Rating: 
Summary: FILM MASTERPIECE!
Review: All the glowing reviews are correct! This is Branagh's first Shakespearian film (I think he was 24 yrs old) and everything about it is wonderful! The music is just fantastic! Branagh makes Shakespeare Live and you'll enjoy this play on this film like never before! Including Olivier's! The battle scene is probably the best of it's kind ever filmed. I love this movie! over and over again! Highly recommended! All of Branagh's Shakespearian films are great! Buy them all! This one is 10 stars!
Rating:
Summary: Absolute genius!
Review: Without a doubt this is a "must have" to anyone who collects moviesor who enjoys Shakespeare. Kenneth Branagh's interpretation of this classic work is brillant. He is true to the original. The acting is outstanding. He makes it come alive. And if for no other reason, buy this movie just to have the Saint Crispin's day speech (Act 4, Scene 3).
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Interpretation of the Shakespearean Masterpiece
Review: Henry V -- the story of the brilliant young warrior King, hero of Agincourt and the semi-delinquent Prince of Wales from Shakespeare's Henry IV -- has always been one of the Bard's greatest plays. Now, Kenneth Branagh's debut as both screenwriter and director revitalizes that work, bringing to life a four-century-old play as if newly written, and presenting to modern moviegoers a heroic film in the class of Braveheart and Gladiator. This 1989 work is full of fire and life, not least because of a truly moving soundtrack by Patrick Doyle, as well as outstanding cinematography, Oscar-winning costume design, and world-class performances by Branagh (Henry), Emma Thompson (the French Princess Katherine), and a host of England's finest from both screen and stage.And yet it is the story which compels, and with a little concentration, even the youngest novice quickly gets into the 17th century English and the compelling plot it reveals. Shakespeare takes us through the manipulation of King Henry into war with France (one of the later conflicts of what is collectively called The Hundred Years War), ostensibly to assert his rightful claim to the French crown. We see the increasing maturity of the young King (and the effect of that growth on his friends from Henry IV), the rooting out of treason in the camp, the initial invasion ("Once more into the breach...!"), the march across Northern France toward Calais, and then the trapping of the English army by a French force three times its size at Agincourt, where Henry's army slays 10,000 Frenchmen, losing only four knights and 25 regular troops of its own. The result of Agincourt (not so tidy in real life, but close enough) plays out as well, as Henry negotiates a treaty which gives him the throne of France (lost later by his son, Henry VI) and the hand of his love, Princess Katherine. It is hard to imagine a more compelling tale, and Branagh's presentation is nothing if not a masterpiece. If you are inspired by real-life heroes and truly majestic film, Henry V, already a classic, will surely become one of your favorites.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: I first saw this in my high school english class, and it restored my faith in shakespeare! What a wonderful production! (The actors actually understand what they're saying! Imagine that...) And therefore you understand as well! Extremely well- done production, great soundtrack. Can't say enough good things! :)
Rating:
Summary: "This band of brothers" plays beautifully!
Review: "Henry V" is my fiance's favorite of Shakespeare's history plays. Thus, we purchased this DVD almost the minute it hit the store shelves. Kenneth Branagh is *excellent* in the title role. His training with the Royal Shakespeare Company really shines through, particularly in the "St. Crispin's Day" speech. Branagh also surrounded himself with an excellent ensemble cast of equally talented actors. For those interested in English history, or who enjoy Shakespeare's work, this is a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: I really like the whole movie. Its super neato. Every bit is interesting...just kinda hard to understand shakespeare without english subtitles.
Rating:
Summary: First Class Harry!
Review: Kenneth Branagh does an absolutely BRILLIANT job of bringing Shakespeare to the screen in this film. It's largely true to the script, and leaves in the treason of British soldiers that the government forced Olivier to cut in 1944. Not having to boost a nation's morale as Olivier's version did, and spurred on by Branagh's take on things, this film depicts a much more realistic image of war. Additionally due to different circumstances the French are portrayed as quite a bit more formiddable enemies than Olivier's version. However while Branagh rarely touches Shakepeare's words, it is probable the French were lampooned in the Bard's day. It's an odd mix as Shakespeare was obviously (from the script) telling a factually slanted story, however Branagh sobers it up while still maintaing a sense of glory and the promise of a bold new leader. It's a wonderful interpretation!
Rating:
Summary: Still Among The Finest Film Adaptations of Shakespeare
Review: Kenneth Branagh's directorial debut is one of my favorite films of the past twenty years. His "Henry V" is a profound, meditative polemic against war, quite unlike the equally acclaimed version with Laurence Olivier. Branagh portrays Henry V as a young, moody king who emerges as a heroic figure while he leads his ragtag English army to victory against the French, only to realize towards the film's end how brutal and horrible his campaign has been. Branagh's brief addition of scenes from "Henry IV" shows us how rapid Henry V's transformation from a gentle, moody youth to a stern, iron-willed general has been. In addition to Branagh's electrifying performance, there are fine performances too from Judi Dench, Paul Scofield as the King of France, Brian Blessed, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, Christopher Ravenscroft, Derek Jacob as the narrator, among others. You are guaranteed to see some of the finest acting of Shakespeare ever recorded on film. And it is accompanied by novice film composer Patrick Doyle's elegant score (He also acts in the film); rich in pathos and lyricism.
Rating:
Summary: Splendid
Review: This is a wonderful movie adaptation of the famous Henry V. One word of advice though, if anybody has any grudge against France, then they shouldn't watch the part where Kenneth gives his battle speech... I nearly grabbed a sword myself and went out to fight some Frenchmen!
Rating: 
Summary: Five stars for the film, minus one for the DVD
Review: Next to Oliver, Branagh may very well be the only person of the modern era to TRULY undertsand what shakespeare was trying to express when he wrote his plays. This version of Hank-5 (we close friends get to call him Hank) is flawless in its delivery and beautiful in its form. This is a must see film and especially for those who don't think they like shakespeare. Branagh's delivery of the St. Crispin's day speech is nothing short of breath-taking (and the first version I have seen where the actor, appropriately, smiles during the recitation)... most surprising is the 'I was not angry since I came from England' dialogue and Branagh angrily assaults the french herald... amazing performances all around, Brian Blessed, Derek Jacobi (as the Chorus in his trench-coat) and Branagh himself... all amazing...
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