Henry V ★★★★ 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. 138m/C VHS, DVD, Wide. GB 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;
Director:
Kenneth Branagh;
Writer:
Kenneth Branagh;
Writer:
Kenneth Macmillan;
Cameo:
Patrick Doyle. Oscars '89: Costume Des.; British Acad. '89: Director (Branagh); Natl. Bd. of Review '89: Director (Branagh).
