CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Two-Disc Special Edition)

starring: Kenneth Branagh, Julie Christie, Billy Crystal, Gérard Depardieu, Kate Winslet
directed by: Kenneth Branagh

Release Date August 14, 2007
Amazing version. Branagh makes Hamlet enjoyable for the Shakespeare buff or the reluctant viewer. Easy to follow, incredibly visual, epic performances from an all star cast. Highly, highly recommended.

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Much Ado About Nothing

starring: Chris Barnes, Kate Beckinsale, Brian Blessed, Richard Briers, Richard Clifford

Release Date January 07, 2003
Nobody could say the storyline in Much Ado About Nothing is particularly clever. In fact, despite some very witty lyricism you would have to say this is one of Shakespeare's weakest plays. Having said that, this interpretation by Kenneth Branagh makes the most of the material. The comic characters are completely over-the-top (including Michael Keaton of Batman fame, and Ben Elton, creator of the Young Ones) and the more serious ones are given a slightly modern interpretation. The main plot which deals with the importance of virginity in a new bride, has a gently mocking modern treatment. The whole play is, as its name suggests, a storm in a teacup and Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thomson make the most of the sarcastic interplay available to them. Even the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Henry V

starring: Brian Blessed, Richard Briers, Fabian Cartwright, Patrick Doyle, Ian Holm

Release Date July 18, 2000
It is difficult to sum up the power of a genius such as Kenneth Branagh. One thing that he accomplishes is that he speaks the immortal lines of Shakespeare with such gentleness and clarity that we Americans can understand him, and even young people, or people not accustomed to Shakespeare can respond wonderfully to his films. In addition, he is an actor of limitless talent and unforgettable power. He is surely the greatest producer of Shakespeare in our time, and I pray every day that he gives us more and more of the bard. ---- This film is in every respect beautiful, brutal though it is, and candid as it is about the violence of war. I cannot recommend it too highly especially to young viewers or viewers who have found Shakespeare too difficult in the past. Branagh's ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Peter Pan (Widescreen Edition)

starring: Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lynn Redgrave, Richard Briers
directed by: P.J. Hogan

Release Date May 04, 2004
i have seen peter pan played by an adult woman (mary martin). also played by an adult man (robin williams). in the awful "hook" version.
peter pan was a "boy". (all boys grow up, except one) so they finally got that right. and everything else about the movie. the special effects and especially the flying was superb. beautifully made, and i enjoyed it so much i am thinking of buying another copy of it. i just wish there could be a sequel.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

As You Like It

starring: Brian Blessed, Richard Briers, Richard Clifford, Gerard Horan, Kevin Kline

Release Date September 25, 2007
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This movie is based on William Shakespeare's romantic comedy play "As You Like It" (circa 1600), one of his greatest comedies.

I feel that this movie catches the essence of the play with director Kenneth Branagh (who also adapted the play to the screen and co-produced) focusing on the main love plot with the other love plots being given some attention. (Branagh had to do this or the movie would be far too long.)

What is the essence of the play and the movie? The essence is to create a situation where everything is real and unreal, false and genuine at the same time. This all occurs in the Forest of Arden where time moves slowly and where the main action of the play and movie takes place.

Who are the main characters ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Spice World

starring: Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell
directed by: Bob Spiers

Release Date June 17, 1998
If you know Lester's work, you know that he makes lousy films that are sometimes funny. This is a lousy film which is sometimes funny. But the girls really have no talent. Victoria Beckham can sort of sing, but that's about it. Not much at all really.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

starring: George Asprey, Alfred Bell, Helena Bonham Carter, Richard Briers, John Cleese

Release Date July 29, 1998
Although this movie was critically and publically panned, I honestly think that it is the BEST film adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel. Critics complained about the film, saying that it was too grotesque, too melodramatic, too epic. What critics failed to realize is that THAT is exactly what a Gothic Romance story is: melodramatic, epic, exaggerated, but still wildly poignant. I am not a huge Branagh fan, but I love this film. The cast is excellent, the period setting is done beautifully, and the exaggerated sets and bright colors (especially the wide use of the color red)perfectly capture the scope of Shelley's novel. Yes, there are changes, but many of them I liked: Henry Clerval (the wonderfully quirky Tom Hucle) is not murdered by the Creature (played wonderfully ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Love's Labour's Lost

starring: Alfred Bell, Richard Briers, Richard Clifford, Carmen Ejogo, Daisy Gough

Release Date December 19, 2000
"Love's Labor's Lost" is one of the Bard's more bittersweet comedies. There's the joy of romantic love tempered with the bitter reality of war, and the original ending is open to question. As Berowne says, "This isn't a normal play. Jack does not get his Jill."

Kenneth Branagh decided to turn the Bard's bittersweet tale into a fluffy '30s musical, complete with fake newsreel footage. The Prince of Navarre (Alessandro Nivola) leads his friends to forswear women for study. However,when the Princess of France (Alicia Silverstone) stops by with her handmaidens, love and music is in the air. There are numerous campy musical sequences-- such as "Cheek to cheek" number where the young men are soaring overhead like puppets against a sky backdrop, and "Let's face the music and dance",a ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Unconditional Love

starring: Kathy Bates, Rupert Everett, Meredith Eaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Lynn Redgrave
directed by: P.J. Hogan

Release Date June 01, 2004
Found this through Netflix and loved it, so I just had to own it. The cast is sterling! It's a unique blend of musical, mystery, comedy, and several other genres, and it's just twisted enough that it works! Don't expect a traditional narrative, but open you mind and enjoy this unique and wonderful film!

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Peter Pan (Full Screen Edition)

starring: Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Sumpter, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lynn Redgrave, Richard Briers
directed by: P.J. Hogan

Release Date May 04, 2004
i have seen peter pan played by an adult woman (mary martin). also played by an adult man (robin williams). in the awful "hook" version.
peter pan was a "boy". (all boys grow up, except one) so they finally got that right. and everything else about the movie. the special effects and especially the flying was superb. beautifully made, and i enjoyed it so much i am thinking of buying another copy of it. i just wish there could be a sequel.