Watch Henry V For Free

A Masterpiece!

A lot of fun.

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Kenneth Branagh and Laurence Olivier are two men that have often been compared to one another. Both are Shakespearian actors with a love for The Bard and both made their directional debut with an adaptation of Henry V.In 1413 Henry V (Branagh) has ascended to the English throne. Worried that the King may take property from the Church The Bishop of Ely (Alec McCowen) and The Archbishop of Canterbury (Charles Kay) convince Henry V to claim the throne of France and go to war with their rival. The English storm through France, but with disease, fatigue and horrible weather Henry attempts to bring the army back to England, leading to the Battle of Agincourt.Branagh's version of Henry V has often been compared to Olivier version, for good reason. Olivier takes a more stylised approach, his art direction was routed in Medieval Art and his film started as a play and slowly become more realistic. Branagh takes a more realistic approach, setting his film in castles, halls and muddy fields and he uses darker, more natural lighting as places are lit by candles. The 1944 film was made as to be a pro-war film to help morale the British public, whilst Branagh takes a much more anti-war view, showing the horrors and hardships of Medieval war.Branagh gave a terrific performance as Henry V, someone with intensity behind him and quiet determination whilst still being able to deliver a speech. There is pain and doubt on his face as he sees the war at first hand, the death and destruction and even doubts about his mission. This is particularly the case during his monologue of self-doubt. Branagh is surrounded by talented actors, all giving excellent performances; the most surprising being Brian Blessed who is much calmer to his usual larger-than-life persona.Branagh's direction has a Kubrickian edge to it, sharing camera angles and movements and a visual look, having similar lighting and sets. There are many moments where Branagh he allows a long take when more are debating or monologuing and zones in very slowly. There is a gorgeous four minute tracking shot showing the aftermath of the battle whilst a Latin song is playing in the background.It was clear that the production was limited on the scope of the numbers of people it could, shooting very closely to mask this. But an advantage was that it show that the Battle of Agincourt was a very close, tough battle it really was as it was fought on a muddy, wet, narrow field. The 1989 version got the tactics right but the costumes wrong and the 1944 got the costumes right but the battle wrong.The 1989 Henry V is a great adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most quotable plays. It is a great realisation of the play and one of Branagh's best films.

Henry V is a film based on William Shakespeare's play The Life of Henry the Fifth about the famous English king.Kenneth Branagh stars in the title role,wrote the screenplay and directed the movie.It also features Paul Scofield,Ian Holm,Emma Thompson,Alec McCowen,Judi Dench and Christian Bale. It is frequently compared with the 1944 film of the play directed by and starring Laurence Olivier. The visual style of former is grittier and more realistic than that of the latter.The movie has a narrator with the name Chrous.After the he introduces the play, young king of England Henry V begins an angry dialogue with King Charles of France. The king's son, Dauphin,insults Henry and the argument escalates into war. In flashback, Henry is seen as a young man drinking in a tavern with Falstaff, Bardolph,Nym,Pistol, and Mistress Quickly. Meanwhile, Henry and his captain, Fluellen, assemble an army and invade France. The French greatly outnumber the British troops, yet Henry leads them to victory in the Battle of Agincourt after delivering his famous St. Crispin's Day Speech. Throughout this struggle, Henry also courts Katherine and eventually wins her over.Henry V is definitely an absorbing and entertaining film for it was updated for modern viewers.It was also an energetic,passionate,and wonderfully acted as well.Apart from that,it was a triumphant adaptation of Shakespeare's play and it brought about the playwright's timeless talent and appeal.Overall,it is a wonderful film not only for the fans of Shakespeare but anyone who loves great film.

Branagh's screen adaptation of the Bard's play, 'Henry V' is it. Well, almost given that the those ne're-do-wellers, the French geniuses behind crafting the Salic Laws, really handed the English Normans a royal gift as a precursor for war with the continent.And like the good the lad that he was, neither Branagh nor King Harry, just like his progenitor, Edward the Black Prince of Wales could pass the golden opportunity. Now, we're off to see the continent and France following the hell-bent King as he literally blazes a trail across the genteel landscape of his lesser cousins- the Franks.Without question, Branagh as director follows the Bard's script and lead, word by word. The speech of the entire cast sounded just like those same characters when I first encountered and read the play. The dialog is nothing short of magnificent, even edifying.However, in the lead role, Branagh leaves, well, something to be desired- namely his appearance. At times he looks his (real) age but acts as if he were a commoner, even a juvenile one at that. For certain even his kingly garb, replete with the royal coat of arms cannot conceal the impression that Branagh as Henry is merely a shadow of the real historical figure. In my opinion, Sean Bean or Liam Neeson are better 'suited' and would have filled out Harry's broad shoulders, and supposed granite chin, with ease.The entire cast members are all excellent, especially Brian Blessed in his portrayal of the Duke of Exeter, Christopher Ravenscroft as Mountjoy, who as the voice of the Frank cause, gives the besieged smug Aquitaines some element of respectability. And of course there's further cause to celebrate once you've heard the stately voice and viewed the kingly presence of Paul Scofield as King Charles VI of France.Now, I will expound the best parts and portrayals.Beginning behind the scenes and amidst the sets and props, the actual film with Derek Jacobi to lead the way, is nothing short of electrifying. As narrator, his refined voice and equally finely sculpted demeanor, provide the viewer with just the right exhortation, which by mine own account would have also compelled me to thrust open those dark, heavy oak laden doors to hear and witness first hand, the forlorn King and his squires make their case for war (though, dubious)with their tennis ball laden, first cousins!The best scene, is enacted at the staging ground for the hastily contrived and planned invasion- Southampton. It is here, surrounded by the sparkling white cliffs of Dover, that we/I catch a glimpse of the cold-hearted, evil treachery brought on by the open fisted French nobles, much laden with cold coins as fitting recompense for the willing collaborators though they still feigned, quite convincingly their loyalty to the English crown. Once unmasked by Henry by way of a drunkard's loose mouthed still carousing but damning speech, the three noble traitors, do not by their actions (swords drawn) invoke my sympathy for mercy. Neither do their looks of shock and disgust assuage Henry's ire nor stay his hand from execution.Then it's off to the windy gallows, for the would be usurpers and over the channel waters for the rag-tag expeditionary force of this would be 'band of brothers',though the commoner brigades led by Pistol, do not quite share the same enthusiasm and blood thirst, that their inglorious leader shows evidenced by his many facial grimaces, as he sets sail for Calais, and his soul already set on razing Harfleur to ground ashes. The King's sole regret:Was his Frank adventure sufficient catharsis to ban from memory forever, the fact that he threw his pub buddy, portly but ever so affable Jack Falstaff (while he was still Prince Hal) under the proverbial English bus for no stately, even kingly ransom?I thought it was. As did Harry, given his many speeches especially before the battle at Agincourt, and the one on the Feast of St. Krispin.Doggone it... I'm, er, Harry the King was glad that he could at last escape for just little while, even if it was in France with or without the claret of renown.By the way, I viewed this fine film, for the 20th occasion. Still, I discover even more reason to laud it, though over an occasional fault line, or fawlty siege tower.If, the movie site allowed such generosity, I easily would have voted 20 stars- one for each of the featured, main characters. Even those liberties would still leave it well short of its darn near cinematic perfection. And that's over and above the Bard's actual play.

Great for someone that does or doesn't like the Bard. As it is a film with drama, angst, action, a little romance, a little humor. All in between. Kenneth Branagh was nearly 27 or 28-years old when this came out. As he was not known as he is now. Playing the lead role and directing, writing the film as well.Henry V is about never giving up, and to fight together as a band of brothers, as it is mentioned in the movie/novel.With a huge task of the small English Army, fighting against a huge and gigantic French one. But Henry is not afraid to take on a huge task and will not suffer defeat. As he rallies his men to do the same. Despite the odds are against them. Branagh is great in the lead role. But has help from an elite cast of classical British actors and actresses. That back him up. As also future stars and Oscar winners, along the way.Brian Blessed as Exeter, the strong man and faithful sidekick to Henry; Ian Holm as the Welsh Captain Fuellen, loyal and adds a bit of humor; Dame Judi Dench as the Mistress Quickly, whom shines in the few minutes she has in the movie. And who would go onto playing M as well as having an Oscar. But makes them worthwhile. A young teenage, Christian Bale, as Falstaff's boy and who's death strikes a nerve with Henry. You never knew, you would looking at the future American Psycho and Batman star. Paul Scofield as a weary French king. Geraldine McEwen, an aide who helps out the French princess with her English among, other things. A then unknown Emma Thompson, who plays the French princess who would be an Oscar winner and outshone her then husband Branagh's career.But it is Derek Jacobi, a mentor of Branagh's as well as the I Claudius star. As the Chorus who is in a black trenchcoat, with modern clothes and boots. And shows up like, nobody recognizes him. But his presence sets the tone. As well as a voice you can hear all the time, every time it seems.Even if you may not understand the language of thee, thous, etc. Still, this is one movie you can't miss. It is about standing up for what you believe in. Best Shakespeare film of all time IMHO! Nothing even comes so close to it.