Superb adaptation of one of the most difficult plays to stage. Jacobi's performance as the tortured prince is truly outstanding. find out more...

A veritable epic from chief luvvie Ken. Four hours of full on tragedy, with the cream of British thespians alongside a plethora of international cameos. The action is shifted to the 19th Century, but is otherwise faithful and unabridged with magnificent sets and costumes. find out more...

A contemporary adaption of William Shakespeare's Hamlet........well that should do it really, but just in case.; Spoilt, slightly unhinged lad, starved of real parental love, father murdered, mum marries prime suspect, boy becomes even more loopy, but method in his madness, determined to find the truth and reek revenge, falls in love with forbidden fruit, tragedy lurking patiently in the wings. This modern adaption of Hamlet is following on from the recent updating of Romeo and Juliet and though find out more...

Franco Zeffirelli has made cinematic adaptations of Shakespeare's work something of a speciality, and this energetic, earthy, Anglo-Saxon set version lives up to his reputation. He brings out the very best from Mel Gibson, who brings real gusto to Hamlet's anguish, and makes this full-blooded translation roar vividly with life. Glenn Close, as his mother, and Helena Bonham Carter, as Ophelia, both lend excellent support, as do the rest of the star-studded cast. Excellent and should please both s find out more...

This remains one of the greatest screen versions of the tortured play, though it does look rather over-played by modern standards. The late Olivier gives one of his greatest performances - indeed this is the performance that first ranked him amongst the very greatest of actors. Won Best Picture at 1948 Academy Awards. find out more...

The surface of ceremonies and rituals celebrating the coronation of King Claudius (Mikhail Nazvanov) and his marriage to Hamlet's mother (Elza Radzina) leaves the young prince indifferent. Hamlet's melancholic nature finds no relief from his brooding, not even in his courtship of Ophelia (Anastasiya Vertinskaya). However, a nocturnal visit from his father's ghost changes everything. Claudius treachery having been brought to light, Hamlet conducts a quest to avenge his father's death.
Gri find out more...

A Royal Shakespeare Company production of the Bard's work with Ian McKellen in fine form as the truly lost Lear, a sick old man on the edge of dementia, his children scheming against him, his loyalties abused... murder, tragedy but some small redemption. find out more...

Conan the Barbarian meets the Bard of Avon in this very bloody version of Macbeth. A truly brilliant version of the play about a particularly brutal power struggle initiated by dark forces and played out for their own amusement. Great as a sword and socerey movie with a good script. find out more...

Welles's interpretation of Shakespeare's treacherous tale does have its faults, not surprisingly since it was shot on the cheap in just 23 days. However, the photography is superbly atmospheric, and the direction captures beautifully the moody, malevolent atmosphere of the barbarous setting. find out more...

Ran, Kurosawa's last great epic, is a Jidaigeki (Japanese period drama) depicting the fall of Hidetora Ichimonj, an ageing Sengoku-era warlord who abdicates as ruler in favor of his three sons. His kingdom slowly disintegrates as the sons struggle for power, murdering rivals and laying waste to the land, and Hidetora goes insane after watching his retainers slaughtered in an epic massacre, the centrepiece of the film. As the kingdom crumbles and rival warlords move in for the kill, the Ichimonji find out more...