RATING★ TBA
WORTH IT? NO
Making King Henry V backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Making King Henry V.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Making King Henry V Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

This film documents the journey of Salt House Theatre Company Artistic Director's attempt to adapt Shakespeare's Henry V into a One Act play with 9 actors and minimal props. The two year journey begins with a pitch to the Sydney College of Divinity to back the production, followed by script assessment and editing with the assistance of well known Australian Shakespearean directors. Then come the cast auditioning 5 months out from the production, and only 2 1/2 weeks of rehearsal. Can the necessary direction take place and cast members bond in such a short period of time. It all comes down to the performance on August 16th, followed by a review from the Sydney College of Divinity. If successful Salt House Theatre Company will have successfully developed a unique form of theatre.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of cinema, then Making King Henry V offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Making King Henry V, a standout production of 2019, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This film documents the journey of Salt House Theatre Company Artistic Director's attempt to adapt Shakespeare's Henry V into a One Act play with 9 actors and minimal props. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This film documents the journey of Salt House Theatre Company Artistic Director's attempt to adapt Shakespeare's Henry V into a One Act play with 9 actors and minimal props. The two year journey begins with a pitch to the Sydney College of Divinity to back the production, followed by script assessment and editing with the assistance of well known Australian Shakespearean directors. Then come the cast auditioning 5 months out from the production, and only 2 1/2 weeks of rehearsal. Can the necessary direction take place and cast members bond in such a short period of time. It all comes down to the performance on August 16th, followed by a review from the Sydney College of Divinity. If successful Salt House Theatre Company will have successfully developed a unique form of theatre."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Ryan Bates provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Making King Henry V truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Making King Henry V explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Making King Henry V is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ryan Bates or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Making King Henry V is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION
Advertisement