I admit I felt some worry about understanding this film without knowing Russian, relying solely on subtitles. However, that concern proved unnecessary; familiarity with Shakespeare’s original tragedy provides enough context to fully appreciate the experience as I enjoyed this exceptionally dark, somber and melancholy narrative of betrayal, deceit, and insanity – written in a way only he could have, and perhaps presented as uniquely the Soviets might. The film begins where it should, within the imposing and oppressive fortress of Elsinore (or Ivangorod, to be precise), with its towering walls and heavy gate, where we meet the grieving prince “Hamlet” (Innokentiy Smoktunovskiy), returning home after learning of his father’s death and his uncle’s swift marriage to his mother “Gertrude” (Ella Radzina). The speed of these events is unsettling for the prince, leading him to suspect foul play. Those suspicions deepen when ominous skies and approaching storms bring him a puzzling prophecy that will shape the next few hours of intense family drama at its finest. The lighting does significant work, combining with stunning sets, costumes, and a beautiful Shostakovich score to create an engrossing, detailed and tense framework for the cast's remarkable performances; they seem to radiate passion as the story progresses and emotions escalate. The twists and turns of the young man’s journey, his quest for trust and truth, and some surprisingly recognizable speeches—even in Russian—truly make this a powerful film that is both elegant and bleak. It’s easily comparable to any other adaptation of this play on film, and even if you don't typically appreciate this (sometimes lengthy and elaborate) playwright, you can still enjoy an inspired version of the ultimate dynastic drama filled with blood, fantasy and menace from Grigoriy Kozintsev. Seeing it in a theater would maximize its impact, but even on a good television set, it’s quite effective.

Source on TMDB