Because of conflict, King Henry V of England decides to lead his army to fight against France. He must struggle with the ups and downs to attain his goal.
The cast -- including Derek Jacobi as the modern-dress chorus, Paul Scofield, Judi Dench, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, and Robbie Coltrane in an effective cameo as Falstaff -- is uniformly fine without any grandstanding.
Like Sir Larry's, this remains Branagh's best movie and although less spirited and more actorish than its predecessor, it has a modern feel and a grittier tone to it, notably in the battle scenes.
[VIDEO ESSAY] Toward "turning many years into an hourglass," Branagh the screenwriter condenses "King Henry the Fifth," while adding in elements from the first and second parts of "King Henry the Fourth." The effect is seamless.