Archive Analysis: "Henry V"

Henry V

Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Christian Bale,
Brian Blessed, Judi Dench
Rated: PG-13 for a bloody battle

William Shakespeare didn't write for the screen. His scenes are long, dialogue-driven tongue twisters that, for the average layman watching it on film, gets lost trying to comprehend it along with the visuals of the story being shown. Yet, there is often so much heart and passion in his work, one finds that, when adapted well, Shakespeare can be quite a powerful screenwriter. This applies to Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Henry V, perhaps my favorite Shakespeare performance and adaptation. Branagh balances his understanding of Shakespeare with his understanding of film, giving us the pace we need and the visuals the medium demands, yet staying true to Shakespeare's work and themes and letting the performances drive the story. And by assembling an all-star cast, the performances are nothing short of terrific, from Ian Holm's incredible performance of Captain Fluellen, to Judi Dench's heartfelt Mistress Nell, to Emma Thompson as the French princess Catherine, to Derek Jacobi's dramatic role as The Chorus, to the young Christian Bale, to Branagh, himself, as the charismatic and inspiring title hero. On every level, Henry V is an epic of masterful proportions, giving us the now headstrong and valiant Harry (who became king at the end of the previous play Henry IV) who learns that, despite having the passion and willingness to lead, that true leadership is putting yourself as someone no-greater than the brothers who fight beside you, the layman you fight against, or the God who guides your path.

Here is the trailer:


As a bonus, enjoy this speech from the play, perhaps the greatest lines and interpretation ever on screen.