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Film Versions of Henry V
Adaptations of Shakespeare's plays and other works have been featured in nearly 500 films and/or videos world-wide. That makes Shakespeare the most filmed playwright of all time! Here are the best, and most noteworthy, versions of Henry V that can help you study and better understand the play.
The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fift with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France
1944
Director: Laurence Olivier
Not Rated
Olivier directs and plays the lead in this chronicle of the life of Henry V. The film was intended as a morale booster for British troops during World War II and focuses on Henry's military leadership skills, which ultimately resulted in Britain's victory over the French at Agincourt in 1415.
Henry V
1989
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Rated: PG-13
This is Branagh's directorial debut, and he also stars in the title role. The film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design and also garnered Best Actor and Best Director nominations. It's a war movie, with sort of a humanist (anti-war?) sentiment. This version features the memorable call to arms speech that ends with, "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers."