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Kenneth Branagh makes his directorial debut and also plays the title role in HENRY V, a film that began a resurgence of interest in films of Shakespeare's plays. Henry is a young king seeking a way to make his mark on history. He gets his chance when he learns he can make a legal claim to the throne of France. He does, and arrives in France with a small army that soon meets with violent resistance from the French. The film follows Henry and his men through the brutality of fifteenth century warfare as the ragtag band confronts heavy opposition and their own destinies on a rainy French battlefield. The film expertly balances the thrilling heroics of the battle sequences with the painful and complex reactions of men who are sometimes unsure of the justice of their cause. True to Shakespeare's original text, an unnamed Chorus (Derek Jacobi) appears periodically, filling in details and offering a running commentary on the action. HENRY V is a rousing, fascinating film about the power of courage and the price of glory.

Product Identifiers

UPC0086162257537

eBay Product ID (ePID)3152165

Product Key Features

DirectorKenneth Branagh

GenreDrama

Movie/TV TitleHenry V

RatingG

Leading RoleJudi Dench

Signal StandardNTSC

Additional Product Features

FormatVhs

Film CountryUnited Kingdom

Release Date19901206

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5.0

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by har_5512
Feb 09, 2019
Shakespeare Wrote It, But Branagh Made It Epic!
I adore English Historical Films; Kenneth Branagh's "Henry V" is my new favourite. Unlike many who perform Shakespeare, he doesn't render the Bard's genius in Modern settings, but instead remains true to the Period. Branagh faithfully reproduces the England of Henry V 's reign, in all its squalor and latent ugliness, leaving it to the characters to supply the beauty....and the humanity. Just as the Bard intended, the film shows that it isn't always the nobility who are the TRULY noble ones; and that greatness of spirit can be found in the humblest of hearts:, Falstaff being an excellent example. The play on the printed page is rousing, stirring...magnificent. When fleshed out by a Master film maker such as Kenneth Branagh, it soars like an eagle. Sir Derek Jacobi leaves me speechles as moderator; Brian Blessed's proud, implacable presence as ever the very essence of power tightly leashed; Ian Holm, whose Welsh accent is immaculate, Paul Schofield, querulous as the French king, exquisitely understated; Emma Thompson is radiant as the beautiful Katherine de Valois, whose blood sadly brought the seeds of madness which would eventually do for Henry's heir, dragging him down into madness... and last, but certainly not least, Kenneth Branagh himself, portraying the Victor of Agincourt with sensitivity and regal power... it is a Dream Cast, and Branagh's already formidable acting and directing skills are the piece de resistance, making HIS Henry V, at least as far as I am concerned, the definitive one. It is riveting, and draws the viewer in with inexorable power; making one actually CARE about these long-ago people who, despite their all-too-evident human weaknesses, rise above the limitations of their stations in life to display TRUE greatness and carry the day. Just as Shakespeare intended.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by n-orbit
Jun 08, 2021
The movie is phenomenal—will watch several times, at least, as I study the fine play by Bill S and the history behind it. VHS tape still excellent.
The old VHS tape(!) is still excellent and the movie is phenomenal—will watch several times, at least, as I enjoy Shakespeare’s fine play, Kenneth Branagh’s fine movie, and the history behind them.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned