Henry V (1/3) Duke Thomas Beaufort's Message (1989) HD

[@TJPenitencia]

"But if you hide the crown, even in your hearts, there will he rake for it." DAMN, that is a chilling line.

[@brennypoo]

It's even better whence referenced. Try it!❤

[@thecappy5063]

Brilliantly written, brilliantly acted. I loved the uncle, standing there in his armor.

[@adam872]

Bone chilling, with equally chilling delivery.

[@armandocardona4478]

Typically English, typical Shakespeare.

[@maguffintop2596]

“Well, now that you’ve got my attention…”

[@DragonGP]

For my money the best scene in the film. Brian Blessed's controlled menace is so perfectly executed. He really helps make the film.

[@NeoNyder]

Whatever production he's part of, he vastly improves.

[@fredfredburger5150]

Scorn and defiance, slight regard, contempt.

[@milantrkulja7200]

Along with the slap scene and Henrys speech on St Crispins day and I also liked the romance scene as well with Emma Thompson.

[@alanmole7292]

I still see a bit of Fancy Smith in him….

[@tonyjanney1654]

@DragonGP "controlled menace". What an excellent description of Brian Blessed tone and demeanor! You nailed the essence of the scene perfectly.

[@robertjohnsontaylor3187]

Brian Blessed the Middle Ages equivalent of a tank! If I was French and he turned up I’d be heading the opposite direction as fast as possible. The facial expressions he employed in delivering his speech were exceptional.

[@scottanno8861]

Certainly the Genoese Crossbowmen did 😅

[@brianlion9494]

Classic. Brian is a legend. He dresses like that daily. Drives a king tiger tank to the shops. Eats raw steak for breakfast. Women throw themselves at him. He even mastered Windows 8. Never has a unrecognised item in the bagging area. Drinks coffee not macholattefrappovende. And always calls his mum

[@Trek001]

Children look under the bed for the boogie man, the boogie man looks under his bed for Chuck Norris and Chuck Norris looks under his bed for Brian Blessed

[@medievalgirl002]

And the Dauphin dares to SHOUT at him. He could snap him in half.

[@Wolf_Larsen]

I'd reckon a proud Englishman as Brian would never drive a jerry's tank. I do believe he'd take a Challenger to go to the shops any day of the week, though.

[@karenstjohn6759]

Captain BaseBallBat-Boy - Perhaps if he had wrestled the Jerry tank first...

[@anirbanbhattacharya9185]

@@karenstjohn6759 Excelsior!!! Although tbf I am a fan of both the American tank doctrine and the Russian tank doctrines. But you see too expensive and advanced a tank means it might become disproportionately difficukt to transport. I would prefer that ANTI infantry tanks be reconfigured- they might be the need of the hour? Or will even betrer armed and armored and better massproduced Humvees suffice? They should, the bastardized civilian variants are absolute beasts.

[@martythetickler]

I love the fact that Beaufort addresses the Dauphin with such contempt but he still acts civilly to the king.

[@davidbakin1953]

unless the _dolphin_ 🐬be in presence here?

[@bartsanders1553]

​@@davidbakin1953I did present him my pair of balls!

[@mark6809mm]

I’m sure he says Dolphin!

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

It is written dolphin, he speaks the words as written

[@alltat]

"Dauphin" is just French for dolphin. It was the traditional title of the heir, who used heraldry with dolphins on it. The origins of that tradition seem to have been lost to time.

[@henchwench3815]

Courteous, but pure unblinking menace.

[@carlflaherty2215]

Except in his message for the Dauphan!

[@lavrentivs9891]

"Speak softly and carry a big stick" as they say^^

[@mmedina0602]

After all the shouting and bellowing that we're used to seeing, one of his most powerful lines is delivered with "bloody constraint".

[@Rustymouse]

And powerful expression in his eyes.

[@thememeslinger7506]

On a channel called shout factory no less

[@nighttrain1236]

Lol, can you imagine modern Hollywood writers doing something like this? It would be people shouting and screaming.

[@mbrackeva]

Indeed. If he talked to me like that, with that look, I would try to hide in the darkest corner of the room. The man oozes charisma!

[@Losrandir]

He's made a fool of himself in your eyes, but he's a fine actor, especially in what really is his role.

[@alanhigh8125]

After this scene was filmed, it took 3 hours for the studio maintenance department to mop up the testosterone.

[@razor6888]

Give your head a shake... this is Hollywood... nothing more. The event didnt happen like this at all. You are a idiot !

[@nmw6674]

🤣

[@euphoria7046]

And 32 hours to get that dude out of this armor.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

No women were on set for this scene. Director wasn't sure they could be trusted to maintain their composure.

[@IzsakJoraszZ9]

"This is his claim, his threatening, and my message." Mic drop

[@CaptainLuckyLuke]

It’s worth pointing out Brian Blessed is actually wearing his own personal suit of armour that he brought from home. That’s not a joke. He talks about it in his autobiography.

[@zeropoint546]

Does he mention being born in it?

[@yxx_chris_xxy]

Of course he did. Who would want to wear someone else's smelly armor? 🙂

[@saradecapua3264]

Why am I not surprised.

[@zeropoint546]

@freebeerfordworkers He wasn't riveted into his armor. That's just his skin, he's actually naked.

[@realhorrorshow8547]

The limbs are good. The cuirass, not so much.

[@blaidencortel]

“Scorn and defiance.” - How I answer most emails.

[@BuriedFlame]

What I get is Henry V knew he would be there, what to say to him to set him off, and what to say after he gets set off.

[@muttleycrew]

Indeed. My email service doesn't have a reply button it has a 'Brian Blessed' button.

[@miguelservetus9534]

Follow-up. I adopted the use of that answer to emails . Two severences, one law suit, one declaration of war. Not bad.

[@edweidemann7454]

Brian Blessed cured a man's baldness by yelling at his scalp.

[@MantisEnergy]

But the hair of 4 witnesses fell out 😶

[@chris_c1701]

I heard Chuck Norris want Brian Blessed to play him in a biopic.

[@alanmundy127]

Brian Blessed like the best of Shakespearean actors (and Paul Schofield shows it here too) speaks the language as if it is completely natural and therefore makes it fully approachable and easy to understand.

[@PistonDriven]

the timbre; the very song of his articulation. It's excellence..

[@christinemusselman5499]

That is why Branagh's adaptation is so great. It sounds so natural. Even if you don't understand every word, you understand the message. This is how Shakespeare should be filmed!

[@terrybaby6146]

John Ashtone He and Patrick Stewart were friends as teenagers. Two fabulous voices.

[@terrybaby6146]

Alan Mundy That’s one of the reasons I love Kenneth Branagh: I can always understand him without having to think about it. It’s probably not the right way of expressing it, but he says Shakespeare without “declaiming” it.

[@merston77]

@@christinemusselman5499 it

[@danielmoran9902]

For a kid from a council estate, this was where I found the magic of theatre, drama, etc... All we had was boring sports (not including rugby in that description) and Eastenders, and then along came Kenneth Brannagh and saved us: I've loved Shakespeare ever since!

[@hiawathabray885]

I'm a black guy from the south side of Chicago. Some Catholic nuns gave us Shakespeare to read--Julius Caesar. We memorized whole passages. I was running around the house talking to my mama in iambic pentameter. Shakespeare is for everybody! I love me some Shakespeare!

[@danielmoran9902]

@@hiawathabray885 And jolly glad I am to hear it. I imagine when you discovered Othello, it blew your mind! Xxx

[@kasegiyabu5030]

@@danielmoran9902Why?

[@danielmoran9902]

@@kasegiyabu5030 To see such an old play whos main protagonist was a black person. This is probably the oldest example of a non-white lead in English literary history. I saw an interview with Samuel L. Jackson, and he felt the same.

[@petergaskin1811]

"Contempt and slight regard". Damn, Shakespeare could write a good line.

[@lesigh1749]

Such a withering put down "He barely thinks of you, and what he thinks isn't impressed"

[@coachmen8508]

I don't understand how one man could be so prolific with such genius.

[@MrVvulf]

@@coachmen8508 Visual and spatial arts have Leonardo and Rembrandt, linguistic art has Shakespeare, Tolstoy and Dante.

[@chesterstevens8870]

The classy way of saying "Man, this n*gga ain't shit."

[@janakakumara3836]

Let me translate that to modern English - "Cringe and Skibidi un maxlooking"

[@eroche913]

Brian Blessed, a voice of smelted steel with caramel on top. Always a thrill to watch him in full flow.

[@danielholt1984]

To go head to head with arguably the greatest Shakespearian actor of his time Paul Scofield (French king) and steal the scene is very impressive

[@EriktheRed2023]

Paul was very gracious here. Despite playing a king in his own hall, he was petrified, and subtly looking for an exit in the face of Brian's Exeter. Gorgeous acting all around.

[@thiagoferrermorini9417]

Well played from Branagh here. Because if there is something scarier than BRIAN BLESSED it's a RESTRAINED Brian Blessed. Because everybody in the audience KNOWS about his wrath.

[@MrVvulf]

Brian Blessed survived his plane crashing into the jungle in Venezuela. During his journey to the North Pole (he is the oldest person ever to do so), he punched a polar bear in the face. He has boxed (sparred) with, and is a friend of, the Dalai Lama. He delivered a woman's baby in a public park, and severed the umbilical cord with his teeth in order to tie it off. These are facts. The only goal he hasn't accomplished is climbing Mt. Everest. I choose to believe there is divine interference because St. Peter is scared he's trying to climb to heaven.

[@eoppen]

Brian Blessed does not need to climb Mt. Everest. All he has to do is stand there and glare at it, and the mountain will crouch in submission to its superior.

[@paulwagner688]

Y'all are saying it wrong. It should be BRIAN BLESSED.

[@LordVader1094]

Let's not forget that the reason he couldn't climb Mount Everest was because he was doing it without oxygen tanks, and holds a record for it!

[@GreenGlo1991]

Holy cow that’s awesome. No wonder I liked the immediately. Not to mention his voice is powerful enough to level a forest.

[@setebos8231]

Wow!

[@ianbailey1815]

Bless'ed are we to witness greatness.

[@tropifiori]

Blessed is a man's man. He has a presence and carries himself like the accomplished, talented masculine bloke he is without affectation.

[@beepresent8636]

That man is a pure force of nature. Brian there will never be another you...long may he rule ❤

[@dianeaustin2414]

" your borrowed glory, namely...the crown" great great writing Mr.Shakespeare!!!

[@BuriedFlame]

_"Hello, King. Hey, wouldja mind handing me the crown to give to my dude and then go eff off somewhere with your foppish retinue for the rest of eternity?"_

[@nl-oc9ew]

" for should you hide the crown, even in your hearts, there will he rake for it" such exquisite menace.

[@historian8214]

Such a treasure. Vultan in full ham was my introduction to Brian Blessed and I loved it from go. Seeing I, Claudius later was a revelation. The accomplishments onstage and off are staggering. I don't know how the man moves for the solid adamantium clankers he is carrying around. Cheers and endless respect from the US.

[@muttleycrew]

It looks like Brian Blessed walks into that scene but what is actually happening is he's walking on the spot and the entire planet is moving underneath him.

[@txgunguy2766]

When Chuck Norris does a push up, he isn't pushing himself up he's pushing the earth down.

[@davidripley2916]

You've discovered Einstein's Relativity. Nice! 👍

[@saradecapua3264]

I never thought anyone could have a better voice than Alan Rickman but Brian Blessed's voice is unbelievable.

[@SirDigbyMinge-or8md]

My favourite is Richard Burton.

[@saradecapua3264]

@@SirDigbyMinge-or8md It's a tie. Both could make reading the phonebook outloud interesting.

[@shadowjack239]

@@SirDigbyMinge-or8md Agree with @saradcapua3262 above, but also check out Robert Powell, another superb narrator's voice.

[@jamesrawlins735]

My favorite voice is Nicol Williamson - his voice was unlike any other.

[@nmw6674]

Richard Burton.

[@JimJonesKoolaid]

Brian Blessed has lived a life we can all envy. Amazing acting chops

[@Roheryn100]

“If requiring fail, he WILL compel.” 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@setebos8231]

0:18 --- "Ambassadors from Harry, King of England, do crave admittance to Your Majesty." "Yeah, we know. We clearly heard one of them while he was still in England."

[@wrestlingbear1188]

In short: "Fork over the crown & throne of France, bitches, else England will huff & puff. Shit down a world of pain on you."

[@NancyDrewe]

Scorn, and defiance, slight regard and contempt. The most brutal reply ever.

[@thomasmcginnis3783]

When I think, "Henry V" -- this is what I think of. SO marvelous.

[@ajwerth7558]

If you’ve never seen Brian Blessed’s Augustus in the classic “I, Claudius,” you have a treat in store. Don’t miss it.

[@doorofnight87]

100%, its a brilliant performance. The whole miniseries is a brilliant piece of television drama, with one of the finest collection of actors ever put together on the same series (and all of them doing exceptional work). The history in it is rather iffy, but that doesn't remotely what a quality work it is (and the books are really good too, of which they are a very good adaption which even the author thought well of).

[@Berre1008]

My favorite Shakespeare play. Absolutely love it.

[@Pumbaa856]

" Bloody constraint".....the threat just HANGS there.

[@leftcoaster67]

Polite death threat activated.

[@MantisEnergy]

It's so matter of fact, it sounds like the truth more than a challenge. Masterful!

[@Len0Grady]

Chuck Norris doesn’t dare dream he was as badass as Brian Blessed.

[@carlflaherty2215]

Well, he may dream ...

[@williamjackson5942]

@@carlflaherty2215 If he did he would be sadly mistaken.

[@carlflaherty2215]

The point is that even heroes need heroes.

[@williambodin5359]

You guys need to get a life. They're drinking buddies. Duh.

[@HonoredGeneral]

Brian Blessed...Just LOVE him, in whatever he does!

[@kiracattan4624]

I love this whole movie. I loved it even better when they used the St. Crispin's Day speech as the opening to a Superbowl one year. I actually was speaking the words... And other people in the sports bar were just pissed that the game hadn't begun yet. Me? It was Perfect!

[@DavidGridley]

One of my favorite scenes.. Brian is awesome!

[@Justaspacedude]

This is an absolutely badass moment

[@captainscarlett1]

When an ambassador turns up in full armor you know you've got a problem.

[@saudade2100]

Sort of a 15th-century Klingon.

[@fastauntie]

And this ambassador in armor looks like a tank.

[@cirian75]

That's just Brian Blessed in his normal day clothes.

[@razor6888]

No ambassador would be in armor.... give your head a shake. Another armchair history idiot ! You Tube is more crap than actual history ! Clean this crap out !

[@JamesBannon-fz6qo]

It’s a deliberate violation of protocol and a direct threat, as is his failure to surrender his sword.

[@monicacall7532]

Brian Blessed rocks! What more can I say? I love it when after the king says, “What else?” and Blessed keeps a very calm but menacing voice as he answers.

[@jmc6687]

It just goes to show the power in the words of Shakespeare. Probably the greatest writers ever.

[@aaronleverton4221]

In English. Other languages can probably lay claim to someone who can create the same reaction, but not to having invented the language they were using.

[@killershrew1]

Hands down THE greatest movie theater going experience of my life was seeing this amazing film on the big screen... I've never been so riveted by a movie...

[@dhunter1133]

The best part is knowing that Brian Blessed didn't even have to go to wardrobe at the start of the day; he just wore what he normally wears for Casual Friday.

[@paulmasterson386]

Wonderful to see Brian Blessed in his prime,a brilliant actor.

[@Kimchiboy08]

When Brian delivers message , the receiver ends up holding thy Manhoods cheap.

[@oleeb]

One of the greatest moments of Shakespeare on film!

[@doorofnight87]

The role of the French King (Charles VI, if my memory is correct) is not a big one in the play, but Phillip Scofield, himself a terrific, and underknown actor, brings so much gravitas to the role, and definitely plays it with a nod towards the mental illnesses that Charles appears to have had, based on the available information. I sincerely recommend to anyone watch A Man for All Seasons, which one Scofield a deserved Academy Award for best actor (which he also won a Tony, and many other awards for). The movie is great with a great cast and performances in general, but Scofield's performance is utterly sublime in its nuance and with his ability, seen here, to bring gravitas and command to a quiet and/or silent character.

[@martinjp1]

Slight regard, contempt and anything that might not misbecome the mighty sender: how I reply to every email.

[@dustinprewitt]

when you want to make sure your message is recieved loud and clear, send Brian Blessed

[@jntdhome]

Blessed is a beast!! A force of nature.

[@azoutlaw7]

Brian Blessed is one big dude but that one guard is a giant! As Henry's ambassador, and uncle, he is most formidable. This is one of my favorite movies.

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

He walks into a room full of the enemy yet commands the room calmly.

[@jpa1214]

I LOVE the performances here. Each and every one

[@ohauss]

A bold but Blessed message

[@edweidemann7454]

Brian Blessed has to eat depleted uranium twice a day. Nothing less can sustain his massive metabolism. His dinner salad consists of sheets of lead and a lovely polonium vinagrette.

[@astrano80001]

Genius! 😀

[@brendonhenry8835]

And that's just the appetiser, I'm too scared to ask what he has for the main course.

[@yxx_chris_xxy]

Why depleted? U-235 is much more nourishing.

[@jimbojet8728]

I’ve seen this film many times and enjoyed each as it were the first. It tells the story of Henry’s expedition to France, the hardships and the battles and victorious homecoming. I’m due another watch, I think. Thanks for the reminder.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

BBC2, 1515.

[@ritchardwilliams3874]

This has to be one of the greatest films ever - simply stunning and a must watch.

[@fillinman1]

I concur. And a film with Holy Ghost Inspiration, a rarity.

[@medievalgirl002]

Four words: BRIAN BLESSED in armour. If he'd really been at Agincourt, Henry would not have needed much of an army.

[@leftcoaster67]

Henry and Brian Blessed alone would be enough to fight this royal battle.

[@christinemusselman5499]

He didn't need one as it was. But I bet if Blessed was part of his army, England could have kept the territory Henry had won.

[@FEARSWTOR]

Director: "Guys, why did you dress him in full plate for this scene? Seems a little much?" Props Master: "He brought it from HOME and wore it in to the studio! We tried to give him the doublet and he sent the Key Grip to the hospital and the Best Boy to the cemetery!" Director: "....GREAT armor, Brian! That's a wrap! Print it!"

[@kaczynskis5721]

@@FEARSWTOR He probably had a full set of armour in his living room. The dividing line between getting into character and being insane can be thin...

[@cherylannemason]

@@kaczynskis5721 yes, that is actually his own suit of armor--probably the only man on earth who could own it, wear it, and actualy make it work!

[@mjohnson5030]

Blessed wears armor like a true badass. I have never seen an actor more intimidating in armor then Brian Blessed.

[@BuriedFlame]

Only Brian Blessed can waltz into a king's room, essentially tell them "you all suck", and leave unscathed.

[@kaczynskis5721]

He's a messenger and they were supposed to have safe-conduct though occasionally something went wrong.

[@Napoleon1Blownapart]

Ye all doeth sucketh....and indeed all present are turds of the first order ye bitch-eth!

[@ThunderwingDS]

should of told them to get stuffed

[@muttleycrew]

He basically tells them to surrender or they're going to be killed, he calls the prince a dolphin and threatens him too all of which seems a tad worse than 'you all suck'.

[@Roheryn100]

@@muttleycrew The Crown Prince’s title was Dauphin (similar to Prince of Wales) . A direct translation is “dolphin”. Why a dolphin ? You will have to look that up.

[@eoppen]

Brian Blessed could scare Chuck Norris and Darth Vader.

[@Rodshark75]

A bad check could scare Chuck Norris...

[@harryplummer6356]

He scares the living poo out of me!!!

[@brendonhenry8835]

Brian scared Darth Vader out of this galaxy to a galaxy far far far away!

[@Sriram-ve4ge]

"This is his claim, his threatening, and my message." God damn!

[@DavidHarrison-js3ji]

Slight regard , what a wonderful phrase.

[@v0n1b0]

So is "bloody constraint".

[@catchasmurf762]

"For if you hide the crown, even in your hearts, there will he rake for it." Genius

[@grahamhodge8313]

I watch this scene frequently. For those who claim that Shakespeare is boring, this it the perfect antidote. Watching the whole movie is even better.

[@kmoore02809]

The sight of 'ambassador' Brian Blessed entering that room in full battle armor is the most badass moment of this entire film!

[@annakim9870]

Took half a steel mill to make enough armor to cover Brian Blessed's frame

[@mothygryphon9111]

Always love the fact that listening to Brian Blessed made you think he was a giant. Then you watch him walk in the the audience past guards over a foot taller. Man, he has a set of pipes.

[@atticbrowser9698]

Wonderful to see Brian Blessed’s control. No shouting, no overacting, just quiet menace. Fantastic.

[@oldaircraftguy8844]

They couldn't find a better actor to play this part. It's the longest speech I've seen from Brian Blessed without him yelling "FUCK" at someone.

[@alexbowman7582]

The man has never ever whispered or spoken lowly in his life. Ask him to whisper in your ear and he’ll shout in your ear.

[@johnmercury2272]

"Bloody constraint" I love that phrase, short and to the point.

[@gerarddelmonte8776]

Most intimidating message delivered, ever. Brian Blessed was beyond superb conveying it.

[@Evil0tto]

0:52 That isn't the soundtrack. That's just the music that plays when Brian Blessed enters a room.

[@terryfowler6090]

When he walks into the room, you get the feeling he could defeat France all by himself. Brian Blesseds finest scene.

[@satireisnotdead5804]

Brian Blessed operating on just a fraction of his true godly powers is very strange. I'm used to him eating the scenery and roaring like a blood-thirsty madman, still it is a testament to his range as an actor.

[@edweidemann7454]

Brian Blessed's beard is bright blue. This is because it has a natural temperature of over 700 degrees. He has to dye it three times a day to look normal.

[@Vpopov81]

"You'll find a difference as we his subjects have in wonder found between his greener days and these he masters now..."

[@kenp3L]

" . . . between _the promise of_ his greener days . . . "

[@edweidemann7454]

When a black rhino charged Brian Blessed, he head-butted it so hard that the animal's legs exploded. He then cured the rhino with an elaborate series of Tai Chi moves, and it's now his devoted pet.

[@NickThorbjørnsen2207]

Sounds believable. Brian would actually hate to see any animal in pain.

[@Jsmith2024]

I love this scene. Perhaps the best ever filmed.

[@darthcheney7447]

Great scene. Great movie.

[@baldrick2352]

Brian Blessed will always be King Richard IV, last seen escaping from a Turkish prison armed with only a small fruit knife, to return to England for some rumpy-pumpy and see his sons, Harry and Edna.

[@patrickstewart3446]

And he was in constant need of fresh horses... because he kept eating them. 🐴

[@jkorshak]

Take Two was perfect. Take One Brian entered yelling, "Quinctilius Varus, where are my eagles?!"

[@Satellite_Of_Love]

"IS THERE ANYONE IN ROME WHO HAS NOT SLEPT WITH MY DAUGHTER?!"

[@davekp6773]

@@Satellite_Of_Love His Augustus really was compelling.

[@Hablagrabla]

"CUT! Brian! You can't keep on barging in here in your evening gown and interrupt the production! It is not done this way!"

[@TheJoshuamooney]

I always find Brian Blessed totally captivating on screen, but never so much as in Henry V. The role is small, but each moment he’s front and center is mesmerizing. I see Branagh and Blessed as such different actors but Ken clearly knew how to direct Brian and Brian clearly knew how to deliver one of my favorite supporting performances of all time.

[@DavidHarrison-js3ji]

What an actor , he frightens the shit out of me and im English!!!!

[@reidycruise]

Why you should respect I man like that little one

[@PUBHEAD1]

That's how I want to show up at a job interview

[@brendonhenry8835]

They'd be to scared to give the job to someone else.

[@bargainbassist]

“Contempt … slight regard.” Words that will favorably sway the heart of any prospective employer.

[@punkiller666]

@@bargainbassist - And to your prospective employer? What to him from Pubhead? - 'Scorn... and defiance. Slight regard... contempt". - You can start tomorrow!

[@PUBHEAD1]

​@@punkiller666love it😅

[@yxx_chris_xxy]

He could be a Fedex delivery driver and bring anything that might not misbecome the mighty sender.

[@edweidemann7454]

Brian Blessed's Swiss Army Knife has a flamethrower attached.

[@brendonhenry8835]

And he lights the dauphin's cigar with it

[@Stratboy999]

Barely contained menace. Awesome.

[@jekylthorn8969]

Brian Blessed is a one off and never to be seen again in our lifetimes.

[@patrickstewart3446]

Chuck Norris’ beard hides another fist. Brian Blessed’s beard hides two arms and a completely torso.

[@edweidemann7454]

The British Monarchy will not allow Brian Blessed within 1000 meters from Buckingham Palace for fear that he will claim the Crown for himself. Surface to ground missles have been set up in case he breaks the limit, but all indications show that they will not be sufficient to stop him. A beta-test was launched against him at a Chuck E. Cheese, but he laughed it off, went inside and won all the cool gifts from the claw machine, including the lobster-harmonica.

[@kaczynskis5721]

When I saw this first in 1989, its differences from Olivier's version were very clear and this scene in particular made me feel that the English were being subtly depicted as the aggressor. Blessed as Exeter striding into the hall in full armour had that "this is my last territorial demand in Europe" feeling.

[@eddiegaltek]

And how do you think your country came into being?

[@chrisdaniels3929]

Henry V's reign was taken up by invading France. None of it is subtle. The Duchy of Normandy for example was taken from the English king 200 years earlier in 1204, by the King of France. It was created in 911(?) when Duke Rollo had it accepted as his by the King of France. Now Harry thinks the King of France is weak enough... In reality Harry knows it is might is right. Those are the rules.

[@markkozlowski3674]

The Olivier version, which was made during World War II, is a pro-war, patriotic film. The Branagh version is an anti-war film. Note that the Olivier's film omits Henry's speech before the walls of Harfleur in Act 3, Scene 3, while Branagh speaks it with all of it's brutality intact.

[@randomobserver8168]

Others including Chris Daniels and Mark Kozlowski have very good comments. I would add that the issues at stake are not quite territory in the modern sense. The English [originally the interest was mainly the aristocracy of Frenchmen who conquered England in 1066, pursuing the interests of their French provincial landholdings and families back in France using the resources of their new English realm, against other French lords and the French crown, but the passage of time started to nationalize things on both sides] king at this time was pursuing what they considered a valid hereditary claim to the French crown, derived from his ancestor Edward III who inherited a claim through his mother, daughter of a French king. This would have been a valid claim in England already at the time- where although no woman had yet been allowed on the throne, women had passed title on to their sons as early as the 1100s. Two hundred years before Edward III, about 250 years before Henry V. However, French jurists cooked up the idea that this was constitutionally invalid for France, solely to deny Edward's claim and pass the crown of France to a more distant branch of the French royal house, whose lineage from earlier kings was unbroken male line. Thus the latter principle became a decisive one in French law down to the end of the monarchy. The "English" royals denied the validity of this for centuries. To us, now, still a picayune reason for war. Then again, we regard any reason other than a moral crusade, as long as its not an actual religious crusade, as invalid. But for the parties on both sides then, this was an embryonic national conflict, a dynastic dispute, and a legal/constitutional dispute with huge moral consequences.

[@thesaxophoneboy]

Brian Blessed doesn't blink during this scene! Very intimidating; I like it.

[@lexiwilson9501]

Watch his death scene in I, Claudius, his face had to remain frozen, eyes open, for minutes too.

[@schlirf]

God, I love this scene!

[@bengreen6980]

Will we see such a high standard of classical acting again? Mr Blessed is legend itself in this scene, matched in my eyes only by the "Dolphin"...

[@BigMamaDaveX]

😏...I still hear him bellowing, "IS THERE ANYBODY IN ROME WHO HAS *NOT* SLEPT WITH MY DAUGHTER??" 😉😂

[@muttleycrew]

"Quinctilius Varus where are my eagles?"

[@Satellite_Of_Love]

"...only once, Caesar..." "Ah! Only once...."

[@Maza675]

'I didn't sleep Ceasar...'

[@DIREWOLFx75]

Man, i just cannot watch that without thinking of Brian Blessed in his role as king in the 1st Blackadder series. And i think he's even wearing the same armor. Awesome actor.

[@v0n1b0]

Might be apocryphal, but supposedly that is Blessed's personal armour.