Uploaded July 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

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❝ I know my kingdom awaits, and they've forgiven my mistakes –– ❞
★★ Check out my other Hamlet videos: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mcRor69YHVFWLfwQfbrgQwOBHk2q89F

So last week we watched Shakespeare. First time since reading Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth way back in high school. And things are so different now, my gosh. Me and my sister were completely caught up in Kenneth Branagh's 1996 rendition of Hamlet, and the journey he goes through in the play.

I just can't with Hamlet. His first soliloquy surges with such a childlike vulnerability and pure love for his father… and then his utter aloneness to fulfill the vengeance that is thrust upon him. He can't share what he believes, can hardly comfort himself in his own belief either – and sees in himself such an unworthiness and inability to do what is asked of him or to do what is right. He is so tragically aware of the world around him, so wise and sad and yet so convicted and ultimately, so humbled in the acceptance of the consequences of his actions.

My sister and I both found so many ways to relate to Hamlet's struggles. No wonder he's regarded as one of the most intriguing characters in English literature. I honestly can't wait to see more quality Shakespeare films. There's a delicious irony and insightfulness in his works. And Branagh… I just gotta say, the man is a genius. Actor, writer, *and* director… I'm honestly inspired by his multi-talented creativity. And I love the way he included Hamlet's raging sarcasm and charisma, and emphasized Hamlet's vulnerable humanity and grief.

Anyway, nobody does vids of Shakespeare so this was mostly made for my sis and me to express our feels. I hope anybody who does find it enjoys seeing how and what I saw in this play.

❝ quotes
Hamlet: Now I am alone. / O what a rogue and peasant slave am I! (Act II.2.559-560)
Hamlet: Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong (Act V.2.227)
Hamlet: There is special / providence in the fall of a sparrow (Act V.2.220-221)
Horatio: Good night, sweet Prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest (Act V.2.359-360)

❝ links
vimeo: vimeo.com/175308019
tumblr: hamletinblack.tumblr.com/post/147623769996/i-know-my-kingdom-awaits-and-theyve-forgiven

❝ footage
Hamlet by William Shakespeare: a film by Kenneth Branagh (1996)