240. Henry V; movie review

HENRY V
Cert 12A
132 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, injury detail

In the late 1980s, Kenneth Branagh was seemingly everywhere. He was, at a young age, the king of British cinema and at his side was the fabulous Emma Thompson.
He married Thompson in the same year as he directed in and starred in Henry V for which he received two Oscar nominations.
The movie, which was re-released at cinemas for one night only earlier this year, is considered by critics to be one of the best movie adaptations of Shakespeare.
I had never seen it before and found it spellbinding, even though I was watching it on an ipad on a train.
Branagh's impassioned St Crispin's Day speech is a highlight but equally memorable is Thompson performing almost entirely in French and an array of top British actors at the peak of their powers.
These include the likes of Judi Dench, Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Richard Briers and Brian Blessed.
Henry V could have only been made to this stunning quality by a British cast led by an impassioned director who is at one with the source material.
This is Shakespeare as the bard would have wanted to be translated to the big screen. It is faithful and not a crazy modern interpretation.
Henry V recounts what initially appears to be the young monarch's ill-advised war with France during which his troops were massively outnumbered.
It delves little into the strategy of the unlikely victory at Agincourt where the English defeated the French thanks to cunning and well-executed tactics.
Instead it concentrates on the leadership of Henry and how he was prepared to forsake friendships and even his own life for his country.
Branagh's delivery of Henry's rousing speeches is full of gusto and the best of the British stage provide a wonderful foil.
And his direction also enables the viewer to sense the defiance in adversity despite appalling conditions for those on the frontline.
It is a wonderful piece of work.

Reasons to watch: Branagh at his imperious best
Reasons to avoid: requires a penetration of Shakespearean language

Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 9/10

Star tweet

Michael BerryVerified account ‏@MichaelBerrySho  Jun 24

I felt only re-reading Henry V would gentle my condition tonight. Then I remembered Branagh's brilliant treatment.