Henry V (1989)

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

Director:

Kenneth Branagh

Writers:

William Shakespeare (by), Kenneth Branagh (adapted for the screen by)

Stars:

Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Simon Shepherd

Won 1 Oscar. Another 10 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Derek Jacobi	...	Chorus
Kenneth Branagh	...	King Henry V
Simon Shepherd	...	Duke Humphrey of Gloucester
James Larkin	...	Duke John of Bedford
Brian Blessed	...	Duke Thomas Beaufort of Exeter
James Simmons	...	Duke Edward of York
Paul Gregory	...	Westmoreland
Charles Kay	...	Archbishop of Canterbury
Alec McCowen	...	Bishop of Ely
Fabian Cartwright	...	Earl Richard of Cambridge
Stephen Simms	...	Lord Henry Scroop
Jay Villiers	...	Sir Thomas Grey
Edward Jewesbury	...	Sir Thomas Erpingham
Ian Holm	...	Captain Fluellen
Danny Webb	...	Gower (as Daniel Webb)

Storyline

King Henry V of England (Sir Kenneth Branagh) is insulted by King Charles VI of France (Paul Scofield). As a result, he leads his army into battle against France. Along the way, the young King must struggle with the sinking morale of his troops and his own inner doubts. The war culminates at the bloody Battle of Agincourt.

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Plot Keywords:

king | battle | shakespeare play | battle of agincourt | hundred years war | 

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Taglines:

The great adventure of a king who defied the odds to prove himself a man.

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Genres:

Action | Biography | Drama | History | Romance | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for a bloody battle

Did You Know?

Trivia

For the French version of this movie, Gérard Depardieu dubbed Sir Kenneth Branagh.

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Goofs

French soldier wearing blue dies twice of an arrow in the back.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Chorus: O! For a Muse of fire, that would ascend; The brightest heaven of invention; A kingdom for a stage, princes to act and monarchs to behold the swelling scene. Then should the war-like Harry, like himself, assume the port of Mars; And at his heels, leash'd in like hounds, should famine, sword, and fire crouch for employment.

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Connections

Featured in Brows Held High: 10 Things I Hate About You (2014)

User Reviews

Great performances by all the actors

The unique think about this film is that there aren't any weak performance amongst any of the actors, however small their role.

One actor I feels merits a mention is Christopher Ravenscroft for his portrayal of the French Herald, Mountjoy. He plays a key part in this ply as the only character who meets both English and French leaders until after the battle.

His shock and awe in the tennis balls scene when her realises that Henry isn't a silly young man is terrific.

Great film. I've got on video and watch two or three times a year. My teenage sons were gripped by it. This is the way to introduce teenagers to Shakespeare.

Catherine

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

8 November 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Henry V

Filming Locations:

Crowlink, East Sussex, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$64,933, 12 November 1989

Gross USA:

$10,161,099

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,161,099

Company Credits

Production Co:

Renaissance Films, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Curzon Film Distributors

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color (Eastman Color)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1