Name: Hamlet
Director: Grigori Kozintsev
Genre: Drama
Released: 1964
Duration: 140 min
Cast: Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy, Anastasiya Vertinskaya, Mikhail Nazvanov, Elza Radziņa, Yuriy Tolubeev

What Hamlet Is About

Shakespeare's 17th century masterpiece about the "Melancholy Dane" was given one of its best screen treatments by Soviet director Grigori Kozintsev. Kozintsev's Elsinore was a real castle in Estonia, utilized metaphorically as the "stone prison" of the mind wherein Hamlet must confine himself in order to avenge his father's death. Hamlet himself is portrayed (by Innokenti Smoktunovsky) as the sole sensitive intellectual in a world made up of debauchers and revellers. Several of Kozintsev directorial choices seem deliberately calculated to inflame the purists: Hamlet's delivers his "To be or not to be" soliloquy with his back to the camera, allowing the audience to fill in its own interpretations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamlet about?

Shakespeare's 17th century masterpiece about the "Melancholy Dane" was given one of its best screen treatments by Soviet director Grigori Kozintsev. Kozintsev's Elsinore was a real castle in Estonia, utilized metaphorically as the "stone prison" of the mind wherein Hamlet must confine himself in order to avenge his father's death.

Where can I watch Hamlet?

Hamlet isn't currently listed on major digital platforms. Availability can change over time. Check the "Where to Watch" section for the latest.

How long is Hamlet?

Hamlet runs for 140 minutes (2h 20m).

When did Hamlet come out?

Hamlet was released in 1964.

Who directed Hamlet?

Hamlet was directed by Grigori Kozintsev.

Who stars in Hamlet?

Hamlet stars Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy, Anastasiya Vertinskaya, Mikhail Nazvanov, Elza Radziņa.

What is Hamlet's rating?

Hamlet holds 8.2/10 on IMDb and 7.2/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 78 out of 100.