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Hamlet

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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 08/17/2022
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. Go to Full Review Richard L. Coe Washington Post 08/17/2022
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. Go to Full Review Pauline Kael The New Yorker 07/28/2022
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. Go to Full Review Mark Johnson Awards Daily 06/27/2023
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. Go to Full Review Carson Timar ButteredPopcorn 08/28/2022
A
When it comes to captivating filmmaking and epic scale even with limited sets, 1948's Hamlet is an honest masterpiece. Go to Full Review Edwin F. Melvin Christian Science Monitor 08/18/2022
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ben W @Username618 21h I absolutely loved this, but whether it kind of ruins the play, by being funny- everyone in tights, can't take seriously- is debatable. But Hamlet is quite funny. See more Yash B @yashbansal Nov 30 The 1948 version of "Hamlet" is one that is clearly made with care. I am not as familiar with this Shakespeare story, but after watching this movie and also looking into it more, it is clear that it is true to the original source material. I think it is an interesting watch, and the acting is impressive. I also think the movie really feels like a recording of a play in many moments, and that is likely because of the limitations of the time period it was made in. It is one of those movies that was likely more impressive back in the day, which would explain why it is also a Best Picture winner. I also think it is the type of movie only Best Picture completionists are going to seek out, as there are more modern versions of this story readily available. Overall, I think it is okay, but I am also curious to explore other versions of "Hamlet" after watching this classic movie. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 12 Success in 2 hours and 33 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Christian K @ckacar Jul 2 Shakespeare had some bars, and the images of the dead king in this are absolutely metal. The story is good, the delivery is hard to stay focused on, though, as this was my first true experience with a full length Shakespeare production. See more Andy F @RT81936104 12/28/2023 More than a film this is a work of art. From its spectacular sets through to a perfect casting, this masterpiece is enthralling. See more 01/17/2022 Iconic. leaves you sitting in the melancholy of it all. See more Read all reviews
Hamlet

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Cast & Crew

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Laurence Olivier

Director

Laurence Olivier

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Jean Simmons

Ophelia, Daughter of Polonius

Basil Sydney

Claudius, The King

Eileen Herlie

Gertrude, The Queen

Felix Aylmer

Polonius, Lord Chamberlain

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Hamlet

Hamlet (1948) Laurence Olivier as Hamlet and Eileen Herlie as Gertrude, the Queen. Laurence Olivier as Hamlet. Laurence Olivier as Hamlet and Jean Simmons as Ophelia. Hamlet (1948) Hamlet (1948) View more photos

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
William Shakespeare, Laurence Olivier
Distributor
Universal Pictures, Criterion Collection
Production Co
J. Arthur Rank Films [gb], Pilgrim Pictures, Two Cities Films Ltd., Rank Organization
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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