As far as historical dramas go, this one has its fair share of high acclaim and years since its release fans still can’t seem to get enough of it.
With an overall rating of 98 percent on the review site Rotten Tomatoes, Henry V is a movie both written and directed by Kenneth Branagh in his feature film debut. The filmmaker also stars in the leading role, playing King Henry V of England in a retelling of Shakespeare’s 16th-century play.
To this day, the film is considered to be one of the best adaptations of Shakespeare’s work ever made, and the many accolades the film has gained prove just that.
It went on to receive three major nominations at the Academy Awards, and Branagh took home two of them, for his directing and as Best Actor.
A review reads: “This is one of my all-time favourites. Branagh’s interpretation of Henry V brings Shakespeare’s play to life in a raw, gritty way. Branagh’s interpretation of Henry is in line with Shakespeare’s writing, hailing the king as a pious and well-intentioned sovereign.
“Historians can argue Henry V’s true intentions and nature all they want; Shakespeare certainly saw him as one of the greatest heroes of English history, and Branagh bears this out.”
A key part of the original play, the St Crispin’s Day speech, also has a poignant and cinematic role in the film, which helped to solidify itself as an all-time favourite for many.
On the night before the historic Battle of Agincourt, Henry V inspires his men, who are dramatically outnumbered, to imagine the glory and immortality they will feel if they should win.
It’s this speech that made famous the phrase ‘band of brothers’ and the moment in the film that had viewers hooked. One review claims: “The acting is brilliant and high energy. It’s a great film adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. If you’re into Shakespeare, then you’ll probably love it
I really enjoyed the acting in this one. It’s worth watching just to see the Crispin’s Day speech.” While another review added that it was “the greatest speech by the most outstanding actor of the last 50 years.”
Another viewer shared: “A classic war drama of a Shakespeare play. Everything is really well done, with the standout being Kenneth, who commands every scene he is in. Sometimes the flashbacks can be a little abrupt, and this seems very faithful to the source material.”
Also starring in the “masterpiece” movie is an A-list ensemble cast, including none other than Christian Bale as Robbing the luggage boy and a young Emma Thompson as Princess Catherine of Valois. Joining them on screen are Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, James Larkin and Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane.
“Incredibly moving. A masterpiece, were the words one fan used to describe the film.
“Other reviews have naturally compared Henry V to the Laurence Olivier 1944 play, which was hugely successful in its own ownright, but stylistically was far less gritty and accessible for audiences than the 1989 film.”
Henry V is streaming on ITVX now.