Added to Prime Video on Thursday, Oct 5, 2023 Set in modern-day New York City, this contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless play, “Hamlet”, reimagines the tragic tale of the young Danish prince. After the sudden death of his father, Hamlet returns home and discovers his mother, Gertrude, has quickly married his uncle, Claudius. Suspicious of foul play, Hamlet’s encounters with the ghost of his deceased father confirm his doubts. The ghost accuses Claudius of murder and instructs Hamlet to seek vengeance. As Hamlet grapples with this revelation, his sanity comes into question, and the lines between revenge and madness blur.
Length: 1h52m
Genre: Drama, Thriller
This Title is: Modern, Intriguing
HAMLET (2000) IS STREAMING TODAY ON PRIME VIDEO
Trailer
Cast
- Ethan Hawke as Hamlet
- Kyle MacLachlan as Claudius
- Julia Stiles as Ophelia
- Bill Murray as Polonius
- Liev Schreiber as Laertes
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Contains scenes of violence, thematic elements, and brief strong language.
Content warnings: Depictions of madness, violence, and some intense scenes.
Trivia
- Ethan Hawke is the youngest actor to play Hamlet in a film at the age of 29.
- The film features modern technology, like video cameras and computers, to transition the original play into the 21st century.
- The “To be, or not to be” soliloquy is recited by Hamlet in a Blockbuster video store, a distinct departure from traditional settings.
Our Review
“Hamlet (2000)” offers an audacious take on Shakespeare’s most iconic work. Transposing the action to the sleek, corporate skyscrapers of New York, the film retains the original’s poetic language while juxtaposing it against a distinctly urban backdrop. Ethan Hawke’s portrayal as a brooding, introspective Hamlet resonates with the angst and rebellion associated with modern youth. While purists might find the alterations jarring, the film remains an inventive attempt to bridge centuries-old literature with contemporary sensibilities. Visual cues, like the innovative use of surveillance cameras, contribute to the film’s atmospheric tension. Overall, it’s a bold, albeit divisive, modern spin on a classic tragedy.
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)
