Hamlet

the best adaptation of Hamlet. it is not exactly a verdict. or an impression. it is a profound feeling at each new discover of this special masterpiece. a film like an ice flower. the coldness. the delicate beauty. the moment of touch. it is an impressive mixture of Shakespeare and Russian soul. each as reflection of the other. each as revelation of profound truth. like an ice flower, it is only a detail from the entire picture on the window. the music of Shostakovich, the performance of Smoktunovsky, the costumes, the special sound of words, the new light and shadows of well known scenes, the emotion. it is Hamlet. the same who you knows. and the other who, like the veil - spider web of Ophelia or the air of Elsinore are a never heard message each occasion to see again the film.an ice flower. that , I believe, could be the inspired definition of this remarkable gem.

I have first seen Kozintsev's Hamlet back in 1963 and saw it again yesterday, as part of my job as music critic in a São Paulo newspaper, for the commemoration of Shostakovich's centennial -- he is the author of the soundtrack. The film has not aged, it is still one of the most beautiful adaptations of Shakespeare tragedy, Smoktunovsky's acting is thrilling and Shostakovich's soundtrack is marvelous. His irony reveals itself in the way he accompanies the scene at the graveyard: Hamlet's bittersweet dialog with the gravedigger (what an actor!) and his sad monologue about frailty having in his hand's Yorick's skull. A great film!

Wow! What a film! I saw it recently with three friends at Chicago's Facets Cinematheque, and we were collectively stunned by this film. On at least three occasions, it took my breath away--the ghost on the ramparts sequence, the play within the play sequence, and Ophelia's mad sequence were just incredibly wrought. I can't say enough about this film.

This 1964 'Hamlet' was quite a unique experience and unlike any other adaptation of the play seen. This is meant in a very good way. 'Hamlet' is one of Shakespeare's finest and one of his most quoted and parodied in popular culture, it is also one of his most adapted with mostly impressive results (amazing considering that it is one of Shakespeare's most difficult with the characters being so psychologically complex). Also love the Russian language, which is a major reason as to why this version stands out from the rest.

After watching, for me this film replaces the wonderful Laurence Olivier film (though that is to judged as an incredible piece of film-making and a standalone, not for those that want 100 percent fidelity) as the finest screen adaptation of 'Hamlet'. One of my favourite versions overall. Not only will it be of great interest value for fans of the play and Shakespeare, as well as those intrigued by Russian film, but it is exceptional film-making in its own right. Have loved Russian film for a long time, for me this 'Hamlet' is up there with the finest Russian films ever made and that is quite a compliment to give.

Visually, this 'Hamlet' is a work of art and the best looking version of the play to exist (yes even more so than Olivier's). Easily among the best looking Shakespeare film adaptations, with sets that are both sumptuous and brooding, very atmospheric lighting, costumes that are evocative and not cheap and cinematography that is achingly beautiful and bold. Have always appreciated Shostakovich's music, his haunting, intensely dramatic and emotionally rich music here made me appreciate him all the more.

Grigory Kozintsev's direction is nothing short of exemplary and shows a master at work, although justifiably lauded (and as well as his 'Hamlet', his 'King Lear', one of the best versions of that play too, and 'Don Quixote' are deservedly highly regarded) he deserves to be wider known worldwide and his films made more accessible. The script is poetry in words, thoughtful and emotionally complex.

The story is always absorbing and highly atmospheric, with plenty of high drama, intimacy and poignancy. Everything is done in good taste, no questionable, irrelevant or gratuitous touches, and it is one of the few adaptations to nail the psychology of the characters and their complexities (Orphelia can be potentially passive, she isn't here), the play within a play elements and also putting strong emphasis on the politics without being heavy-handed or rambling. All the performances make their mark, with one of the most powerful screen Hamlets in Innokenti Smoktunovsky. As well as a touching Anastasia Vertinskaya and sinister yet noble Mikhail Nazvanov.

Summing up, brilliant and a must for Shakespeare fans and if you want to see something different but in a way that is unique and done in good taste. 10/10.

I share the previous reviewer's high estimation of this wonderful film. It is a highly political and imaginative interpretation of Hamlet, making Hamlet a man of action who is nevertheless alienated at court. The opening sequence is a stunning interpretation of Hamlet's view that the time is out of joint--Hamlet rushes back to court on horseback even as the flags of mourning are being unfurled. Claudius's speech is delivered by a herald and then translated by ambassadors. When we get to Claudius giving the rest of it to his court, it's not clear how much time, if any, has passed. nor is it clear who is in command (who is giving the orders that the flags be unfurled, cannons fired, the proclamation read, and so on). When Claudius finally addresses Hamlet aft the camera tracks him moving right down the table of courtiers, Hamlet's chair is empty. the opening sequence also moves from open external spaces ( a shot of the sea, a long shot of the land, and moves to increasingly shut in , interior spaces (the castle gates drop as the music gets ominous) to suggest that Denmark is indeed a prison. Visually and musically the film is very rich. I would rank this as the best of the filmed Hamlets.