Henry V

Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed, et al.

Product Description

Shakespeare's king of England attacks France and declares his love for the French king's daughter. Directed by Branagh.

• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• UPC: 027616850126
• Release Date: June 2000
• Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
• Publisher: MGM (Video & DVD)
• Director: Kenneth Branagh
• Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed, Ian Holm, Paul Scofield, Michael Maloney, Alec McCowan, Emma Thompson, Geraldine McEwan, Simon Shepherd
• Runtime: 2 hours, 18 minutes
• Number of Disks: 1
• Other Video Info: color
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

Well Adapted

There are several film versions of Shakespeare’s “Henry V” available, and it may be best to view each of them. However, if your time or money is short, then this is the one to watch. The BBC is more complete and closer in verbiage to the original play versions. So, if you miss the BBC version, you will want to be sure to read the play first. Lawrence Olivia was forced to cut out much of the play because of time constraints, and because of the time of the production, Henry V could not look like a tyrant, and they had to justify the war so it would coincide with the WWII war effort. However, Kenneth Branagh, making his directing debut, pulled out all stops. He may have missed a few lines here and there, but he replaced them with visuals and innuendos. There was more relevant background music, which is indispensable in today’s movies. The film was, as usual in Branagh movies and in many Shakespeare-adapted movies, packed with known stars of the time. The only person in this one that did not come up to snuff was Emma Thompson, who just did not cut it as Princess Katherine de Valois. Ian Holm was excellent as Captain Fluellen. The real hinge point is the selection of Derek Jacobi as Chorus, who carries the story forward between scenes. This story is based on prior works, but can stand alone very well, as what history of Henry is needed is mentioned in the play. Henry V was a sort of playboy (probably by cunning design) as a youth, and when becoming king, has decided to acquire France, which is his heritage. In the process, he must prove his ability to understand and lead people. One of his first tests is to detect treachery and remove it. Laurence left it out. The BBC Play executes the detection, as written. But Branagh really articulates the treachery and its solution. Many of my favorite Shakespeare quotes come from this play. And even in the early stage of his career, Branagh is the master of soliloquy.