Rating: 
Summary: MORE THAN 5 STARS!
Review: This movie was the most exceptional film I have ever seen. As a young girl I saw this film and not only fell in love with Kenneth Branagh but fell in love with Shakespeare. My girlfriends and I would stay up late and watch this film giggling about how handsome Kenneth was. But all that aside, how can one put a rating on how this one film effected so many? It is masterfully done and the acting is like none I have ever seen. My only regret was never seeing it on the big screen. I highly recommend this film!
Rating:
Summary: An undiscovered classic
Review: I consider this film to be the best of Branagh. I own Much Ado About Nothing, which is also excellent, but this film tops them all. I have read the play, and Branagh brings it to life exactly. I became immediately engrossed in this film as a 6th grader...odd as it IS a historical drama, rather than a comedy or a tragedy. However, I consider it to be the best production of Shakespeare. Recognize that this is a completely different type of play and production from Taming of the Shrew (which competes with this as the best production). It is dark and brave, strong and full of hope. Branagh is simply amazing as Henry V. The final battle, with the speech on St. Crispen's day is thrilling, and I am not a big one on battles...although my brothers are and they love it, too. The Duke of York, the King's uncle, Christian Bale's character...they all demand your attention. The acting, the costumes, the directing, the score, everything calls for acclamation. I can't wait to get this DVD, I love the video.
Rating:
Summary: "O for a muse of fire ... "
Review: I couldn't agree more with a reviewer below who suggested that high school English teachers would do well to put away the Shakespeare books and get their students to watch films like this. How can ninth graders possibly appreciate The Bard by poring over blocks of flowery text? Shakespeare needs to be seen, performed by actors who understand the cadence and meaning of the language, in order to be appreciated. Like most other people, I was forced to read plays like "Julius Caesar" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in high school, and I just DIDN'T GET IT at the time. It was only until I was an adult and saw Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of "Henry V" that I realized what a genius William Shakespeare really was. For some odd reason videotape copies of this excellent film have been virtually impossible to find in recent years, so imagine my delight when I found out it soon to be re-released on DVD. I was quick to place my advance order, for "Henry V" is one of those rare films that one can watch repeatedly and appreciate even more after each viewing. Older film adaptations of this play, such as the one featuring Laurence Olivier in the title role, seem to pale in comparison, if only because of the gritty realism Branagh brings. King Henry's threats outside the gates of Harfleur border on horrific, and his "Feast of St. Crispian" speech to his men before the battle of Agincourt is perhaps the most soul-stirring call to arms I have ever heard. In contrast is a funny and charming scene in which Henry attempts to win the heart of the French Princess Catherine (Emma Thompson). Yet for all the hard-fought and glorious victory Shakespeare presents, he concludes his play with a subtly-worded indictment of war and an afterword about how so much of what Henry conquered was lost in later years. This is one of my favorite movies. If you have never given that much thought to the works of William Shakespeare, watch this movie. I am confident you'll realize what a truly remarkable literary voice he was.
Rating:
Summary: Even French would love that one!
Review: ...despite the fact that this play is about one of the most monumental defeat France ever suffered on the battlefield... Agincourt was a slaughterhouse in which a huge percentage of the French knightwood got killed by literally a handful (they were outnumbered 20 to 1!) of ill-equiped English commoners, lead by the young king Henry. That planted the seeds of the 100 Year War. As Shakespeare plays go, this one is probably the most lyrical of all. Branagh's adaptation is just superb - the St Crepinien speech will make you long for a sword deep in your guts, and make you remember pulsions you had thought forgotten - maybe for the better... I also want to emphasize the quality of the musical soundtrack, which is clearly one of the best movie soundtrack ever...
Rating:
Summary: Shakespeare the Way its Meant to be Seen
Review: When I saw this movie when it came out I was blown away. Branagh is amazing as the king, and his fellow castmembers are all on the top of their game. Each scene is full of emotion and fire, and the interpretation of the play itself is more down to earth than that of Olivier's version. I found it to be very rewarding. For those not used to the Elizabethean language, you should watch it twice so you don't miss any of the great Shakespearean dialogue
Rating:
Summary: Experience Shakespeare Like It Was Meant to Be!
Review: This is an excellent way to experience the Bard. If you've never had an interest in Shakespeare, or thought his work was too high-falutin' for you, this movie (along with Ian McKellen's Richard III) is a must see. Kenneth Branagh captures the excitement, passion, and humor that Shakespeare meant for his audience to experience. Shakespeare is meant to be watched after all, not read. High school English teachers, put down those books and buy this DVD for your students! Great acting, amazing battle scenes, great sets, and an incredible job bringing it all together by Branagh. This movie is on my "to own" list.
Rating:
Summary: The best Shakespeare in years. Absolutely exceptional
Review: By far one of the best film adaptions of Shakespeare. I cannot say enough about the depth of pleasure and emotional resonance in this film. A young, inspired cast with its entrepreneurial film company simply soar with all of their heart (even thinking about some of the scenes gives you chills of excitement). The scenes, sets and musical score are outstanding to the point of feeling fully transported. Probably one of the few titles I'd buy rather than perpetually rent. One note: to get a complete understanding of this rather compressed story (and some of its characters) I'd recommend reading a one or two page synopsis from any reference work (I'm sure there is something online). The issue is that Branagh weaves in two or three scenes from Henry IV as flashbacks (good effect, just a bit hard to keep straight.) Lastly, this version is completely accessible and appropriate for all teenagers.
Rating:
Summary: Shakespeare for guys
Review: Branagh's interpretation of Henry V is absolutley electrifying and as close to an action film as Shakespeare gets. This is one of my favorite films of all time (I've seen it a dozen times) and never fails to delight and amaze me. Like all shakespeare, the more you read it or watch it, the more you get out of it. Branagh is unbelievable in his role as the young king and the supporting cast is great as well. If you like Shakespeare and haven't seen this film, you're really missing something.
Rating:
Summary: The Magnificent Henry V
Review: This film has to be one of the most effective antiwar efforts ever put forth. It contrasts beauty and horror in a most sophisticated fashion. It clearly exemplifies the challenges faced by all people who lived during the reign of Henry V. I prefer this more realistic adaptation to the more popular version created by Sir Olivier. The actors give such intense performances that only a stone exterior could deflect its impact.
Rating:
Summary: A Shakespearean Warmovie.
Review: I still regard this movie as one of Branagh's best. Good acting and directing combined with excellent stuntwork during the battlescenes combine to make this movie an unforgetable experience. Branagh's interpretation of Shakespeares work is always refreshing and Henry V is no exception. Instead of the usual somewhat pacifistic viewpoint, King Henry is presented to the audience as a man who is a soldier before anything else. A far more realistic interpretation, since Henry would probably have called for a straitjacket if anybody had explained the idea of pacifism to him.
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