Hamlet

Synopsis

In this 2003 adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, 'Hamlet', directed by Michael Almereyda, the story is transported to modern-day New York City. Haunted by his father's ghost, Hamlet, played by Ethan Hawke, seeks to avenge his death by taking down his uncle Claudius, portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan, who has ascended to the throne and married Hamlet's mother Gertrude. The film delves into themes of betrayal, revenge, and madness against the backdrop of corporate power struggles. As Hamlet grapples with morality and his own inner turmoil, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately leads to a tragic end.

Cast

• 

  William Houston

  Hamlet

• 

  Richard Brimblecombe

  Rosencrantz

• Lucy Cockram

  Ophelia

• Jillian Bond

  Gertrude

• 

  Gareth Thomas

  Claudius

• 

  Richard Hansell

  Guildenstern

Reviews

Critics have had varied opinions about the 2003 adaptation of 'Hamlet'. While some praised the modern setting and the performances of the cast, others found the film to be lacking in emotional depth and connection to the original text. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 56% based on 125 reviews, with the consensus stating, 'A slick, modern-day, New York City adaptation of Hamlet, Michael Almereyda's sparse, ethereal movie plays to a youthful crowd, but lacks emotional depth.' On IMDb, the film has an average rating of 4.4/10 based on user reviews, with some viewers appreciating the contemporary take on the classic story, while others criticized the deviations from the original play. Metacritic gave the film a score of 53 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews.