In this first-ever full-text film of William Shakespeare's work, the Prince of Denmark, Hamlet, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother remarrying the murderer. Meanwhile, war is brewing.

In Venice during 1570, Desdemona, daughter of a powerful nobleman, elopes with Othello, a proud Moor celebrated as the city's most awesome warrior. Iago, who has served alongside Othello for a decade, is angered when the general chooses another lieutenant, Cassio, as his second in command. In retribution, Iago sabotages Cassio's promotion and convinces Othello that the handsome officer is cuckolding him. Othello writhes under the tortures Iago has...