October 6, 2008 8:27 AM
Henry V - St. Crispin's Day - a study in leadership
Henry V - St. Crispin's Day
Henry V is in my Top Ten Movies of All Time. Here is a mini-review I wrote many years ago:
Shakespeare's portrait of a youthful leader coming into his own, and Kenneth Branagh's interpretation are equally stunning. In this incomparable film, we are privileged to see every trial that could beset a leader -- factionalism, treachery, doubts, and loneliness -- and the flawless response of a man destined for victory. And in counterpoint we see the weak and confused responses of leaders destined for defeat. In the end there is little doubt why Henry was able to defeat his French foes at Agincourt though outnumbered ten to one.
If you haven't seen it - you really must. And definitely show it to your sons so they can absorb the messages on leadership. If the Bard's English is a problem, see it more than once - until you're able to absorb every word. Our family even got together with friends to watch it once with Shakespeare volumes open to make sure we weren't missing anything.
But the first time you see this, I guarantee you that the emotional impact will outweigh any language barriers. This was Kenneth Branaugh's shining moment. He was only 28 when he directed and starred in this exquisite rendering of Shakespeare's statement on what it means to be a leader. Branaugh was married to Emma Thompson - who plays Katherine in the movie - but they were divorced shortly after the film's release. And Branaugh never produced anything remarkable afterward.
The cast of Henry V is stellar - including such British Shakespearean stars as Brian Blessed, Derek Jacobi and Judy Dench. And yes, that's Christian Bale in the scene above. I think he was about 13. Two years before, he had done a remarkable job as the lead in Spielberg's Empire of the Sun (one of my Top 25).
Rotten Tomatoes gives Henry V a solid 100%.
Comments
This is my absolute. favorite. movie. ever! I'm on my second DVD as I have worn out the first. If I can teach Shakespearean English in 2-3 lessons to 9th graders reading "Romeo and Juliet", ANYONE can "get this" if they try! LOL
Posted by: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings | October 6, 2008 10:25 AM
I was 15 when I directed the St. Crispin's Day scene for a Shakespeare showcase with our homeschool group's drama club...my Henry backed out halfway through the semester, so I ended up playing Henry myself. No one else wanted to tackle that monologue. I'm so glad I had that opportunity...I still remember that monologue 12 years later! It's such an incredible example of persuasive, inspiring leadership speech.
Posted by: Becky Miller | October 6, 2008 2:17 PM
