Henry V

Henry V (1989)

  • 100% of critics liked it
    (33 reviews)

  • 87% of users liked it
    (11,374 ratings)

Kenneth Branagh makes his feature-film directorial debut with this adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henry V. After the Chorus (Derek Jacobi) introduces the play, young king of England Henry V (Kenneth Branagh) begins an angry dialogue with King Charles of France (Paul Scofield). The king's son,… More

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PG-13, 2 hr. 18 min.
Directed By
Kenneth Branagh
Genres
Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance
In Theaters
Nov 8, 1989 Wide
On DVD
Jul 18, 2000
MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    A stirring, gritty and enjoyable pic which offers a plethora of fine performances from some of the U.K.'s brightest talents.

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    The cast -- including Derek Jacobi as the modern-dress chorus, Paul Scofield, Judi Dench, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, and Robbie Coltrane in an effective cameo as Falstaff -- is uniformly fine without any grandstanding.

  • Benedict Nightingale, New York Times

    Mr. Branagh's Henry has psychological heft and intellectual weight.

  • Amy E. Schwartz, Washington Post

    More questioning, more agonized, finally more humble.

  • Hal Hinson, Washington Post

    Everything about this remarkable production is exhilaratingly unexpected.

Read all 16 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • xGary X


    Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Shakespeare's play was his directorial debut and at the time many balked at the very idea that this young whipper snapper could dare to get in the ring with Laurence Olivier and his then definitive version. This film is a completely different… More

  • Lanning :


    No one on the contemporary movie scene -- or ever on the screen -- does Shakespeare better than Branagh. As both actor and director, he is simply the best. He can manage all his actors in such a way that you will understand the plays clearly, both in terms of dialog delivery and… More

  • Cameron J


    In this faithful cenimatic revival of Shakespeare's patriotic classic, we are presented with fantastic acting, masterful directing, an applaudable score and an awe-inspiring production to accompany the already powerfully compelling story and strong characters. Branagh… More

  • Sean D


    I will admit that I have not read William Shakespeareâ(TM)s Henry V. However, I like to think that Kenneth Branaghâ(TM)s take on the play certainly counts. Branagh, in his directorial debut, brings one of Shakespeareâ(TM)s histories to life with great panache and necessary grittiness.… More

  • Alec B


    One of the best Shakespeare film adaptions ever. Kenneth Branagh pulled tripple duty here, adapting the screenplay, directing, and playing the lead role. Branagh throws out the normal rules and plays the film as violent and realistic interpretation of warfare in the middle ages.

Read all 7 featured audience ratings

Cast

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