Watch Henry V: Leader For The Ages

Henry V: Leader For The Ages is a historical film directed by Kenneth Branagh and released in 1989. The movie depicts the life of King Henry V of England, who reigned from 1413 to 1422, and his military campaign in France in 1415. The film is based on William Shakespeare's play, Henry V, and is regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations of Shakespeare's works.

The film starts with the death of Henry IV and the coronation of his young son, Henry V, who is portrayed as an inexperienced and impetuous ruler. The nobles of England, who are skeptical of Henry's abilities, plot against him, but he wins them over by showing his courage, wit, and charisma. In his first test as a leader, Henry resolves a dispute with France over the ownership of some lands, but soon after, he declares war on the French king, Charles VI, claiming the throne of France for himself.

The English army, led by Henry, sets sail for France, where they face overwhelming odds against the French forces. Henry rallies his men with a famous speech that includes the lines, "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers," and inspires them to fight to the death. The Battle of Agincourt, a key moment in the Hundred Years' War, ensues, and the English emerge victorious against all odds. The battle is bloody and gruesome, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

After the battle, Henry is declared the victor and is greeted as a hero in England. He returns to France to continue his campaign and pursue his claim to the French throne. Henry woos and marries the French princess, Katherine, and eventually gains control of much of France. The film ends with a scene of Henry's death, leaving a united England and France under his rule.

The film is a masterful piece of storytelling, with excellent performances by the actors and stunning visuals that capture the historical period. Kenneth Branagh, who also plays the role of Henry V, brings a fiery and passionate energy to the character, showing his depth as a leader and his vulnerability as a human being. The supporting cast, which includes Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed, and Emma Thompson, among others, is also exceptional, delivering compelling performances that add to the film's emotional impact.

One of the film's strengths is its realism and attention to historical detail. The battles are shot in a way that conveys the chaos and horror of war, and the costumes, props, and settings are all meticulously recreated to transport viewers back to the 15th century. The film also explores the political and social context of the time, showing the class divisions and power struggles within England and the tensions between the English and the French.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of Shakespearean language. While some audiences might find the dialogue challenging, the film's faithful adaptation of the play adds to its authenticity and gives the actors a chance to showcase their skills. The dialogue is delivered with a naturalness and passion that makes the characters and their motivations feel real and compelling.

Overall, Henry V: Leader For The Ages is a riveting and resonant historical drama that captures the essence of one of England's most celebrated monarchs. It's a film that's both entertaining and educational, giving viewers a glimpse into the world of medieval Europe and the complexities of leadership. Whether you're a fan of Shakespeare, history, or just great filmmaking, this movie is well worth your time.

Henry V: Leader For The Ages is a 2015 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 17 minutes.