The Layman's Review: Henry V

Welcome to the Layman's Review, where we give you a simple overview and a rating of some of history's most famous films. We're here to entertain you with facts and trivia, and to help you decide if any of these films are worth your time and interest. For a full list of movies on review, check out my previous post 'The Very Sciency Science Behind Film Choices'. 

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Film: Henry V

Director: Kenneth Branagh 

Year: 1989

Running Time: 138 minutes

Big Names

             Kenneth Branagh - King Henry V

             Derek Jacobi - Chorus

             Robbie Coltrane - Sir John Falstaff

             Judi Dench - Mistress Nell

             Paul Scofield - King Charles VI 

             Emma Thompson - Princess Katherine

Plot Summary

Offended by King Charles VI, King Henry V of England declares war on France, and leads his troops into a series of battles, culminating in a bloody skirmish at Agincourt. The young king intends to claim France as part of his kingdom, and yet ends up falling for Princess Katherine. Henry also finds himself facing difficult monarchical decisions, as former friends betray his trust and test his ability to maintain impartial rule. 

Top Quotes

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; or close the wall up with our English dead!”

             - King Henry V

“Customs curtsy to great kings. We are the makers of manners, Kate.”

             - King Henry V

Fun Trivia

• Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson were married in real life between 1989-1995, before splitting due to Branagh’s affair with Helena Bonham Carter. They have acted in a number of films together, including ‘Dead Again’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and were also love interests in the latter. 

• More recently, Branagh and Thompson shared the screen in 2002’s ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’; they acted alongside Robbie Coltrane, who played Falstaff in Branagh’s adaptation of ‘Henry V’. 

• Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh both appeared in the 1996 rendition of ‘Hamlet’, as Hecuba and Hamlet, respectively. 

• Kenneth Branagh has directed four other film versions of Shakespeare plays: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (1993), ‘Hamlet’ (1996), ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ (2000) and ‘As You Like It’ (2006). 

Ratings

Jessica's Rating: 4.5 Martini Glasses

"I'm a sucker for most anything Branagh or Shakespeare-related. Also, I believe that Shakespeare's histories are some of the most difficult to adapt and keep captivating, and 'Henry V' was beautifully done. Jacobi's rendition as the chorus was unique and - frankly - stellar."

Jeni's Rating: 4 Martini Glasses

"The beginning was quite enthralling, but I did get slightly bored in the middle. I like this version, but I think there are better Shakespeare adaptations out there."

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Got a fun fact of your own? Want to give us your two cents? Feel free to use the comment box below to submit Readers' Ratings, queries and thoughts.