Hamlet is a retelling of Shakespeare's play set in a Denmark that is possibly Victorian or early twentieth century. Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh) has just returned from abroad and decides to check out reports that his father's ghost has been haunting the castle. His father gives him terrible news: he was murdered by his brother, Hamlet's uncle, Claudius (Derek Jacobi). Hamlet is dumbstruck by the news, but swears an oath to avenge his father. Returning home, he finds his mother, Gertrude (Julie Christie) is getting ready to marry his uncle. With the help of his good friend Horatio (Nicholas Farrell) and a wandering group of actors, Hamlet seeks proof of his uncle's guilt in order to justify murdering him. Along the way, Hamlet kills (or contributes to the death of) several minor characters, including an old flame (Kate Winslet).