Is Henry V Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Henry V is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 137 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Henry V Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, Henry V emerges as a significant entry in the War, Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1415, in the midst of the Hundred Years' War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France. Unlike standard genre fare, Henry V attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and Henry V features a noteworthy lineup led by Kenneth Branagh . Supported by the likes of Derek Jacobi and Brian Blessed , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Henry V (1989) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Henry V Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Henry V is a War, Drama, History film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Henry V Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Henry V resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to war resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Henry V reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Henry V Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Henry V draws heavily from documented historical records. As a war, drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Henry V adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Henry V?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Henry V Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Henry V Budget
The estimated production budget for Henry V is $9.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Henry V
- Kenneth Branagh – Henry V
- Derek Jacobi – Chorus
- Brian Blessed – Exeter
- James Larkin – Bedford
- Paul Scofield – French King
Top Highlights
Kenneth BranaghHenry V
Derek JacobiChorus
Brian BlessedExeter
James LarkinBedford
Paul ScofieldFrench King
Emma ThompsonKatherine
Judi DenchMistress Quickly
Simon ShepherdDuke Humphrey of Gloucester
James SimmonsDuke Edward of York
Charles KayArchbishop of Canterbury
Where to Watch Henry V Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsParents Guide & Age Rating
Henry V is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Henry V stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry V movie hit or flop?
Henry V is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of War, Drama, History movies.
Is Henry V worth watching?
Yes, Henry V is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of War, Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch Henry V online?
Henry V is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How Henry V Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Henry V
28 year old Kenneth Branagh really reached for the stars with **HENRY V**, his cinematic directorial debut. Quite often, a young director falls on their backside in ones first attempt at making film. Luckily for us, **Henry V** is nothing short of a triumph. Branagh's directorial approach is ambitious and confident. Filled with high excitement - quite an accomplishment when staging a 400 year old stage play told completely through dialogue. His visual style certainly are more film than stage play, and his screenplay adaptation tightens the story, even with the inclusion of a scene that was originally from Shakespeare's **HENRY IV Part 2** to clarify the story. More amazing, Branagh also portrays the Young King in a tremendous interpretation of the role. Not only does his Harry fit organically into the story, his understanding of the language makes the story relatable to today's audiences without destroying the poetry. Others in the regal cast include excellent performances by Emma Thompson and Derek Jacobi as the omnipresent Chorus. Many other performers will star in Branagh's later films as he seems to operate in a collaborative community approach. The stunning musical score by Patrick Doyle cements what will become one of the greatest director / composer relationships. Brash and operatic, the score is as capable of supporting the many battles as well as the intimate romantic scenes. Obviously, Branagh's **HENRY V** will be compared to Olivier's film - a production that has not aged as well for today's audiences. Olivier's production is bright and colorful with sets resembling a production of the Wizard of Oz. Branagh's film is gritty and dirty and brings viewer onto the bloody field of Agincourt. On a personal level, Branagh's **HENRY V** was the first film that I watched in its entirety and stayed in my seat and watched it all the way through a second time. It shows that Shakespeare can be vibrant, entertaining and beautiful.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
