Hamlet

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Hamlet

PG

1991

2h 15m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

59%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Franco Zeffirelli's adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy about the young prince of Denmark who is plagued by indecision when he vows to avenge his father's murder. Filmed on location around the UK, including Stonehaven in Scotland, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast.

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Critics Consensus

It may lack some of the depth and complexity of the play, but Mel Gibson and Franco Zeffirelli make a surprisingly successful team.

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Steve Murray

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sep 23, 2025

A rousing, Cliffs Notes version of the Shakespeare classic.

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Michael Wilmington

Los Angeles Times

Nov 20, 2019

It's not at all a bad film.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Jul 4, 2008

Performances all fall in a middle range between the competent and the lackluster.

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Otis Stuart

OutWeek

May 19, 2020

The new film reverberates with a genuinely Shakespearean liveliness.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Jun 6, 2012

C+

Starring Mel Gibson, Zeffirelli's Oscar-nominated version is colorful and mildly engaging, but lacking depth and poetry, and the two women are miscast.

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Scott Nash

Three Movie Buffs

Feb 19, 2012

3.5/4

Alas, poor Mel Gibson! I knew him when he was on top of the world.

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Ben W

@Username618 Mar 21, 2026

Remember quite enjoying this.

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Robert N.

@Rob123456 Oct 1, 2025

I thought it was great. Gibson and cast were wonderful. Zeffirelli directed so true. I read the “no fear Shakespeare’s Hamlet “ and it was accurate.

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Bob J

@RT41324437 May 21, 2025

Mel Gibson is Hamlet. There is none other. This is the best Hamlet.

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Julian S

@akajulianscott Mar 16, 2025

Zeffirelli’s HAMLET is a dull, lifeless slog that wastes its talent.

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Sanford S

@Sandy44 Jul 21, 2023

Am amazing tour de force by Mel Gibson playing the young prince - one of the best and worth the watching!

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steve d

@RT35616104 Jul 10, 2020

There are better versions where you don't have to deal with Mel.

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Franco Zeffirelli

Director

Mel Gibson

Hamlet

Glenn Close

Gertrude

Alan Bates

Claudius

Paul Scofield

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Ian Holm

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Synopsis

Franco Zeffirelli's adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy about the young prince of Denmark who is plagued by indecision when he vows to avenge his father's murder. Filmed on location around the UK, including Stonehaven in Scotland, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast.

Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Producer: Dyson Lovell
Screenwriter: Christopher De Vore, Franco Zeffirelli
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Canal+, Icon Productions, Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 18, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 28, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.2M
Runtime: 2h 15m
Sound Mix: Surround

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