Kenneth Branagh's 1996 adaptation, which he wrote, directed and starred as the much maligned Danish prince was and remains the only unabbreviated film version of William Shakespeare's great play. Shot in grand and gorgeous 65mm film stock, the last film to be done so prior to "The Master", the production also features, alongside Branagh's own commanding and very impressive performance, a slew of fine portrayals from the esteemed likes of Richard Attenborough, Julie Christie, Derek Jacobi, Kate Winslet, and Billy Crystal to name a few. Branagh's "Hamlet" is both a sumptuous filmization and, for someone not familiar with the material, proves an excellent introduction and piqued my interest for further exploration of the classic.
