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Henry V Details

1945 Certificate U
  • 60
  • from 2972 members

The definitive call to arms, Laurence Olivier's Henry V is a patriotic saga awash with pageantry, battles, romance and political chicanery. Intended to rally Britain during the darkest days of World War II, the film shows how the star of England sought to stake an ancestral, royal claim on the soil of France. Olivier once said, .. Read more

Starring Robert Newton, Laurence Olivier, Leslie Banks, Renee Asherson
Director Laurence Olivier
Genres Drama

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Henry V

The definitive call to arms, Laurence Olivier's Henry V is a patriotic saga awash with pageantry, battles, romance and political chicanery. Intended to rally Britain during the darkest days of World War II, the film shows how the star of England sought to stake an ancestral, royal claim on the soil of France. Olivier once said, famously, that "it isn't until you're older that you can understand the pictorial beauty of heroism". And at the ripe age of 37, the actor essays an insouciant character endowed with great powers of strength, spirit, and intellect. From the moment Olivier strides on screen, the audience is held both rapt and willingly captive. During his magnificent "St. Crispin's Day" speech, Olivier refuses to indulge in excessive personal close-ups, choosing instead to depict the communal impact of his words on the troops. Though he understands the importance of clear, realistic communication, Olivier the director also displays a penchant for artifice--as exemplified by his decision to open the film in a replica of the Globe Theatre. The play's various diplomatic exchanges--usually of the dull, obligatory variety--are enlivened through touches of light comedy: a sly wind blows court papers over the set as courtiers argue over boundaries and treaties. There is also humour to be found in the King's taciturn romancing of Princess Katharine (Renée Asherson). But there are also plenty of large-scale events, with Olivier demonstrating the fleetness of Shakespeare's world even as he mimics the headlong rush of destruction. A romanticised film of a nation at war, the director leaves no doubt that the British victory over the French at Agincourt (1415) was Medieval England's and the King's finest military triumph. The film is rendered complete by William Walton's magnificent score, which pushes all the appropriate patriotic buttons. For his efforts, Olivier received a special Oscar "for his outstanding achievement as actor, producer, and director in bringing Henry V to the screen". --Kevin Mulhall

Starring Robert Newton, Laurence Olivier, Leslie Banks, Renee Asherson, Leo Genn, George Cole
Director Laurence Olivier
Studio 2 ENTERTAIN VIDEO
Run time DVD: 2 hrs 17 mins
Blu-ray: 2 hrs 18 mins
Certificate Certificate U
Collections Full English
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Blu-ray: English
Released Production year: 1945

To Rent:
DVD: 14 Apr 2003
Blu-ray: 19 Oct 2009

  • Critic's review of Henry V

    View all critics' reviews (2)

    • 4 stars out of 4  

      Immensely stirring, experimental and almost wholly successful production of Shakespeare on film, sturdy both in its stylization and its command of more conventional cinematic resources for the battle.

    • 30049

  • Most helpful member's review of Henry V

    View all members' reviews (31)

    • Rated - 1.0 star  

      • 23
      • 4

      Henry V

      This would be a good film if you are into your history and Shakespear. Can't say I am an avid fan of either and I found the film rather boring and tedious... read more »

      Report this review

    • 191554

  • Most recent members' reviews of Henry V

    View all members' reviews (31)

    • Rated - 3.0 stars  

      • 0
      • 0

      Blu Ray Disappointing

      This is a classic version of a Shakespeare play. It starts off in the confines of the O Theatre to give the atmosphere of a play on the 16th century and then ... read more »

      Report this review

    • 971280
  • View all members' reviews (31)

  • News and features

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    La Fille Mal Gardee

    Three is the magic number

    • 27 Apr 2007

    The sun is teasing out those darling buds; the air echoes with the crack of willow against leather, while swallows reenact the Battle of Britain over woody glades and hedgerows… It must be blockbuster season again. This summer three is the magic number: Spider-Man III is first off the bat (this Friday), Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End takes the plunge three weeks later (May 24), and Shrek the Third holds court a month after that (June 29). It's true there are several big movies... Read more

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Rating breakdown

2,972 Member ratings
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  • 60
596
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295
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213
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Buy from Amazon.co.uk

    • Henry V - Blu-ray

    • Henry V - Blu-ray
      Laurence Olivier brings to vivid life Shakespeare's KING HENRY V, the epitome of the ideal Christian king. After a youth misspent in frivolity and common diversions, Prince Hal ascends the throne only to find himself on the brink of war with France over land and title disputes. Betrayed by his own ...
    • Henry V

    • Henry V
      The definitive call to arms, Laurence Olivier's Henry V is a patriotic saga awash with pageantry, battles, romance and political chicanery. Intended to rally Britain during the darkest days of World War II, the film shows how the star of England sought to stake an ancestral, royal claim on ...

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