Henry V

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Summary: How to Inspire Success Against Impossible Odds
Review: Think about Mayor Rudolph Guiliani on 9/11 and you have some idea of the ultimate leadership portrayed by Shakespeare's "Henry V." If you are ever up against impossible odds and need some inspiration to succeed, watching Kenneth Branagh's interpretation of the "St. Crispin Day's Speech" in Act 4, Scene 3 is enough reason to own this modern movie version of the play. Branagh brings the idealism of youth bolstered by the primacy of being king to the role of young Henry V. This combination is especially evident when Henry finds himself in the unenviable situation of trying to encourage what is left of his exhausted army to go forth and conquer a French army that is not only fresh but which outnumbers them considerably. King Henry energizes his "Band of Brothers" with the promise of never-ending glory upon victory. Branagh shouts out Henry's colorful picture of the life of a war hero with fire in his eyes and a tautness of his body as someone who will be right there to share this glory with his brothers.

The "St. Crispin Day Speech" scene is one to watch again and again if you ever need a cheerleader to give you the confidence to go on another day--no matter what odds you find yourself having to overcome.

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Summary: Great Shakespeare - Average DVD
Review: I love both versions of Henry V, Olivier and Branagh, although they could hardly be more different. The Olivier version was made during WWII and is consequently a bit more rah-rah patriotic. It features some the most creative set and costume design as metal and other materials were scarce during the war effort.

I prefer the Branagh version for its (relative) fidelity to the original and for the amazing performances. This first-time helming by Branagh may actually be his most subtle and story-oriented. You'll love the famed Saint Crispin's Day speech, but you'll also grow to love the quieter moments, like the "Upon the king" soliloquy the night before.

This is also cheaper than Olivier's, that version being a Criterion. Of course, Criterion does a DVD right -- best sound, best picture. My only quibble here is that this is one of MGM's early standard discs with a lot of problems with edge enhancement and probably (they may have fixed this, check it yourself) not anamorphic. There are no special features to speak of, "trailer" and "animated menus" being standard in my consideration.

Despite the Olivier version's status as a classic, this is the version I most often find myself watching. And it is better with each viewing.

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Summary: Think you King Henry strong?
Review: This is an inspired performance of "Henry V." If is one of the few flawless Shakespeare films that I know of. There are no movie stars, no wacky interpretations, just raw talent, passion for the work, and stirring performances and direction. Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, Judi Dench, Brian Blessed, Emma Thompson...it is a who's who of fine British actors.

There are some bold additions. Flashbacks to Henry IV part 1 add much to the story, lending a background to Hal that is not gotten from the play alone. Brannagh's King Henry is a tough, earnest young man, and yet flawed and human. I believe that he can lead men to death, and that he feels each death. Brian Blessed makes an unlikely strong arm. He is a scary, big man who imposes in his full armor. Derek Jacobi is superb, as one would expect.

Pro-war or Anti-war, either argument could be made. This is not a message movie, but rather an enjoyment of Shakespeare. "Henry V" is as packed with famous lines as "Casablanca," and each moment is delivered with verve and honesty. "Once more into the breech, dear friends..." "We few, we happy few. We band of brothers..." ""But Harry, we have heard the chimes at midnight..." I get chills just thinking about it.

This DVD is a fine, but not spectacular presentation. The movie is good enough, but I could with for a special edition of some sort. A strange twist is the cover. Henry V is dressed in his enemies armor, rather than the red and blue suit that he wears. One can only assume that this was done to make him look "tougher."

A film not to be missed.

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Summary: A wonderful pro-war movie
Review: Francois Truffaut once said that it is impossible to make an anti-war film. He meant, I suppose, that war will always appear glamorous, no matter how realistically it is portrayed. This film certainly proves the truth of Truffaut's remark. Shakespeare lays bare the vain and selfish motives of the combatants; Branagh emphasizes the dirt, discomfort and brutality; yet it all seems glorious in the end. Jingoism, chivalry, a charismatic leader, magnificent language, thrilling images - it is a wonderful film. Would that there were more like it.

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Summary: Not for the novice
Review: This movie is very true to the text. That being said, I had no idea what was going on. I recommend reading and studying the play (or at least a good summary) to fully enjoy this movie.

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Summary: And those Gentlemen of England now abed...
Review: ...shall hold their manhood cheap and think themselves accursed they were not here upon St.Crispians Day!
Rousing stuff er!, and of course Mr Branagh can take no credit for the words he spoke....yet he can for their delivery. I have seen the same words delivered in the enchanting epic made in the war years, (You can spot the American extras in the assembled throng by the way they wear their head armour, sort of off to one side or back of the head, baseball style). Olivier was fine...Branagh better. What was really much better though is the inclusiveness of the rest of the cast. Not just (though you can see the necessity for a united front in the war years) England at the helm with ever faithful Wales at vanguard, brave Scotland defending the flanks and dear Ireland showing them all up with masterful daring-do (though it was neutral as we all know). No this time there is a credible place for all. Much better to the modern eye.
France comes off no better of course but then Shakespeare never intended that she should...some things don't change do they and I for one raise a full glass high to that...Good show.

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Summary: IN BEST TRADITIONS
Review: This is a classic English film. Excellent acting, powerful performance, and great cinemotagraphy.

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Summary: The day is Branagh's
Review: Henry V, Kenneth Branagh's triumphant debut as a director, is one of the best, if not THE best, film interpretation of a Shakespearian play. While I love Branagh's other work (Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Love's Labour's Lost), there was always one actor in it that would make me cringe (Alicia Silverstone, I'm talking to you). However, Henry V has a strong cast from Henry to Charles, right down to the very last extra. Emma Thompson speaks French frighteningly well. She and Branagh had excellent on-screen (and off....) chemistry.

This also has to have the best combat with broadsword. No expense was spared in the battle of Agincourt, and, while arguably "gory," is probably the best depiction one will find of a Middle Ages battle. The end of Agincourt when everyone is singing the hymn is absolutely moving.

The film sticks to the original script, and works in the Chorus incredibly well, having an ambiguous man in a black overcoat pop in at the appropriate times.

Branagh is always known for being a genius when it comes to interpreting Shakespeare, Henry V is not only clear proof, but the remarkable standard Kenneth set back in 1987.

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Summary: Branagh is Superb!
Review: One of Branagh's first Shakespearian movies that nearly won him an Oscar. Unfortunately no one seems to see his genius as much as I do. While this movie is a bit on the bloody and grotesque side, it is important to depict reality as these were real time that Shakspere based his play upon. If you love Shakspere and Branagh, then you must own this film. Although a small part for Ema Thompson, it was the beginning of a long relationship with Branagh that would add many films to their bios.

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Summary: No English Subtitles
Review: This is a Shakespearean movie spoken largely in whispers - which does NOT have English subtitles. The only subtitles are French and Spanish. It is beautifully filmed and appears to be very well-acted, but if you're the least bit hard of hearing, you're out of luck when it comes to the dialogue! I find it incredibly hard to believe that English subtitles were not included. In these modern times, the language of Shakespeare is almost foreign.