Henry V

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Henry V

PG-13

Released Nov 8, 1989

2h 17m

History

Drama

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98%

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41 Reviews

89%

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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.

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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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

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Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

Branagh has made a hotblooded, lively and moving Henry V that speaks pertinently to a new generation.

Jun 12, 2020

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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

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Completely unnecessary. [Full review in Spanish]

Dec 1, 2022

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Robert H

Incredibly moving. A masterpiece.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

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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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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