STORYLINE: Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy is reimagined in a bold, modern adaptation set within London’s elite South Asian community. When Hamlet (Riz Ahmed) returns for his father’s funeral, he is stunned to discover his uncle Claudius is marrying his newly widowed mother. Visited by his father’s ghost, Hamlet learns his brutal murder was at the hands of Claudius – and spirals into a quest for vengeance that exposes the rot at the heart of the family’s empire and threatens his own sanity. (IMDb)

   Different interpretations of the same story leads to a variety of unique films. The plays of Shakespeare have been adapted, in multiple ways, for cinema goers. Juliet and Romeo (2025) turns the classic love story into a Bollywood style  musical.  Anyone but You (2023) is Much Ado About Nothing, as a modern day rom com.  Now, it’s time for Hamlet to get a different interpretation, this time starring Riz Ahmed.

    Much like the 1996 Romeo and Juliet, this Hamlet adaptation places the events in the modern era, while keeping the dialogue from the Shakespearean time.  Hamlet is set in the South Asian community of London.

   Personally, I am not a fan of the works of Shakespeare.  Over the years I have struggled with the various film adaptations because of that.  I have enjoyed the occasional adaptation such as 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You, which  is The Taming of the Shrew in a 90s high school setting, and stars Heath Ledger.  Al Pacino’s The Merchant of Venice (2004) was pretty good, and that previously mentioned Bollywood style Juliet and Romeo was a blast to watch.  So I got comfortable, in my  normal seat, with an open mind.

    The premise of the movie did nothing for me.  As I left the auditorium, towards the bar, for a post movie drink I thought that was not a surprise. 

   Hamlet did have two things going for it. The first was a gritty look, that was visually appealing.  The was a bit in your face, but it created an atmosphere of chaos that suited the story The second was a decent performance by Riz Ahmed. I am a fan of his, I wanted to like his performance, and I did. 

   All this was off set by a soundtrack that miserable to listen to.. It wasn’t the typical classical score, which would have been awkward.  It was loud and obnoxious music, just white noise.

    If I want to watch material surrounding Hamlet, I will rewatch Chloe Zhao’s masterpiece Hamnet (2025), about the inspiration for the famous play.  I have done so already with the blu ray that is part of my movie library. 

   This adaptation of Hamlet, took some chances, a few things paid off, but in the end, it did not work.  At least the popcorn was tasty.

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!