Henry V - 1989

Renaissance Films, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Curzon Film Distributors

Directed by Kenneth Branaugh

Cast:

• King Henry V – Kenneth Branaugh
• Chorus – Derek Jacobi
• Duke Humphrey of Gloucester – Simon Shepherd
• Duke Thomas Beaufort of Exeter – Brian Blessed
• Captain Fluellen – Ian Holm
• Alice - Geraldine McEwan
• Mistress Nell Quickely – Judi Dench
• Sir John Falstaff – Robbie Coltrane
• Robin, the luggage boy – Christian Bale
• Princess Katherine de Valois – Emma Thompson
• King Charles VI of France – Paul Scofield

Story: Henry V, newly crowned King of England, has petitioned lands in France that are rightfully his from his cousin, the King of France. The king has refused his claims, and the prince or Dauphin, has insulted Henry by sending a tribute of tennis balls to the King. His contemptuous taunt and the King's refusal combined with the advice of his counselors convince King Henry to march on France and take what he wants. We are privy to the preparations of Henry and the thoughts of the common men who will fight, as well as the intrigue of treason within Henry's ranks. We view Henry as a just and tempered leader, and through his actions are convinced his cause is right and his duty clear. A rousing tale of historic truths and valor.

Review: There may be one hundred or so men who are capable of bringing Shakespeare to the screen, but none so talented and capable as Kenneth Branaugh. Here is all the glory, power, drama, suspense, and intrigue the Bard intended in this rousing play. Jacobi is incredible as the Chorus, a device we would call narrator, and builds his role with eloquence and tempered techniques of voice seldom seen in film. Branaugh displays a rare and insightful look at the character of the now wizened king who was so foolish as a boy. The cast, in all, is superb in their understanding of their roles and carry them off with a passion that perhaps only an Englishman can understand. I have seen this film several times, having a copy along with other versions of Shakespearean plays, and by far this is the most exciting, the most accurate, and the most palatable film of its genre. Combine a timeless tale of war and conquest with a cast already world renown and you have this film, a modern testament to the power of Shakespeare. Rated PG-13 for a violent and bloody battle, this film is fit for the high school crowd and, in my humble opinion, should be shown to every English student about to study Shakespeare.