Personally, I prefer the latter.

Question:
'Henry V' vs 'Henry V', Olivier's version or Brannagh's?

Choices:
Olivier
Brannagh
I'd rather watch something with Henry II

 

Sorry, can't help. I've read Henry V, but have not seen an actual performance by either.

Brannagh's is outstanding - one of the best movies ever.

Haven't seen Olivier's though.

There is also Tom Hiddleston's version from The Hollow Crown series that was shown on PBS' Great Performances.

Brannagh and his all-RSC cast killed it! More impressive, he was still in his twenties when he made the film.

quote:

Originally posted by mrbill345:
There is also Tom Hiddleston's version from The Hollow Crown series that was shown on PBS' Great Performances.

I had never heard of this version, that is pretty impressive how Mr. Hiddleston did that scene in a very natural, almost conversational style, he makes it appear that he is coming up with what he is saying just before he speaks the lines. And the emotion that shows on his face as it occurs to him the weight of the moment and what is about to transpire.

Olivier's Henry V had the disadvantage of his version also being a patriotic propaganda film (1944). Branagh had freer reign to make the movie his way.

Brannagh...




Link to original video: https://youtu.be/cRj01LShXN8




Link to original video: https://youtu.be/NHAAH8PCnMo

I'm a big fan of Billy Zane's version.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LtJL,

Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam

I have a niece who went nuts about the Branagh version. She still takes part in the Society for Creative Anachronism (re-enactment of medieval battles). October 25 is a big day for her.

Speaking of Paris balls, leave us not forget Brain Blessed as Exeter.

This thread is so full of win...Exeter had "balls" the size of bowling balls to enter into the enemy's throne room and deliver that response...this is in the top 20 of my favorite movies (but I love pretty much anything Shakespeare especially with Brannagh/Brian Blessed ie. Much Ado About Nothing)...what a cast and what an actor, I love his smile and pleasant demeanor under adverse situations

I must add that Branagh's wife, Emma Thompson, made a delicious Prince Catherine; they were both very young then.

Thank you for posting. I did an Inter-Library Loan request for both. Poll input to follow..

When I was a student at SUNYAB the professor Saul Elkin directed the Shakespear in the Park (SitP) program. That would be about 20 years ago. During the summer break SitP would put on a drama and a comedy. The comedies were enjoyable but the dramas were more interesting.

Cheese, cold cuts, bread, sweets, sunset, young ladies, and a bottle Reisling wine. Heaven on a hillside.