Overview
A young king faces the weight of his crown and the horrors of war.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- stirring
- gritty
- passionate
- historical drama night
- shakespeare film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Kenneth Branagh's energetic adaptation as a fully realized Shakespeare film, praising its accessible language, direction, performances, and stirring score.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Derek Jacobi's Chorus introduces and comments on the story while linking theatrical language to the film's visual world.
Henry shifts between royal authority, intimate self-doubt, and motivational speeches to manage his army and define his public identity.
The Battle of Agincourt is staged with muddy terrain, close combat, blood, and distressed soldiers rather than distant pageantry alone.
Branagh preserves Shakespeare's speeches while tightening the narrative and translating the play into energetic film language.
Films like Henry V, and why
Richard III
Shakespearean historical drama, medieval warfare, and commanding theatrical performances
Ran
epic period drama combining battlefield spectacle, political ambition, and Shakespearean language
The King
gritty historical war drama centered on leadership, morale, and the human cost of combat
Macbeth
prestige Shakespeare adaptation with forceful direction, moral conflict, and stylized period violence
Movie Details
- Director
- Kenneth Branagh
- Release Date
- 1989-10-05
- Runtime
- 137 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (423)
Cast
- Kenneth Branagh
- Derek Jacobi
- Brian Blessed
- James Larkin
- Paul Scofield
- Emma Thompson
- Judi Dench
- Simon Shepherd
- James Simmons
- Charles Kay
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Henry V about?
- A young English king turns Shakespearean rhetoric and private doubt into fierce resolve during the brutal campaign toward Agincourt.
- What is Henry V like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Henry V as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Henry V violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Henry V as brutal.
- What did critics think of Henry V?
- Critics broadly regard Kenneth Branagh's energetic adaptation as a fully realized Shakespeare film, praising its accessible language, direction, performances, and stirring score.
- Which films are like Henry V?
- Films with a similar feel include Richard III, Ran, The King, and Macbeth.
- How long is Henry V?
- Henry V runs 137 minutes.
- Where can I watch Henry V?
- In United States, Henry V streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
