Henry V (1989)
Kenneth Branagh’s directorial debut, Henry V (1989), is a British historical drama film adapted from William Shakespeare’s famous play. The opening scene features Chorus, portrayed as a modern person, walking through an empty film studio and setting the stage for the main action to unfold. Throughout the film, Chorus makes multiple appearances to guide and enhance the storytelling. The act divisions in the film follow the structure of Shakespeare’s original play.
Act 1. In the early 15th century in England, a scheme is hatched by the Bishop of Ely and the Archbishop of Canterbury to divert young King Henry V’s attention from a potential decree that would seize church property. Their plan involves persuading him to embark on an invasion of France. Canterbury makes his way to the throne room and informs the King’s advisors that Henry has a rightful claim to the French throne, arguing that the Salic law in France unjustly prevents him from claiming it. With support from nobleman Exeter and Westmoreland, they manage to convince Henry to declare war if his claim is rejected. In response, Henry summons Montjoy, a representative of the Dauphin. The Dauphin responds condescendingly by delivering a chest filled with tennis balls.
Act 2. Henry cunningly outwits three traitors of high rank by seeking their guidance in a case involving a drunken man who had hurled insults at him in public. Little did they know, their recommendations for harsh punishment would ultimately result in their own downfall as the King exposes their treachery. As they attempt to retaliate with their weapons, they are swiftly overpowered by Henry’s faithful noblemen. Without hesitation, Exeter arrests them for committing treason against the crown and Henry orders their execution before setting sail across the English Channel. Meanwhile, Falstaff meets his demise and Bardolph, Pistol, Nym, and Falstaff’s page, Robin, make their way to France.
Act 3. After King Henry’s inspiring speech, he leads a successful attack on the fortified city of Harfleur. Despite the Dauphin’s failure to provide reinforcements, the governor ultimately surrenders upon Henry’s pledge to spare the citizens of Harfleur. As part of his efforts to rebuild and strengthen the city, Henry assigns Exeter to repair its fortifications. Meanwhile, Katharine, a princess who was previously promised in marriage to Henry before the war, enlists her lady-in-waiting Alice’s help in learning some basic English. However, mastering proper pronunciation proves to be a challenging task for Katharine, but she remains determined to succeed.
Act 4. The night before the Battle of Agincourt (1415), the French camp is loud and lively while the English camp is more subdued. The Dauphin is not well-liked among his fellow French nobles, who eagerly await the morning’s battle. In contrast, Henry quietly meets with his brothers Gloucester and Bedford, as well as Sir Thomas Erpingham. After their brief discussion, Henry decides to take a walk around his own camp in disguise to check on his troops. He comes across Pistol, who does not recognize him. Continuing on, he encounters a small group of soldiers, including Bates and Williams. They discuss the possible consequences of the upcoming battle and Henry’s role in it.
Act 5. After lengthy negotiations, Henry is declared king over both England and France. During the break in talks for the Treaty of Troyes, he takes a moment to speak with Katharine in private. He expresses his admiration for the French people by agreeing to marry a princess from their country and declares his love for her. When the delegation reconvenes, Henry announces an optimistic future of prosperity and harmony as the two kingdoms unite.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Kenneth BranaghKing Henry V  Derek JacobiChorus  Paul ScofieldKing Charles VI of France  Ian HolmFluellen  Brian BlessedDuke Thomas Beaufort of Exeter  Emma ThompsonPrincess Katherine de Valois  Alec McCowenBishop of Ely  Judi DenchMistress Nell Quickly  Christian BaleRobin the Luggage-Boy  Robbie ColtraneSir John Falstaff |
Kenneth Branagh’s directorial debut, Henry V (1989), is a British historical drama film adapted from William Shakespeare’s famous play. The opening scene features Chorus, portrayed as a modern person, walking through an empty film studio and setting the stage for the main action to unfold. Throughout the film, Chorus makes multiple appearances to guide and enhance the storytelling. The act divisions in the film follow the structure of Shakespeare’s original play.
Act 1. In the early 15th century in England, a scheme is hatched by the Bishop of Ely and the Archbishop of Canterbury to divert young King Henry V’s attention from a potential decree that would seize church property. Their plan involves persuading him to embark on an invasion of France. Canterbury makes his way to the throne room and informs the King’s advisors that Henry has a rightful claim to the French throne, arguing that the Salic law in France unjustly prevents him from claiming it. With support from nobleman Exeter and Westmoreland, they manage to convince Henry to declare war if his claim is rejected. In response, Henry summons Montjoy, a representative of the Dauphin. The Dauphin responds condescendingly by delivering a chest filled with tennis balls.
Act 2. Henry cunningly outwits three traitors of high rank by seeking their guidance in a case involving a drunken man who had hurled insults at him in public. Little did they know, their recommendations for harsh punishment would ultimately result in their own downfall as the King exposes their treachery. As they attempt to retaliate with their weapons, they are swiftly overpowered by Henry’s faithful noblemen. Without hesitation, Exeter arrests them for committing treason against the crown and Henry orders their execution before setting sail across the English Channel. Meanwhile, Falstaff meets his demise and Bardolph, Pistol, Nym, and Falstaff’s page, Robin, make their way to France.
Act 3. After King Henry’s inspiring speech, he leads a successful attack on the fortified city of Harfleur. Despite the Dauphin’s failure to provide reinforcements, the governor ultimately surrenders upon Henry’s pledge to spare the citizens of Harfleur. As part of his efforts to rebuild and strengthen the city, Henry assigns Exeter to repair its fortifications. Meanwhile, Katharine, a princess who was previously promised in marriage to Henry before the war, enlists her lady-in-waiting Alice’s help in learning some basic English. However, mastering proper pronunciation proves to be a challenging task for Katharine, but she remains determined to succeed.
Act 4. The night before the Battle of Agincourt (1415), the French camp is loud and lively while the English camp is more subdued. The Dauphin is not well-liked among his fellow French nobles, who eagerly await the morning’s battle. In contrast, Henry quietly meets with his brothers Gloucester and Bedford, as well as Sir Thomas Erpingham. After their brief discussion, Henry decides to take a walk around his own camp in disguise to check on his troops. He comes across Pistol, who does not recognize him. Continuing on, he encounters a small group of soldiers, including Bates and Williams. They discuss the possible consequences of the upcoming battle and Henry’s role in it.
Act 5. After lengthy negotiations, Henry is declared king over both England and France. During the break in talks for the Treaty of Troyes, he takes a moment to speak with Katharine in private. He expresses his admiration for the French people by agreeing to marry a princess from their country and declares his love for her. When the delegation reconvenes, Henry announces an optimistic future of prosperity and harmony as the two kingdoms unite.
