5 unmissable films based on the works of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the history of world literature, so much so that his works continue to inspire filmmakers to this day. By exploring universal themes such as love, revenge, ambition and tragedy, the writer has stood out throughout history for his ability to create complex characters and timeless narratives. This resulted in numerous film adaptations, with “Romeo and Juliet” being the most famous of them.

However, if you haven’t yet explored the different cinematic interpretations of his works, or want to remember them, here are 5 unmissable films. Check it out!

1. The Taming of the Shrew (2022)

‘The Taming of the Shrew’ tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a man, hired by her brothers, to make her change her mind and sell the family business Image: Digital reproduction | Netflix

An adaptation cinematic A modern take on William Shakespeare’s classic comedy, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ follows the story of Kaska (Magdalena Lamparska), a woman who leaves her unfaithful boyfriend and returns to her hometown to start all over again.

The sudden return, however, disrupts his brother’s plans to sell the family business. To facilitate the process, those interested in the sale decide to hire Patryk Nawrot (Mikołaj Roznerski) to seduce Kaska and make her change her mind. The plan seemed perfect, until Patryk started to fall in love with the girl and considered breaking the agreement.

Where to watch: Netflix.

2. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ tells the tragic story of a Scottish man who, driven by ambition, commits a series of murders to gain power Image: Digital reproduction | Apple TV+ and A24 Films

Directed by Joel Coen, ‘Macbeth’ is one of the darkest and most impactful film adaptations of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. The work follows Macbeth (Denzel Washington), a Scottish nobleman who is initially loyal to the king. After receiving a prophecy from three witches, he finds himself seduced by the idea of ​​assuming the throne of Scotland. Driven by ambition and the influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), he commits murders to gain power, but soon finds himself consumed by guilt.

Where to watch: Apple TV.

3. Ophelia (2018)

‘Ophelia’ follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with Hamlet and finds herself torn between love and life itself Image: Digital reproduction | Forthcoming Productions and Bobker/Kruger

Directed by Claire McCarthy, ‘Ophelia’ is a reinterpretation of ‘Hamlet’ through the eyes of her tragic character feminine. In the plot, Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) at Elsinore Castle. There, she catches the eye of Prince Hamlet (George MacKay), and the two begin a forbidden romance. As the young woman becomes involved with the prince, a war looms on the horizon. So, she has to deal with a tumult of emotions as she finds herself torn between the man she loves and her own life.

Where to watch: Google Play Movies & TV, Prime Video and Apple TV.

4. She’s the Man (2006)

‘She’s the Man’ tells the story of a young girl who disguises herself as her twin brother to show off her football talent Image: Digital reproduction | Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks

Based on the play ‘Twelfth Night’ by William Shakespeare, ‘She’s the Man’ is yet another adaptation of the English playwright’s works for the cinema. Directed by Andy Fickman, the film follows Viola (Amanda Bynes), a young woman who, after being prevented from playing football with the boys at her school, decides to take advantage of her twin brother Sebastian’s (James Kirk) trip to go undercover and impersonate him at his new school, joining the boys’ team.

The plan seemed perfect, until Viola falls in love with Duke (Channing Tatum), her roommate, who believes she is a boy. So she needs to maintain her disguise while fighting to showcase her talent in just two weeks.

Where to watch: Prime Video.

5. Hamlet (1996)

‘Hamlet’ tells the story of Prince Hamlet, who finds himself torn between the desire for revenge for his father’s death and existential doubts Image: Digital reproduction | Sony Pictures Releasing

Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, this is one of the most complete versions of Shakespeare’s work. THE film follows Danish prince Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh), who, after the mysterious death of his father, the king, discovers that his mother, Gertrude (Julie Christie), has married his uncle Claudius (Derek Jacobi), now monarch. Devastated by grief and suspicion of murder, Hamlet finds himself torn between the desire for revenge and existential doubts, plunging into a journey of internal conflict, betrayal and tragedy.

Where to watch: Prime Video.