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Henry V

Play trailer Poster for Henry V PG-13 Released Nov 8, 1989 2h 17m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In this gritty screen adaptation of Shakespeare's play about the heroic and ruthless king, Henry V of England (Kenneth Branagh) determines to lay claim to the kingdom of France. Henry's self-doubt and the diminished morale of his army stand in the way of a victory that would unite the two countries and provide Henry with a queen (Emma Thompson). However, his sheer determination and his impassioned speeches ready his men for the bloodiest of battles -- Agincourt.
Henry V

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Critics Consensus

Pehaps Kenneth Branagh's most fully realized Shakespeare adaptation, Henry V is an energetic, passionate, and wonderfully acted film.

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Critics Reviews

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Pauline Kael The New Yorker The film’s point of view leaves you without elation, but the actors are so up that you feel their pride in working on true dramatic poetry. Sep 12, 2023 Full Review Peter Travers Rolling Stone Branagh has made a hotblooded, lively and moving Henry V that speaks pertinently to a new generation. Jun 12, 2020 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Tribune There is a great deal of value in Branagh`s version, not least in his own lead performance as a soft, indefinite Henry who defines himself over the course of the play. Rated: 3/4 Nov 27, 2019 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Completely unnecessary. [Full review in Spanish] Dec 1, 2022 Full Review Brian D. Johnson Maclean's Magazine Reigniting Shakespeare's poetry on screen, the movie is not only accessible to a general audience -- it has enough excitement, wit and suspense to hold its own in the Hollywood fray. Jun 12, 2020 Full Review David Parkinson Radio Times This is a solidly mounted production, with the contrasts between the finery of the court and the grime of the battlefield as striking as the excellent cast of noted thespians. Rated: 4/5 Nov 27, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jelisije J For a director debut Kenneth Branagh knocks it out of the park with a very creative look into the "great" King Henry V. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/25 Full Review Andy F A stunning version with an all star cast. Beautifully done but the Olivier film still just wins the day. Marvellous stuff. Comments written today on the 609th anniversary of the Battle Of Agincourt Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/25/24 Full Review DE S Excellence in Shakespeare and war movie making and a phenomenal soundtrack. Best of 1989. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/21/24 Full Review Richard N St Crispins Day! The greatest speech by the most outstanding actor of the last 50 years. Next to Olivier, Branagh is KING! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/18/24 Full Review Blu B A Classic War Drama of a Shakespheare 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. Perhaps a little too faifthful at times. For me the dialouge is over my head but I could follow it very well because of the acting and production value really immersing me quite well. I will say despite how good this is it defintely is an acquired tase and isn't necessarily for everyone. Anyone who is a big fan of Shakespheare or Branagh will like this a lot. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/24 Full Review Robert H Incredibly moving. A masterpiece. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Henry V

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Cast & Crew

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Kenneth Branagh

Director

Kenneth Branagh

Henry V

Derek Jacobi

Chorus

Brian Blessed

Exeter

Ian Holm

Fluellen

Paul Scofield

French King

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Henry V

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this gritty screen adaptation of Shakespeare's play about the heroic and ruthless king, Henry V of England (Kenneth Branagh) determines to lay claim to the kingdom of France. Henry's self-doubt and the diminished morale of his army stand in the way of a victory that would unite the two countries and provide Henry with a queen (Emma Thompson). However, his sheer determination and his impassioned speeches ready his men for the bloodiest of battles -- Agincourt.
Director
Kenneth Branagh
Producer
Bruce Sharman
Screenwriter
Kenneth Branagh
Distributor
Samuel Goldwyn Company, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co
Renaissance Films
Rating
PG-13 (A Bloody Battle)
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 8, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$10.2M
Runtime
2h 17m
Sound Mix
Surround