Henry V Movie Review 1989

Stirring, expansive retelling of Shakespeare's drama about the warrior-king of England. Branagh stars as Henry, leading his troops and uniting his kingdom against France. Very impressive production rivals Olivier's 1945 rendering but differs by stressing the high cost of war--showing the ego-mania, doubts, and subterfuge that underlie conflicts. Marvelous film-directorial debut for Branagh (who also adapted the screenplay). Wonderful supporting cast includes some of Britain's finest actors.

Distribution

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Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 138 minutes.
Originally from British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Historical Drama, Plays to Film: William Shakespeare, Period Piece: 16th Century, Adapted from a Play, War, General, Royalty, British, Anti-War War Movies, Big Battles, 4 Bones

Screenplay

Kenneth Branagh

Cast

Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed, Alec McCowen, Ian Holm, Richard Briers, Robert Stephens, Robbie Coltrane, Christian Bale, Judi Dench, Paul Scofield, Michael Maloney, Emma Thompson, Patrick Doyle, Richard Clifford, Richard Easton, Paul Gregory, Harold Innocent, Charles Kay, Geraldine McEwan, Christopher Ravenscroft, John Sessions, Simon Shepherd, Jay Villiers, Danny Webb

Cinematography

Kenneth Macmillan

Director

Kenneth Branagh

Music

Patrick Doyle

Producer

Bruce Sharman, David Parfitt, Stephen Evans, Samuel Goldwyn Company

Awards

Oscars 1989: Costume Des.; British Acad. 1989: Director (Branagh); Natl. Bd. of Review 1989: Director (Branagh).