Hamlet (1990)
Franco Zeffirelli's bold cinematic retelling of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, starring Mel Gibson as the tormented Prince of Denmark.
Hamlet - Movie Information
- Original Title: Hamlet
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Franco Zeffirelli
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 19, 1990 (Canada - 14A), January 18, 1991 (United States - PG), April 19, 1991 (United Kingdom - U), October 10, 1991 (Germany - 12), January 8, 1992 (France)
- Alternative Titles: Amleto (IT), Гамлет (SU), Hamlet (El honor de la venganza) (ES)
- Production Companies: Icon Productions, Nelson Entertainment, Sovereign Pictures, Canal+, Carolco Pictures
- Production Countries: France, United Kingdom, United States of America
Hamlet - Plot
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, finds out that his uncle Claudius killed his father to obtain the throne, and plans revenge.
Hamlet - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Zeffirelli's vision of Shakespeare's masterpiece come to life:
The extraordinary adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tale of vengeance and tragedy.
Where to Watch Hamlet
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Hamlet - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Franco Zeffirelli
Main Cast
- Mel Gibson
- Glenn Close
- Alan Bates
- Paul Scofield
- Ian Holm
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Stephen Dillane
- Nathaniel Parker
- Sean Murray
- Michael Maloney
Writers
- Christopher De Vore
- Franco Zeffirelli
Producers
- Dyson Lovell
Hamlet - FAQs
Who plays Hamlet in the 1990 film?
Mel Gibson takes on the iconic role of Hamlet in this 1990 adaptation. His casting was considered unconventional at the time, given his action-hero reputation, but he delivered a grounded, emotionally raw performance that won over many critics and audiences.
Is Hamlet (1990) based on a true story?
Hamlet is based on Shakespeare's legendary play, which itself draws on earlier Scandinavian legends and a 12th-century chronicle by Saxo Grammaticus. While rooted in historical folklore, the story of Prince Hamlet is not considered a factual historical account.
Where can you stream Hamlet (1990)?
You can watch Hamlet (1990) on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, YouTube Free, The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, Plex, and Fawesome. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home.
Why was Mel Gibson cast as Hamlet?
Director Franco Zeffirelli deliberately chose Mel Gibson to bring a more physical, accessible energy to the role — a deliberate move away from theatrical tradition. Zeffirelli wanted a Hamlet that felt visceral and cinematic rather than stage-bound, and Gibson's intensity fit that vision perfectly.
What is Hamlet (1990) about?
Hamlet follows the Prince of Denmark after his father's ghost reveals that his uncle Claudius murdered the king to steal the throne and marry the queen. Consumed by grief and a burning desire for justice, Hamlet sets in motion a chain of events with devastating consequences for everyone around him.
How long is the 1990 Hamlet film?
Zeffirelli's Hamlet runs 130 minutes — about 2 hours and 10 minutes. This makes it notably more compact than many stage productions of the play, which can run three hours or more. The tighter runtime reflects Zeffirelli's focus on narrative momentum over theatrical completeness.
Who composed the music for Hamlet (1990)?
The score for Hamlet (1990) was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone. His music adds a sweeping, melancholic grandeur to the film, perfectly complementing the story's themes of grief, betrayal, and fate. Morricone's contribution is widely regarded as one of the film's great strengths.
What is the age rating for Hamlet (1990)?
Hamlet (1990) is rated PG in the United States, making it accessible to a broad audience. The film contains themes of murder, betrayal, and madness, as well as some violence, but nothing that pushed it beyond a PG classification. It's suitable for older children and up.
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