Rating this movie, I gave it a 10 only because there wasn't a higher number allowed.Never having previously heard of this, I decided to take a chance on it one afternoon, though I generally avoid HBO, partly out of the lack of anything else important to do and partly because I saw Kenneth Branagh's name.How serendipitous.This almost perfect cinema experience moved me to tears, made me laugh, brought me to my feet applauding and cheering -- right here, perhaps foolishly, in my living room.Branagh is further evidence that God is no socialist: Branagh has looks, talent, and now deservedly has money and probably all the romance he wants to handle. In other words, he has everything, while so many of us have nothing. Proving, as I said, God is no socialist, equitably sharing the wealth.The cast of "In the Bleak Midwinter" is just simply magnificent. I can accept a quibble that some performances are a bit stereotyped (and one director wrote in this forum that anyone believing that just needs to accompany a troupe), but even if true, so what? I love theater people.I love theater people and that is perhaps the main reason I loved "In the Bleak Midwinter." As much as any film and more than most it shows stage actors in all their quirks and foibles, and in all their inherent humanity; it shows how the love for their craft, for their heritage and traditions, motivates them far more than does money or the chance of it, more than fame or the lack of it, and much, much more than does security.Actors portraying actors often can be seen shifting into another gear, but that doesn't happen here. Director Branagh and the excellent cast of superb performers provide a nearly seamless, nearly perfect production, beautifully written by Branagh.If there were room, each and every cast member should get a glowing tribute. Each and every one was great (even Joan Collins was great, though I can't help wondering: Is she EVER going to show any age on her?), and each and every one was a standout -- which might seem to be a contradiction, a paradox, but watch "In the Bleak Midwinter." You'll see what I mean.Bravo, bravo, bravo. "In the Bleak Midwinter" is simply magnificent.

My parents bought this movie, we watched it with the extended family at christmas(we traditionally provide the obscure filmage) and since then i have watched it more times than i can remember. I thought it was brilliant the first time i saw it. Then I made a spoof film of hamlet with my friends and i got so much more of it. I felt like joe through most of production(there was a lot of screaming on my part. My actors kept throwing me new scheduling difficulties every day, it was impossible to keep them focused, and i thought we were going to run out of time). I loved this movie's interpretation of certain scenes in the play. Like the very first bit with the machine gun. hehehe Not to mention the fight between Hamlet and Laertes. (I actually took my cue from that one and made my version like a sporting event, with commentators and all.) Their actors put a lot of emotion into the performance. I loved the actors themselves, they were such a weird bunch thrown together and the development of their relationships was fun to watch. And it worked well in black and white. I just really like it.

This was a film that I wanted to see from the very second that I heard about it. Unfortunately (for one reason and another) I missed it at the cinema and was forced to trawl the depths of video stores to find it. It is a beautifully shot, subtly hilarious piece of cinematic history. Anyone who has ever worked in theatres or have met "theatre types" will empathise with the characters immediately...and anyone who has never experienced the backstage "goings on" of theatres should watch this film to experience the endearing qualities of theatre in its extreme.Quite simply this film is wonderful and has made me a huge fan of Kenneth Branagh's writing and direction.My only complaint about this film is that it is impossible to find!! Why can't we buy it on DVD yet??!

This is a movie that will make you see that when things look their bleakest, as in midwinter, you have to push on. The characters undergo a long journey from strange actor-folk and emerge as people who are near and dear to us at the end. They are the light at the end of the tunnel. Anyone who's been involved with a difficult stage production will identify with this movie. I loved it! "Dear Hamlet, cast thy coloured nightie off..." -D