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I've loved this film since it was first released. It's Shakespeare directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also plays the lead role. That says it all, really. Branagh, along with the amazing all-star cast (which includes Ian Holm, Derek Jacobi, Judy Dench, Emma Thompson, Christian Bale, Robbie Coltrane, Brian Blessed... the list goes on...) brings The Bard's great work to life for me. And then there's Agincourt... Legendary! I have seen it so many times, I've lost count; but it never gets old for me.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Kenneth Branagh made a brilliant directorial debut in Shakespeare's "Henry V" and in so doing indisputably established himself as this generation's premiere Shakespearean actor and a worth successor to Lord Lawrence Olivier. Branagh took the setting away from the limitations of the conventional stage and shot his creation on a much broader canvas, so to speak. The color and action add to the traditional dimension that he is faithful to in many ways including Jacobi's role of the Chorus, used by Shakespeare to echo the narration of the classics. Branagh's "Henry V" will rank in the top tier of cinematic Shakespeare along with Zeffirelli's production of "Romeo and Juliet" and Olivier's "Hamlet." That may sound like high praise, but an actor of Branagh's brilliance comes along once a generation, maybe! He is a lion who devours the stage in his performance of mighty King Hal. Branagh's unforgettable delivery of Shakespeare's soliloquy, "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be never so vile. This day shall gentle his condition. And gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.” Sends chills down the spines of any warrior who views the film. Of course, he had a superlative cast which included Kenneth Branagh, Paul Scofield (who won both a Tony and an Academy Award for his respective stage and film performances of Sir Thomas More in "A Man for All Seasons"), Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian Holm, Brian Blessed, his then wife — Emma Thompson, and Dame Judi Dench! If you are unfamiliar with the glory and craft of Shakespeare, this is the place to gain an appreciation of his work.Read full review
I think this movie was made for the man who likes gore and battles of the ancient kings of England. A little too bloody and graphic for me, but I believe the story to be true. Branagh is riveting at times, and I love Judi Dench in anything, but she has a small part in this. A little slow at first, but that is character building time, and if you can get through that, then you'll love the whole bloody thing!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great movie to watch as it has a strong storyline which is realistic and entertaining. All of the characters played out are engaging and captivating throughout the whole movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have met a surprising amount of people who have never seen or even heard of "Henry V" either in movie land or in literature. If you can follow the iambic pentameter of a Shakespeare line, you will love this movie. It is a historical fiction of the account of Henry V, a king of England, and his conquest of France. An intimate view of the kings life is well shown in the script and scenery. Kenneth Branagh gives passion and emotion to Shakespeare's vision of Henry V. I love the looks on the faces of Henry's men as he leads them on to battle. This is the play from whence we hear the famous lines oft heard in many places, "cry havoc, and let loose the dogs of war!" Before the famous Battle of Agincourt, Henry is speaking to the men and says something that has always stuck with me. In his call to courage, he says to the men that those who would hear of their exploits upon the battlefield would "hold their manhood cheap" just for not being there! That is a line for life when facing fears! The battles are not quite like battle scenes out of "Braveheart," but they do well. Mind, the total numbers of men and casualties in the armies on film are reduced fractions of the actual numbers from historic fact, but they are accurate. It gives an idea of the dramatic odds the English faced in the Battle of Agincourt. For anyone who remembers their history books, the Battle of Agincourt is about as famous to the English as was the defeat of the Spanish Armada. This is definately a good addition to any GOOD film library!Read full review
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