It achieves so much on so many levels. It's a great interpretation of Henry V (regardless of medium) and it is a great film adaptation of a Shakespeare play. It's an interesting take on this patriotic play in our time, the way Olivier's was in his. The actors do a great job, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the soundtrack glorious. I never get tired of it. In fact, there are certain scenes that can always be counted on to make me tear up -- no matter how many times I've scene them. And although the play contains several of Shakespeare's most famous soliloquies, they don't sound stilted when they come around, as often-quoted lines usually do, even though Branagh pretty much plays them straight.
What surprises me is that Henry V stands head and shoulders above Branagh's "Hamlet" and "Much Ado," both of which I thought were just OK. Henry V, however, will stand the test of time -- until, that is, some other upstart puts his stamp on it!
What surprises me is that Henry V stands head and shoulders above Branagh's "Hamlet" and "Much Ado," both of which I thought were just OK. Henry V, however, will stand the test of time -- until, that is, some other upstart puts his stamp on it!