This is a film adaptation of a classic play that Shakespeare wrote early in his career. The story takes place during the Hundred Years War between England and France. A young King Henry V played by Kenneth Branagh, (a well known Shakespearean filmmaker), has just ascended to the throne of England. Many of Henry’s trusted counsel feel that his youth and inexperienced will be detrimental to England. Henry decides that the best way to prove himself worthy is initiate a campaign against the French. The French throne incidentally, denies Henry’s hereditary right to ascend to the French throne and sends him tennis balls as an insult instead of a traditional tribute. Henry is
One of the real strengths of the film is its cast of accomplished actors. With a budget of around ten million dollars, Henry V delivers over 2 hours of incredible historical entertainment with a Shakespearean twist. Kenneth Branagh received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and Best Director. The film won an Oscar for Best Costume Design. (Phyllis Dayton). As difficult as Shakespeare is to read, listen to and understand. This film is well worth the time spent viewing.
The film has a slight bias towards England and clearly depicts the French as the villains. Although much of the dialogue is in Shakespearean poetic verse and in French, there are several rousing speeches that set the tone for the upcoming scenes, especially before the battle o
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