunting film,and I will never watch Hamlet in the same way again. Funny that it was so well received in Russia. TGray
Helpful•278
- tgraykgray
- May 10, 2020
- Permalink
Having not read Hamlet, and being a fan of the woman's point of view, I found the actors, sceneries and story to do a great job of holding my attention. Many reviews of those who have seen Hamlet are low, but this film has now led me to begin reading Hamlet, which might change how I rate this film, but as of now, I would recommend.
Helpful•31
I'm an ultra-lefty feminist and even I eyerolled. Why couldn't it be a genuine dramatic tragedy. It didn't need this type of girl power remake. Such a shame, because the score and visuals are lovely.
Helpful•2319
- shay_davies
- May 25, 2020
- Permalink