Henry V (1989) - Definition and Overview

Henry V is a 1989 film directed by Kenneth Branagh, and based upon the Shakespeare play. Branagh stars in the title role. Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed, Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, Christian Bale, Dame Judi Dench, Paul Scofield and Emma Thompson are also featured. Interestingly, the role of "Michael Williams" is played by the actor Michael Williams. It was produced by Bruce Sharman with the British Broadcasting Corporation and Renaissance Films.

The visual and verbal styles of the film are much grittier than the Laurence Olivier film (see: Henry V (1946 movie)), particularly with respect to the Battle of Agincourt scenes, which are strongly reminiscent of the battle scenes in the films of Akira Kurosawa.

Phyllis Dalton won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design and the film was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Branagh) and Best Director (Branagh).

In contrast to the way most movies are filmed, the scenes in Henry V were filmed in the order in which they appear in the movie.

External links

• Henry V (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097499/) at the Internet Movie Database