- Sensibility: A few scenes that are hard to interpret in the modern context, particularly a scene in a bathroom and a scene introducing a dance sequence, make for some awkward transition from source material to the screen
and for some disruptions in suspension of disbelief.
- Cinematography: The film has a few moments of inspired visuals followed by long periods of lackluster lighting and production design that cheapen the film. There is some graffiti in this film
that is so bad it is almost laughable.
- Energy: It is hard to make an honest interpretation of Shakespeare palatable for a modern audience. Some scenes drag in the wordiness of the dialogue, and I am probably more patient than most.
- Narrative: Overall, a solid modernization of a classic story. Only weakness is the Fortinbras tie-in, which feels forced and unreasonable. The
choices to stray from the strict text are generally done with intelligence and reason. Particularly excellent are a dance sequence and the modernization of the famous ending duel.
- T-Points: The film received three bonus points: one for a brilliant wedding dance sequence, one for a brilliant modernization of the "to be or not to be" speech, and one for a great twist on the ending duel and deaths.
Love to see new interpretations of classics, even if they aren't perfect. This is an interesting modern and multi-cultural interpretation of Shakespeare's great tragedy with a lot to offer.
Number of Watches: 1
