Movie Review: Henry V (1989)

This is easily one of the best Shakespeare films ever made. I do think you can argue that the three best Shakespeare film adaptations ever made are by Kenneth Branagh and while this may not be as impressive a technical achievement as Hamlet, this is certainly Branagh’s best performance as an actor.

It’s such a wonderful performance. Branagh brings so much depth to the character. He’s sympathetic at times, but also comes off as an immature warmonger in other times. The beauty of Shakespeare’s play is that it allows for both readings of the character, but that so rarely is captured as well.

Branagh even manages to make the fifth act of the play — which is one of the worst acts Shakespeare ever wrote — endearing. Emma Thompson is great.

Rating: 10/10