Hamlet
Metascore
53 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    It's a strong, intelligent performance [by Gibson], filled with life, and it makes this into a surprisingly robust Hamlet.
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    88
    Zeffirelli's production is neither high art nor lowbrow pandering, but something in between.
  3. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: William Arnold
    83
    This great Elizabethean masterpiece comes alive in a rich cinematic version that proves the past 400 years have done nothing to dim its uncanny power to mirror the human condition. [18 jan 1991]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. oliver1h
    7
    It thought it was a solid, worthy adaptation of the classic. Mel Gibson is interesting as Hamlet. Franco Zeffirelli could have done a better job as the director and the screenplay could use some refinement. Anyways I enjoyed this adaptation, and I can not really understand the very negative reviews. I think the movie was well worth a watch!… Full Review »
  2. CritiqueGirl
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. I really liked it and then Glen Close thinks it makes sense to lip lock Hamlet because that is the what she thought her character, as his mother, would do. It actually ruined the movie for me.… Full Review »
  3. JimR.
    10
    Energetic, entertaining presentation. Perfect casting.
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