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Henry V [DVD] [1989] starring: Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Paul Scofield, Judi Dench, Emma Thompson

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Rating: - Fabuloulsy rousing

This is the kind of Shakespeare production where even the most cold hearted towards Shakespeare will find their hearts enflamed - this is really stirring stuff - Branagh shines as Henry V, both as King and as lover to his then wife, Emma Thompson.

Rating: - Henry V, Magnificent

In the history of cinema, there have been two magnificent versions of Shakespeare's greatest play, this and Olivier's. While Olivier's version is pretty good, for my money this is the best.

This really is a magnificent film. At its heart is the grand vision of Shakespeare, and his beautiful language. But Branagh has done something special in bringing it to the screen. He's used a range of modern Shakespeareans, almost every role is filled by a famous face. By using such a multitude of skilled actors, every line of Shakespeare's text is delivered professionally and in a way calculated to evoke the greatest response in the audience. The text is delivered fluently, yet accessible and understandable to the modern audience - no mean feat! Derek Jacobi makes a captivating narrator, Robert Stephens is a suitably rascally Pistol, Richard Briers is a revelation as Bardolph. Branagh himself excels in the central role, managing to portray the two sides of Henry's character, the martial and the roisterer, very well. I could go on, but there are so many good performances from famous names it would take all day.

Then there is the cinematography - never has the battle of Agincourt been brought to such visceral life on celluloid. Whereas Olivier when for grandeur with the silvers clad knights charging across the field, Branagh goes for gritty realism, that leaves you feeling quite exhausted by the time it's all over.

Branagh has taken a few liberties with text, by including a few scenes featuring Falstaff from Henry IV pt 2, but these are necessary to explain the two sides of Hal's character (and sets up one of the most moving scenes, where Mistress Quickly (Judy Dench) describes the death of the great Knight). There are also a few cuts and rearrangements, but these serve to keep the narrative flowing and make the film a bit more accessible. The text has been treated with much respect though, and the majesty of Shakespeare's language shines through. My favourite scene is one which Olivier cut - the unveiling of the traitors. I still get a shiver when I hear Branagh utter the line `Look then and know - I know your worth...' Classic.

The score is especially worthy of note. Patrick Doyle manages to evoke the period with a score that is by turns ominous and martial, punctuating the text perfectly. It's a match for Walton's score for Olivier's version.

The version being reviewed is the 2002 disc from Universal. This is a pretty basic release, in 16:9 widescreen and a stereo soundtrack. There are no subtitles or extras. The sound and picture are pretty clean and watchable, but I can't help feel that it's time (it's the 20th anniversary of the film this year) for a proper remastering and a special edition release.

This is a classic film, one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys good cinema. It's done in a very accessible fashion, so not just for Shakespeare experts, this should appeal to all, and, like it did with me, will probably help get people interested in the Bard. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Rating: - Awesome

Kenneth Branagh's finest hour, this adaptation of Shakespeare's classic history play is chock-full of great performances, killer lines and heroic gestures. Branagh acts and directs - and he was made to play the feckless Prince Hal who becomes England's finest warrior King. Forget Olivier; this is the definitive version; having taught the play at both Y9 and GCSE I have watched it many times and never tire of it. Even Brian Blessed rises to the occasion as The King's uncle, and the battle scenes are excellent. Having recently seen Timothy West's version in Manchester, I could easily detect the influence of Branagh's epic and that's no bad thing I can tell you.

Rating: - Long live the King!!

This was an excellent adaptation, of what is, in my opinion, one of the Shakespeare's best plays. Full of famous names, that bring this wonderful masterpiece to life.

Kenneth Branagh plays the Title role of Henry V, and really does justice to the historical figure, as well as shakespeare's idealised man. King Henry tries to be a just and fair King, who has won the admiration of most of his subjects, despite a chequered past.
Yet he can, at the same time be hard with those who cross him, or are a threat. He is a well developed human character that you can identify with.

Brian Blessed plays his large Uncle the Duke of Exeter, who helps goad him on to make war, but really does seem to care for him. Looking very fearsome in full plate armour and weilding an large mace, here Blessed takes on serous role, yet we still see the occcasional toothy grin.

The Agincourt scene is very moving, and is an accurate portrayal of medieval warfare, that was bloody, dirty and often brutal, yet it in no way condemns either side.

I have watched this film more times than i can count, yet i still enjoy it every time.

Rating: - Branagh at his best...

Shakespeare's Henry V is lavish, poetic and dramatic. The plot is simple: Young Henry V lays claim to the French throne and invades France to claim it. The rag tag English army make their way through France conquering city after city. On their way to Calais, they are met by superior, better equipped and better trained French army at Agincourt.

The English, aware of their inferior numbers and training, begin to despair. Henry V, the leader that he is, inspires his men in the famous words:

If we are marked to die
We are enough to do our country loss
And if [we are] to live the few men the greater share of honour
God's will I pray thee wish not one man more
He who outlives this day will stand a-tiptoe when this day is named
This story shall a good man teach his son
And this day shall ne'er go by but we in it shall be remembered
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers
For he today who sheds his blood me will be my brother
Be he ne'er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition

I was so moved by sublimeness of the words that I must have replayed the famous speech at least 10 times. What poetry, what drama! Who else but Shakespeare can conjure more emotive, powerful words for the great occasion?

Henry V and his army win a audacious victory against the French and Henry is given the hand of the French princess, Catherine. Henry, the maladroit soldier, tried to woo Catherine. Who else can get away with the following words during courtship,

You have witchcraft in your lips, Kate
There is more eloquence in a sugar touch of them
Than in the tongues of the French counsel

Henry V is not about history. No, it is a replay of the Shakespeare's magnificent work starring some of Britain's finest screen talent such as Judi Dench and Paul Scofield.

If you want to kick back on a Friday night and be mesmerised by a master contortionist of the English language, then this Henry V is for you. I saw it on the train between Amsterdam and Paris and did not even notice the countryside fly past. I wanted so badly to remind my fellow French passengers of Agincourt but I suspect that Le Francaise would have laughed in my face. Henry V deserves 4 stars.

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