Shakespeare Review: Henry V

Shakespeare Review: Henry V

Henry V surprised me in a lot of ways. While it is the final play in a four-part history series, I had not read the three that come before it (Richard II, Henry IV Part 1, and Part 2). Even so, I was able to understand the overall story. The writing felt denser and less enjoyable than some of the other Shakespeare plays I have read, especially the comedies and romances, but there were still moments that stood out and made the experience worthwhile.

The play follows King Henry as he prepares for and leads England’s campaign against France. At its core, it is about leadership and transformation. Henry, once a reckless prince, is now trying to prove himself as a serious and capable ruler. One of my favorite scenes is when the French send him a box of tennis balls as an insult. Instead of losing his temper, Henry responds with calm, sharp authority, showing how much he has changed. It is a clever, dramatic moment that says a lot about who he has become.

Another interesting part of the play is how much it relies on the audience’s imagination. The Chorus steps in at key points to ask viewers to picture grand battles and crowded courts, reminding us that this is theater, not real war. I have seen clips from live productions where this direct address to the audience creates a powerful connection and makes the storytelling feel more alive. You can really tell the play was written with performance in mind.

             There is also a scene written entirely in French between Princess Katharine and her maid. It caught me off guard at first, but thankfully, my edition included a translation. The French made the scene feel more authentic and added a layer of charm and realism, especially when Henry later tries to court her using awkward, broken French and English.

For a film version, I recommend the 1989 adaptation directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh. It is a powerful and visually rich production that captures the intensity and drama of the play while still staying true to the original language. Branagh’s performance brings out Henry’s complexity, showing both his commanding leadership and moments of doubt. The battle scenes are gritty and realistic, and the Chorus is used effectively to keep the audience engaged. It is a great way to experience the play if the text feels too dense on its own.

Although I did not connect emotionally with Henry V the way I did with Romeo and Juliet or Cymbeline, I still appreciated its ambition. It blends royal politics with moments of humor, speeches about duty, and questions about what it really means to be a leader. Some parts felt slow or heavy, but the play left me thinking.

Overall, Henry V may not be the easiest Shakespeare play to read, especially without the background of the earlier histories, but it has its own rewards. The moments of transformation, the call for imagination, and the mix of seriousness and strategy make it stand out in its own way.