Why ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ Is the Must-See Video Game Movie of the Year!

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In a surprising turn, it seems we might be witnessing one of, if not the finest video game movie ever produced. The unconventional documentary “” has left critics spellbound, surpassing expectations far beyond what was anticipated. This film narrates the journey of Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen as they strive to bring a rendition of “Hamlet” to life in the digital realm of Grand Theft Auto Online. Titled “Grand Theft Hamlet“, this production has achieved a remarkable feat, garnering a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it “certified fresh”.

Critics have lauded this innovative cinematic production, with William Bibbiani from TheWrap expressing regret that Grand Theft Hamlet wasn’t extended in length.

One aspect that could be improved in this touching, humorous, poignant, and impactful movie is its running time – if only it were longer, ideally about five hours.”

“The only downside to this great film is that it’s not longer; I wish it was about five hours instead.

2024’s Grand Theft Hamlet debuted at the SXSW Film Festival, taking home the Jury Award for Exceptional Documentary Feature. This critically-acclaimed film can now be streamed online on various platforms. Since its release, its Rotten Tomatoes score has significantly increased, a rarity on the review aggregator site. As Alissa Wilkinson of The New York Times put it, this movie delves into an intriguing and thought-provoking topic.

The play ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ explores various underlying themes such as intense passion for art, camaraderie within communities, and perhaps most significantly, the question of authenticity in a society where virtual realities are prevalent.

Some Critics Have Awarded ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ a Perfect Score

Ross Bonaime from Collider found it fascinating to observe the filmmakers attempt what seemed like an impossible feat: encouraging players to set aside their fighting and perform Shakespeare; “Finding players who are eager to put down their weapons and recite works by The Bard is a challenging task, but it’s heartwarming to understand why these individuals are participating in this game in such a unique way.” Similarly, Lisa Laman from Culturess shared the same sentiment, expressing that “Grand Theft Hamlet” elicits plenty of grim laughter from its content. Yet, there’s also an unexpected resonance in watching Sam and Mark strive to create harmony within a digital realm dominated by violence and excess.” Lastly, Glenn Kenny from RogerEbert.com gave “Grand Theft Hamlet” a top score of 4/4, stating…

Beyond being simply a tale about a scruffy canine, “Grand Theft Hamlet” offers an intriguing, amusing, and touching exploration of the unanticipated connections between different fields of study.

Under the guidance of directors Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, the film titled Grand Theft Hamlet was produced during one of the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown periods in 2021. In this unique production, video game players Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen strive to persuade other gamers to set aside their usual activities of violence and crime within “Grand Theft Auto.” Instead, they propose staging a theatrical performance of “Hamlet” within the game. For more information, you can read the official summary provided below.

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, jobless actors Sam and Mark find themselves in a dismal situation. In search of meaning, they come up with an intriguing concept: enact Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the turbulent setting of Grand Theft Auto Online. GRAND THEFT HAMLET is the product of this unique idea, filmed entirely within the game. This documentary delves into their endeavor to blend traditional theater with a tumultuous digital backdrop. With breathtaking visuals and poignant instances of introspection, it offers an engaging exploration of how age-old cultural tales can still echo in modern, digital environments. By raising questions about art, solitude, and the digital realm’s narrative possibilities, it underscores the enduring relevance of these stories in new, virtually created realms.

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2025-01-28 17:02