Henry V

source: Henry V

Trailer—The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fifth with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France

The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fifth with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France

Olivier was asked by his government to make this film during the second world war to raise the morale of civilians and troops alike. He abstained from showing excessive blood and gore, used the language of Shakespeare brilliantly and achieved his mission. I have seen this film many times and it never fails to thrill me. The story line is commonly known, we know how happily it came out in the end. It was the first Shakespearian play made on film in color and enthralled all who saw it.

This Shakespearean war epic may be the best of the Bard's history plays, I believe rivaled only by "Richard III." Oh, that was Olivier too. This play is so accessible as the great Henry drives his men to battle. There are memorable soliloquies and wonderful battle scenes. It's a monumental film. For me, the famous "Once more unto the breach" speech is the highlight. Olivier dominates every scene as he plots his movements. Of course, there are a bevy of characters of great magnitude to play off the King. Sometimes I think we would have a lot less war if the people plotting the battle had to fight in them, Imagine your hawkish politicians being handed a gun; or if a talk show host is all riled up about what is going on in the Mideast, he or she should get their desert gear ready.

What an intelligent film!!! I loved its stage-y quality--The good-humored recreation of a performance in Shakespeare's time with the audience so fully engaged, laughing at jokes we don't understand (e.g., the machinations of churchmen). I loved the details and sense of history--the sets inspired by medieval illuminations and the score by William Walton. The tight script and directing bring out the complexity of the play. Unlike other reviewers, I'd rate it higher than Branagh's more visceral, contemporary version though I can see why some might find this one pallid. It doesn't have a modern feel, and this style of acting Shakespeare feels dated to me--I've grown accustomed to naturalism. Overall, I appreciate that it is many-layered and distinctively English. I hope it accomplished its worthy goal of raising morale during the WWII.