It’s easy to immediately associate Christopher Plummer with Captain von Trapp, but looking at his experience on stage shows he was a good choice for this Shakespearean drama. The film also gains from being a British/Danish collaboration, and it was shot in Elsinore. You likely already know the story of Prince Hamlet, who has lost his father and finds his mother, Gertrude, remarried to the new King Claudius. Now he, along with his friend Horatio, must carefully navigate things as they try to uncover the truth, while guilt, insanity, and thoughts of vengeance linger nearby. While it sticks closely to Shakespeare’s original story, this adaptation isn't quite as intense as some others. Plummer’s natural way of acting works well as Hamlet becomes increasingly certain about what he believes, even though he struggles with how to handle it. Alec Clunes’ Polonius and the pairing of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern don’t always translate perfectly to film, but they contribute to the feeling of danger and chaos as events move toward their sad, yet appropriate, ending. Roy Kinnear has a memorable appearance as the gravedigger; he's known for comedy, but often very effective in roles where seemingly minor characters have important things to say. For me, the standout is Robert Shaw. His portrayal of the King is understated and impactful; his character is repulsive, yet occasionally he manages to evoke just a touch of understanding as his stepson becomes more open with his accusations. It’s also worth mentioning Jo Maxwell Muller's performance as Ophelia, which is both fragile and captivating – particularly in her final scenes. The story has been shortened, but not so much that you would likely notice, and certainly not to its disadvantage. If you haven't read the play before, this might inspire you to do so.

Source on TMDB