Henry V (1989)

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
  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 proposition however, choosing to use the cinematic medium to great effect to breathe gritty, believable life into the characters and story. He is of course backed up by probably the finest assemblance of Shakespearian talent whose pedigree shines through in a faultless collection of performances, from the arrogance and politicking of the nobles to the earthy pathos of the common soldier. Even the uninitiated who can be intimidated by the seemingly inpenetrable prose should be able to follow the plot because of the clever use of performance and realism to convey the meaning of the florid dialogue, but I must admit from time to time I wished I had some Cliff notes to aid my understanding of the nuances. The battle scenes are recreated in a way obviously influenced by John Boorman's Excalibur, all sweat and blood and filth, and to echo the modern climate offers a more human portrayal of bloodshed on such an epic scale. The highlights are of course all provided by Branagh's excellent and naturalistic interpretation of Henry (although Paul Scofield's subtle performance as the melancholy King of France is near its equal), most notably his pre-battle speeches which inspire without the clodhopping patriotic manipulation you have seen in everything from Braveheart to Independence Day. His inexperience behind the camera tells occasionally as he gets a little slo-mo happy and the battle is a little confusing, but as a whole it's a great achievement.

• 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
  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 action. I don't know if this is the best job he's done, but it's at least tied for number one. If you only see one Branagh Shakespeare, make it this one. <p>Note: If you are confused by some of the references to Henry's "former" self and his former friends, you may want to check out <i>Henry IV </i> parts I and II. Unfortunately those won't be Branagh projects -- at least not yet. Here's hoping he does those as well.

• 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
  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 particularly stands out for his astonishing performance before and behind the camera, a feat difficult enough to achieve without his commitment to make the film of the extremely high quality it is. Unfortunately, some characters are underdeveloped and underused and the storyline is slightly difficult to follow at points. Also, a deal of scenes are slow, somewhat drawn out and forces in too many events in such a limited amount of time. Sadly, even the most powerful sequence in the film is flawed, in that it is too theatrical of a sequence to be succeeded by a true conclusion. As for the narrator, or chorus rather, his physical presence in the film is an interesting and original concept that does make the opening and conclusion very interesting. However, his appearance throughout the body of the film is forced and hard to take seriously. These flaws aside, Branagh's "Henry V" is a passionate masterpiece well-deserving of its vast critical acclaim.

• 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
  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. The play follows the rise of King Henry V and his conquest of France. Branagh, though, adds a few pieces from Henry IV for some additional context and to reveal more about Henry V. We see King Henry V rack up victory after victory as his troops grow fewer and fewer. Sick, wounded, and outmatched, Henry V rallies the troops with the famous St. Crispinâ(TM)s Day speech and they storm into the Battle of Agincourt. There is not much to say about the script. Itâ(TM)s Shakespeare. But noteworthy are the additions Branagh made in his adaptation. The addition of Robbie Coltrane in the cameo as Falstaff was excellent and saddening at the same time. The flashbacks to Henry Vâ(TM)s childhood really add depth to an already great play. Branagh also did an amazing job at directing the battle scenes in the movie. He does not hold back and heads full steam into these battles. He shows off the grittiness of war by featuring the penultimate battle in a muddy field. The acting is also terrific. Branaghâ(TM)s delivery of the St. Crispinâ(TM)s Day speech is exquisite and inspiring. You wish you could jump right into the screen and join in the battle. There are also a number of great supporting performances. Robbie Coltrane, Ian Holm, Brian Blessed, Emma Thompson, in a very limited role, and watch for a young Christian Bale as a kid soldier. This adaptation is often compared to Olivierâ(TM)s version of Henry V. It is unlikely to say that one is better than the other. However, Kenneth Branaghâ(TM)s Henry V is definitely one of the better modern adaptations of a Shakespearean play and is definitely one that will be enjoyed not just by lovers of Shakespeare, but lovers of movies in general.

• 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.

• Angela A

  
  So, with Shakespeare's script it always had the potential to be awesome. But, Branagh and the incredible cast who wanted to work with him made this film AMAZING. Just fabulous, really. All Shakespeare fans, history buffs, Francophiles and Anglophiles should watch this.

• Dimitris S

  
  A revision of Shakespeare's dubious play.A blast indeed.Branagh crams disastrous options,backfires a bloody fury to the hypocricy of the court and throne,ultimately creating one of 1989's most aspiring films and an equal challenger to Olivier's first great read.

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