Into Film Clubs
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As part of our annual celebration of Shakespeare Week (March 23-29), and this year amplifying our support for the National Year of Reading, we are excited to highlight some of our Shakespeare-related films and resources to support your learners' appreciation of the great Bard.
Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist, an accessible introduction to Shakespeare's work, particularly for younger audiences, can best be achieved through the many film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, many of which can be streamed with Into Film+.
Whether doggedly faithful to the language and setting, or offering up something entirely new and radical, the range of films inspired and informed by the Bard is extraordinary. Our list offers a selection of some of our favourites, all of which illuminate Shakespeare's words, themes and legacy in fresh, accessible ways for young people.
The recent adaptation of Hamlet, with Riz Ahmed in the lead, showcases an urban hero for a new era, with a fresh and fierce new take on the classic character. Our Hamlet: Shakespeare for All resource engages with this immersive new adaptation to open up discussions about bringing fresh perspectives and interpretations to Shakespeare's plays.
Cinema has always adapted the stories and themes of Shakespeare's plays, whether in the traditional manner, or by transporting the action to other periods and settings. In popular films such as The Lion King and 10 Things I Hate About You, we see Shakespeare's stories re-contextualised, demonstrating just how current and relatable the themes of his work continues to be.
Our Shakespeare, Tragedy and Silent Cinema resource, meanwhile, is designed to enhance students' understanding of tragedy in Shakespeare's works, through analysis of cinematic adaptations of his often bloody and vengeful tragedies. Films include the silent Julius Caesar, Caesar Must Die, Throne of Blood and Macbeth.
We hope the resources and films above will help you get the most of exploring Shakespeare Week in your classroom or film club. As a further part of our support for the National Year of Reading, the Into Film Festival in November will spotlight the relationship between literature and the big screen, with related screenings and events making it a prominent strand running through the whole programme. So be sure to keep checking for more great opportunities to celebrate Shakespeare and more book-to-screen adaptations.
