Plot: The still young King Henry V of England (Sir Kenneth Branagh), intending to tax the English church, is sent off to war by the Bishops to enforce the (doubtful) claim to France. The King, thus sure of devine blessing for his cause, wages war on the French all too proud in overpowing strength. After the Battle of Agincourt, King Charles VI of France (Paul Scofield) has to yield his daughter, Princess Katherine de Valois (Dame Emma Thompson) as a peace offering. In a bitter satire, this political marriage is then portrayed as the happy ending joining the two recent lovers.
Alternative Plot: In this gritty screen adaptation of Shakespeare's play about the heroic and ruthless king, Henry V of England (Kenneth Branagh) determines to lay claim to the kingdom of France. Henry's self-doubt and the diminished morale of his army stand in the way of a victory that would unite the two countries and provide Henry with a queen (Emma Thompson). However, his sheer determination and his impassioned speeches ready his men for the bloodiest of battles -- Agincourt.
Rate this movie!