Henry V
Henry V

Henry V

1989Movie137 minEnglish

In 1415, in the midst of the Hundred Years' War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users86%
Director: Kenneth BranaghGenres: Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

The young, inexperienced King Henry V is thrust onto the throne of England and must lead his nation into a brutal war against France. Facing overwhelming odds, he rallies his vastly outnumbered troops with inspiring speeches and strategic brilliance. The film chronicles his journey from a reluctant ruler to a decisive and beloved leader, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Agincourt.

Critical Reception

Kenneth Branagh's directorial debut was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its powerful performances, visceral depiction of warfare, and Branagh's own commanding presence as Henry. It was seen as a strong modernization of Shakespeare's classic play, making it accessible and impactful for a contemporary audience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic and accessible direction.
  • Kenneth Branagh's performance as Henry V is universally lauded.
  • The film's gritty and realistic portrayal of medieval warfare was a significant highlight.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's powerful adaptation of Shakespeare, highlighting Branagh's strong performance and the compelling story of leadership and war. Many found it to be an epic and moving cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actor for Kenneth Branagh, Best Original Score), and won Best Screenplay at the BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

Kenneth Branagh also directed and starred in the film, making his feature directorial debut. He was only 29 years old at the time of filming, making him one of the youngest directors to adapt a Shakespearean play for the screen.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
DocTerminus

DocTerminus

28 year old Kenneth Branagh really reached for the stars with **HENRY V**, his cinematic directorial debut. Quite often, a young director falls on their backside in ones first attempt at making film. Luckily for us, **Henry V** is nothing...