Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1991)

YES!

I believe it was Joe Orton, play write, that said, "I wish I'd written that!" upon seeing this play in England, in the 60's. I feel the same. Tom Stoppard at his hysterical best. Hamlet fans, have fun,[except for the whinny dude playing Hamlet], Gary Oldman, always fantastic. Tim Roth, perfect. Richard Dreyfuss....not so much. One,[or two], miscasts won't spoil it for you, though. May 17, 2008

Ever wonder what they were doing offstage?

This is the film adaption of Tom Stoppard's brilliant play. An excellent cast makes this film, but you have to fully understand the play "Hamlet" in order to follow and appreciate this film. The plot is what takes place (mostly) offstage during the unfolding of "Hamlet", and it revolves around Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor players in "Hamlet" who were probably put in the play for some needed comic relief (although they meet an untimely and hard to explain end in both the play and the film). If you like "Hamlet", this film will make you laugh repeatedly (which is something that "Hamlet" won't do...). April 29, 2008

Dead but still kicking

This film gives a fresh look into the age old classic 'Hamlet'. It takes these otherwise "minor" characters and thrusts them into the fray while pushing Hamlet into the background. Their musings and misadventures while attempting to do the kings (Hamlet's step-father and uncle) bidding, lands them unceramoniously deceased, instead of Hamlet. Fore,Rosencrantz & Guildenstern while thinking Hamlet nonsensically comical, are clouded to the princes true genious.

This is a must see for those whom enjoy Shakespeare, even for those who do not. It gives that long drawn reading in 9th grade AP English meaning and humor. April 15, 2008

Intelligent Comedy!

I love Gary Oldman, so I wanted this movie so badly because Rosencrantz, the innocent, easily amused and ill-fated Shakespearean character, is probably his most unique role. I got my English teacher to make watching the movie an extra credit assignment for everybody...

I loved the movie. It was funny, but it did not dumb down Shakespeare, which is why my English teacher loved the movie and accepted the suggestion in the first place. The actors, Oldman, Roth, Dreyfuss, and the wonderful Iain Glen as Hamlet, really knew how to bring the characters to life. I loved all the Hamlet bits in there (the original lines were intact, but the interpretation unique and amusing)

The DVD is rather plain, however. The image in not of flawless quality and there are only interviews and screen caps in the extra special features disc. I do love that Gary Oldman's interview is a whole hour though! :) April 6, 2008

An awesome second side to Shakespeare

Tom Stoppard is a genius using the two least notable characters out of Shakespeare's Hamlet to ponder their existence. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have trouble remembering who they are as well as why they are there. Their chaotic adventures "backstage" echo within a fractal existence of a play inside a play inside a play. Stoppard's witty dialogue and banter is entertaining as well as thought-provoking. This is seriously a cult classic, one in which the mind must be engaged to gather the precious gems of truth Rosencrantz and Guildenstern innocently spill as they make their way toward the meaning of life, or perhaps, the meaning of death. March 21, 2008

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