Kingship, Brutality, and Beauty: Shakespeare as you've never seen him before

Come and see and discuss Kenneth Branagh's 1989 production of "Henry V" (rated PG-13).

Cast: Henry V (Kenneth Branagh), Chorus (Derek Jacobi), Ely(Alec McCowen), Falstaff (Robbie Coltrane), Mistress Quickly (Judi Dench), French King (Paul Scofield), Katherine (Emma Thompson). (This film received Best Actor and Best Director Oscar nominations.)

From amazon.com and imdb.com:

'Easily one of the best Shakespeare adaptations ever made. Branagh is in complete genius mode...He has made this film not only a testament to Shakespeare's incredible writing ability but also it honors the performers that make plays such as "Henry V" a grand, sweeping piece of entertainment. Extraordinary sets, costumes, acting that sweeps you straight into the world of Shakespeare and an astounding debut score by Patrick Doyle that gives composer greats like John Williams and Alan Silvestri a reason to worry. The film is so radically different in tone and feeling than any other Shakespeare adaptation in film history that it is impossible not to acknowledge Branagh's genius and creativity.'

'It's all here: Lessons on history, loyalty, and the qualities of leadership, all wrapped in a fiercely entertaining package. Branagh's great accomplishment is to bring the piece to life without the slightest bit of stuffiness or anachronism.'

'There is a gritty realism brought to the screen in this production that combines in dynamic and interesting ways with the Shakespearean dialogue and situations. The battle scenes are some of the best in cinema for depicting the kind of royal and knightly battles. The action of the play and film turns on the legitimacy of Henry's rule in France (an issue still for Elizabethan audiences, as Elizabeth was crowned with supposed rights to France). The French are depicted as haughty and disdainful of the young king (interesting how some things don't change), and the battle lines are drawn.'

Rachel Ahern, 2nd year PhD candidate in Classics, will lead the discussion. Henry V has been her favorite movie since age 11.

Image taken from www.amazon.com.