Henry V - 1989 - 8/10
Kenneth who? This introduced Mr. Branagh to the rest of the world, big time.
Henry V, continuing the Plantagenet claim, embarks to bring France under heel.
First, however, a slice of treachery, then a flash of Henry’s previous existence.
What follows, to paraphrase the Chorus, is a masterful use of smoke and mirrors.
The story, gritty and muddy, looks to have been shot within budget, but the execution is brilliant.
The camps appear large, the battles widescale.
Shakespeare, not exclusive for the arthouse officer, but for the base, common and popular.
