Henry V - Speech - Eve of Saint Crispin's Day - HD

[@ianpourchot3981]

For ten years, I’ve watched this video before every major test, interview, or life changing challenge.

[@seronymus]

Very blessed tip

[@eggymayo3271]

Haha same my friend. Along with the Clip of once more unto the breach

[@PurpleIrishSweater]

This was the inspiration for every pep talk I gave my team of healthcare workers during COVID.

[@DoroteoVilla]

Yep, same here. In fact, I have one just a few days away. I will dispose the day.

[@thedigitalscribe9621]

I watch it every time I’m pissed but same outcome 😁

[@brianMcGranahan0311]

This speech is the greatest motivational speech ever and I find it amazing that in a Hollywood that remakes the same movie over and over, there is no better version of this speech out there

[@alanparsonsfan]

@brianMcGranahan0311 Few actors that breathe this day can handle Shakespeare full rightly as can Branagh.

[@brianMcGranahan0311]

@@alanparsonsfan fair point. It’s better it be done right than done often.

[@christophergolas9930]

I'm not saying this is a better version. Just sayin' I like this version also. From 'Renaissance Man' (1994): kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6usqniuoaqWr80

[@jamesclarkmaxwell-v2n]

btw does the three lions come from Richard the lionheart? Because it's on the england football and cricket uniform today

[@ColinMearing]

I think you may have forgotten Laurence Olivier?

[@iangrimshaw1]

There's a pub in Ashover, Derbyshire that is said to have been built on or from a house that was built be a man who returned from the battle of Agincourt. Unsurprisingly, it is called, 'The Crispin'. A glass is still raised on St Crispin's Day.

[@davidfernandez8515]

But there isn't a St. Crispin's day. In fact, there already wasn't in the time of Shakespeare. It's one of the many ironies of the speech that give layers to Harry's character. What a mind Shakespeare had

[@trajanfidelis]

@@davidfernandez8515 Yes there is. It's celebrated every October 25th

[@Acridblue999]

Lots of Longbowmen came from Derbyshire.

[@paulworgan6599]

Amazing

[@robertgray6459]

Where is this pub? I surely would have a jug of ale to celebrate the glorious 25th and honor the few. The happy few 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@foothilldave]

In the early 1980's (1984 ?) my wife and I had a short layover in the UK during a business trip to France. We visited Stratford on Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company Avon theater. We had no tickets and said we would see whatever matinee we could get in. They had a cancelation for what ended up being front row seats for Henry V with Kenneth Branagh and Brian Blessed (both here seen). Besides the amazing performances, the sets were amazing with rain machines (we got wet) and a horse on stage (for this speech). Neither of us, nor most people outside England at the time, knew who those actors were but their names were embossed in our memories from then on. What a lucky accident.

[@athrack]

Brian Blessed 🙃

[@gobshite99]

​@@athrackGordon's Alive?!

[@maguffintop2596]

My Lord- you landed quite the lotto ticket!! Front row cancelation for a production like that!!!??? Lucky day for sure 👍Thanks for sharing ❤

[@JohahnDiechter]

Brian Blessed was known in the States at that time. I Claudius was fairly popular in the early 80s on Public Broadcasting

[@maguffintop2596]

@@JohahnDiechter yes- I was 10 when it aired in 76- own it now. Excellent production!!

[@quickhistory5486]

technicalmark, the poster of this video, literally made his account on May 3rd, 2009, posted this video, and hasn’t commented or posted since. what an absolute hero

[@pottersmiles7238]

He probably went away to hold his manhood cheap

[@aandjay]

I forgot my MySpace password am I a hero too? XD

[@kevincassidy1983]

His name will be familiar in our mouths, and be remembered on St. Crispin's day 🍺

[@Paisly_]

Man really said “watch this cinematic classic” and then dipped

[@twirajuda]

He’s definitely a warrior for the working day, and his hearts in the trim

[@tommyjordan1988]

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" that part put tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Absolutely incredible.

[@Demetri450]

🤔

[@alestorcrowley]

same, every time

[@lilafeldman8630]

"bid them achieve me, and then sell my bones!" I like that verse.

[@tommyjordan1988]

@@lilafeldman8630 mine, too! Unbelievable!

[@tomben6180]

England in 8 words

[@WillyShakes]

You're all welcome.

[@clarkkent6035]

Thank you

[@willbaker2593]

Thanks Will..btw, you're much appreciated these days.

[@mitchellneu]

I thankst thee from the deepest fathoms of my soul, good sir. Why the common man in this day and age is left tragically ignorant of thy almighty greatness, I myself know not. Regardless, I thank thee, good William Shakespeare!

[@flamebird2218]

@@mitchellneu "Ay, but ȝe muste þenke Kynge Henrye and hys men wiþ-alle, for ne hadde þey deliveren us fro deþe and ffrensch swerdes and given us vyctorie, þe Englysshe woulde be dede at Agincourt feld." - Signed, an anonymous soldier who served at Agincourt

[@questionreality6003]

yo thanks bill

[@turnip9367]

One of the best speeches ever delivered in fiction. Every line oozes in comradery, passion and patriotism. It's difficult to listen to this and not get chills, regardless of whether your English or not.

[@aljosap8445]

Im not English but still it gives me chills. I also like how he humbly recognizes that they are very few and there is realy chance ob defeat but "the fewer we are the greater the share od honour"

[@glennabate1708]

Who said it’s fiction

[@JoshuaWhitie]

Oozes in comrodary however he’s legit lying them and tricking them into an early grave. This is why war poetry is a thing.

[@glennabate1708]

@@JoshuaWhitie went over your head obviously

[@p.morgan4084]

I'm French and it is one of my favourite speeches!

[@kippchapin7750]

If the English can beat back the French outnumbered 5-1, then I can handle all the nonsense from Janice in accounting.

[@jimzimmer2048]

@Nigel Kent he had a bow lol

[@corykelley187]

hahah

[@andrewthompson5728]

Unlike the French, she will still be angry years later.

[@mckinneyhunts]

I just blew coffee through my nose reading this!!

[@andrewthompson5728]

After consideration, no. The French can hold a grudge for generations, long after Janice in Accounting has passed away.

[@genki2genki]

Not only one of Shakespeare's greatest speeches, but one of the greatest speakers of Shakespeare!

[@waratah08]

@Jeffrey Gibson Avt IV, scene iii

[@ASSISTUS]

Branagh towers over all other and previous Shakespearean actors.

[@chrisdavis9928]

Oh so true, when I need to make my stand I motivate myself with this rendition of this speech. I love the actors performance, & dialogue presentation.

[@iknowexactlywhoyouare8701]

Dude Shakespeare plagiarized

[@daphnecrosby5667]

Thou hast spoken the truth

[@janeyrevanescence12]

"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" "No. I served in a company of heroes."

[@rlbs]

oh the last lines from Stephen E. Ambrose’s Band of Brothers!

[@proudhon100]

"No, I hid at home for fear of a flu like illness."

[@simul8rduude]

Yeah, Nipton saying the quote from this just hits different. RIP Major Winters.

[@Bazookatone1]

That was EXACTLY the ting I thought of too.

[@darksideofthemoon488]

Damn you. You're comment made me cry with joy.

[@JOSECANUCCJ]

This displays The Bard’s gift of using the English language. Best motivational speech ever!

[@thecappy5063]

And also the best performance of it ever.

[@jamezkpal2361]

English is a battle tongue. In the right order and with the right inflection, it can hoot and thump like trumpets and drums. Churchill knew this.

[@benlewis2475]

The delivery is also pretty key!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@jamezkpal2361 It's the reason he could "Mobilize the English language and send it into battle."

[@mig25pd]

The finest speech in the English language. I am 60 years of age and I have never ceased to be stirred by these words.

[@eifionjones559]

only problem , he won the battle and lost the war

[@chroma6947]

@@eifionjones559 Its easy to lose when your men are all shitting blood and your away from home.

[@eifionjones559]

@@chroma6947 yep but anyone with any regard for his men or his country would have foreseen that before starting

[@concars1234]

@@eifionjones559 Only because he died prematurely at 35, and of disease. Henry V would have most likely won the crown of France had he managed to stay alive.

[@mickdisco1]

65

[@tyrssen1]

Kenneth Branagh is such a great actor -- he can make Shakespeare understandable, no easy task. I had the honor to be in a scene with him in "The Gingerbread Man."

[@annedonovan9005]

Congratulations. That must have been great experience.

[@annedonovan9005]

Probably not...lol.

[@tyrssen1]

No, not "the gay porn movie," you would seem to know more about that than I would ... Hey, just teasin'. ...This picture was a flop, but Ken, as always, was great.

[@tyrssen1]

No, I had a brief scene in a small bit -- I was the leather-jacketed thug sitting in the police station as Ken ran out the door, screaming at whoever he was arguing with.

[@annieleonhart5918]

Vril

[@TheSnowballEarth]

"Blows away the Braveheart battle speech." Uh... yeah... Kenneth Branagh had a better screenwriter than Mel Gibson did.

[@DavidbarZeus1]

TheSnowballEarth Can ANY speech writer beat Shakespeare? I think not, unless it be Winston Churchill.

[@themasterfrq]

Wesley Molt Charlie Chaplin's final speech in "The Great Dictator" would give him a run for his money

[@glorfindel2012]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@nicknewman7848]

Mel Gibson did a great comedy turn as Hamlet though. Truly one of the funniest performances I've ever seen.

[@backchat8086]

To be fair J. F. Kennedy had some great speech writers too.

[@wkylegreen]

Every year I watch this video on Saint Crispin’s Day… never fails to give me chills.

[@wessew6185]

Excellent! So we are part of the "band of brothers."

[@andyk914]

Every year I watch this on July 4!!

[@RUSH2112RUSH]

Happy viewing today 😊

[@wkylegreen]

Happy St Crispin’s!

[@gutsfinky]

I'm here in 2024😊

[@annedonovan9005]

Anyone want to bet the herald went back and told them "he said no'.

[@ulujain]

"Il a dit non, Constable"

[@shorelockhomes943]

I bet the harld said no.

[@ThePonderer]

anne Donovan nah. He respects him too much.

[@Luanna801]

@John West Sr, You seem to be the one who doesn't understand? The herald wanted to know if Henry would negotiate the ransom, and Henry's response was that no, he wouldn't. That's the "No" the original commenter was referring to.

[@brettknoss486]

Nuts

[@proco2008]

In 2012 I was in a very dark place. This clip got me through. I'd play it when feeling low. I was drinking more than I should but have not touched a drop since 2021. Thank you technnicalmark. Thank you.

[@RUSH2112RUSH]

Who is here 609 years to the day since this battle took place? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️🇫🇷

[@jackthorton10]

We Few… We Happy Few.. We Band of Brothers

[@MikeGrant-q7b]

He who sheds his blood with me ...​@@jackthorton10

[@BenRollinsActor]

Especially impressive when you realize that he adapted the play for the screen, produced, directed, and starred in that film - all before the age of 30. Interesting fact: at 2:26, the kid in the lower left corner is a VERY young Christian Bale. He was 12 or 13 at the time of filming.

[@johnosullivan6778]

Christian Bale starred in Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" before "Henry V"

[@zeravam]

Another interesting fact: Both, Brannagh and Bale, would star movies of Christopher Nolan

[@bruvvamoff]

Another fun fact, sardines are super gross.

[@mrswinkyuk]

@@bruvvamoff That's not a fact. Sardines are delicious _that's_ a fact. Twinky's, now _they_ are gross!

[@GeorgeMonet]

@@mrswinkyuk That's not a fact. Twinkies are delicious that's a fact. Sardines, now they are gross!

[@firiel2366]

It's kinda funny, I know, but sometimes, on really rough days, this speech just... helps. Like, "If Henry V can stand in the face of 5-1 odds against and tell his soldiers to get out there and be heroes, I can make it through this day."

[@63Baggies]

like?

[@63Baggies]

Nathan Resillas Steady on Nathaniel ;-)

[@NonApplicable1983]

Firiel Three-to-one, but still.

[@Mazter1veteran]

Same here

[@gabrielletrenbath945]

Exactly

[@tommyjordan1988]

The even more impressive thing is that the speech is written in iambic pentameter. How Shakespeare manage to pour so much profound substance and feeling into his sentences, within a rigid 10 syllable per line structure is simply mind boggling. Nabokov said about Shakespeare: "His verbal poetic texture is the greatest the world has ever known. It is the metaphor that is the thing. A genius." I couldn't agree more. Shakespeare's writings haunt me. Utterly phenomenal.

[@piercebrosnan9528]

Shakespeare was more blessed a writer than any man of this world. Who's words echo from the greats of antiquity yet enhanced by his outrageous talent and inner power.

[@wasp3959]

Thank you for this.

[@mrdarren1045]

It isn't the syllable count but getting the iambic pentameter right. And knowing when to go a syllable long or short for effect.

[@PackLeader-1990]

"She was Lo, plain Lo in the morning"

[@benjaminharris7091]

May 2024 - still one of the greatest moments in Ken Branagh’s storied career and Shakespeare on film. I first watched this version of Henry V when I was 20 years old; I a, now 53! . This speech absolutely fueled my desire to read and understand Shakespeare and to study English history. Patrick Doyle’s amazing soundtrack is so amazing and a big reason this scene is so good! Today, the bard, Branagh and Doyle are all “freshly remembered!”

[@SimonKing-z4u]

Snap dude, though I've got a couple of years more on you, everything else spot on.

[@missmabel]

Me too! Saw it in the theatre at 16 and still rewatching at 51. Doyle's sountrack is definitely part of this movie's magic. (Ditto for his Sense and Sensibility)

[@jamesjacobson3966]

Perhaps the most rousing speech in the English language, fictional or not. It’s not surprising that Churchill who arguably gave the finest actual speech’s e.g. Blood, toil, tears and sweat and We shall fight them on the beach’s knew many of Shakespeare plays word for word.

[@Jimdixon1953]

The dislikes are from the soldiers who listened to the speech then decided to make a claim for travel expenses and asked for their passports back from HR.

[@henryvkingofenglandandfran7220]

Brilliant

[@janewhite2331]

Those soldiers who survived in fact had to find their own way back to England under their own steam and never received backpay for the time they had been fighting. Exactly the same thing happened after Bonaparte was defeated when Wellington came home to be the hero of the land and most of the returning common soldiers came back to live lives of destitution on the streets again with no pay.

[@antoniusbritannia8217]

They hold their manhood's cheap. . .

[@jonathanwilliams1065]

@@janewhite2331 they would have at least marched to Calais

[@ChrisCaaa]

And one from the constable of France

[@giacomopandiani6290]

This speech has kept me alive for years. Every time I have to do something really difficult I watch this.

[@olwens1368]

Yes- I have a difficult day ahead, after not much sleep last night. Hot strong coffee and Henry's speech before Agincourt and look out world, here I come.

[@DylanWilby]

@@olwens1368 godspeed, hope it went well

[@evelynbaron66]

yes only defensible interpretation of urging to war and death

[@sunitabansal1639]

Very good speech for doing something big in life

[@olwens1368]

@@DylanWilby A very late reply which probably you'll never see- but it DID go very well, thank you.

[@1foams]

On a darker moment, when courage is needed, I remind myself of what lies within by watching this.

[@johnciummo3299]

As a Marine combat veteran, Vietnam 68-69, this speech ring so true. As I try to explain to those that never served in mortal combat. For one small sliver of time you served with fellow Marines, who without hesitation, would clearly give up their lives and futures to save mine. As I would do the same to save their lives! And yes, almost 60 years, I am proud to call them my brothers. I have been very fortunate in my life. After Vietnam,college a great career in the corporate world with numerous accolades but nothing can ever top knowing I never let my fellow Marines down. Semper Fi.

[@piercebrosnan9528]

God loves you, brother.

[@justa.american8303]

God love the MARINE CORPS.

[@alineharam]

And I ask all of you (I am a schoolteacher and have not served in war) to remember our brothers who did not return home. That debt can never be repaid.

[@johnciummo3299]

Well said!

[@salamanca1954]

Well said, brother.

[@LondonPride25]

The power of Shakespeare's words and Branagh's delivery has tears in my eyes at- "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;" To immediately roaring with English pride at - "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." That's power.

[@davidbroadley126]

Henry the fifth the butcher king

[@davidbroadley126]

@@willc1294 shithouse

[@abdihassan7208]

was this speech really uttered by henry V?

[@abdihassan7208]

@@hungrycrab3297 thank you!

[@censorduck]

"not fighting at agincort is smol pee pee energy" - Shakespear.

[@signpo890]

"We would not die in that mans company" Now that's a line I will never forget.

[@josepheveson6187]

Literally one of the best speeches of all time. Never swung a sword in my life and would charge in after hearing this ⚔️

[@MsKathleenb]

Swung several swords in my day and ditto.

[@Dudemon-1]

​@@MsKathleenb-- Same here. I'm almost as old as Sir Thomas Erpingham was at Agincourt (58), but my sword-swinging days are nearly past, but many a time I listened to this to fire myself up!

[@philipitaliano1329]

Watching this on October 25th - Saint Crispian's Day and the 606 year anniverary of Agincourt. It is currently cold, went, and rainy outside, just like another Saint Crispian's Day. When I was seven years old my dad showed me this scene and played the epic battle scene for me. This story did a good man teach his son.

[@francoisdaureville323]

606 anniversary you mean

[@philipitaliano1329]

@@francoisdaureville323 thank you

[@deriter64]

Gee, I love the internet. I'm old and I'll never get to the West End again but I can sit here and compare Olivier, Burton and Branagh doing the St.Crispin speech and loving every minute of it. I have no idea who you tech wizards are or why you do it but thank you so much, you sort of band of brothers.

[@Quonzer]

Our generations wouldn't have anything to study or to find inspirational if the previous generations hadn't written them all down for us to read and learn about. So, even though you didn't write this, in a way...thank you.

[@stephengreen7758]

I'm old as well and share your sentiments, dereiter64. And thank you, Altrunchen, for your kind remarks. One tends these days to think of the present generation twittering away or entering on Facebook all the nothing they know, preening to the applause of their vacuous co-adulators. To have all the best in culture at one's fingertips is more gratifying than you will ever know.

[@susanesquer1520]

@@stephengreen7758 Very well said Brother Stephen Green ! (19 November 2018 1550 hours)

[@STPickrell]

I am 45 now, and I can view these things at will, as opposed to merely carrying them in the fondness of memory.

[@joes369]

I'm old also and i agree with you 100%

[@billfish8843]

Great bit of acting in this scene by Christopher Ravenscroft as Montjoy. His face changes subtly from arrogance to respect, and the way he takes his hat off is like an exclamation point to the change. And he does it with minimal camera time while sitting on a restless horse.

[@JimSmithInChiapas]

+Bill Fish Thank you for pointing out so brilliantly, and succinctly, the small things Ravenscroft did that made his appearance in this scene so impactful.

[@billfish8843]

+JimSmithInChiapas Thanks for being nice on the Internet, and you're most welcome.

[@rogerhwerner6997]

Great observation.

[@mitchyoung8791]

These British people can act!

[@ekscalybur]

The removal of the hat was a supremely heartfelt salute to King Henry and his host. The herald was letting Henry and everyone in his host, who at that time he was sure were about to be wiped out, but remained courageous and disciplined, had earned his deepest respect.

[@TheTrohl]

3:33 - I love how Brian Blessed is just waiting for it.

[@Bonk4Me]

+TheTrohl Loved him in Blackadder

[@Amethyst_Friend]

'YEE-ah, ha-ha-hAA!

[@admiralackbar1994]

SQUADRON 40 DIIIIIVE!!!!

[@thehuggroupemail5029]

Chiswick! Fresh Horses!

[@U2QuoZepplin]

TheTrohl Brian Blessed’s rendition of this speech must be something to behold too!? Just imagine his booming voice! 😉

[@exit3073]

God I love this speech. Kenneth Branagh does it total justice.

[@merriotChard]

Sir Lawrence Olivier had an edge to this in his 1944 debut .😊

[@stevouk]

This is so unfair, I know, but Branagh, physically, is just too ordinary for me to believe in him as Henry. To be sure, the delivery is firing on all cylinders, but he looks... like a bloke in the outdoor section of a garden centre.

[@merriotChard]

He certainly did...a hint of cautious overacting at times but did that speech with a passion .

[@chrismacdonald9091]

Best version of this speech ever. I even got 8th graders who didn't know Shakespeare to totally get it by watching this. This is just amazing.

[@dreadfulsam]

I've seen this adaptation a dozen times and Henry's battle speech still gives me chills. Every. Single. Time.

[@georgebrooke4492]

The combination of the speech and the music is just outstanding. I can watch this repeatedly without getting bored and always noticing something new. Totally excellent

[@dzauthor]

George Brooke It gives me chills as the music swells with the speech

[@tommyjordan1988]

The music accompaniment is fantastic! I can't get over how incredible the acting and the music are, absolutely staggering.

[@georgebrooke4492]

@@tommyjordan1988 Hi, It still makes the hairs stand up on my neck. And then I think of Boris.........

[@craigwilliams6734]

I am sitting here in bloody tears watching this magnificent piece of Shakespeare acted out by a masterclass by Branagh - Phenomenal

[@davidbroadley126]

💩

[@craigwilliams6734]

@@davidbroadley126 is that in your underpants?

[@CosmicContrarian]

Greatest speech of all time, beautiful use of language!

[@shirleymental4189]

jeff walther. Are you mental? Just asking.

[@orangejoe204]

It's a Shakespearean re-imagining of what Henry V actually said to his (exhausted, hungry and disease-ridden) troops the night before the battle. The actual text of the speech is not historically recorded, but the broad strokes were much nastier and tougher: Henry reinforced that he was gravely serious about this battle and addressed each of his two main contingents separately. First, he told the noble knights (some 1,500) that chivalry was dead, that he'd sooner die in battle than be ransomed by the French, and that he'd personally kill any man (no matter his rank) who tried to flee or surrender. Nobody was going home unless they won, and the only thing that would produce victory against a larger French force was ironclad will to win that he believed (correctly) the French lacked. Then he addressed his main force (7,000 peasant longbowmen), telling them the French had boasted they would amputate the fingers of any bowman they captured alive; this piece of creative fiction was intended to fire THEM up, since it was difficult to inspire men who were normally not taken alive at all (as they had no ransom value). Evidently the thought of being ritually robbed of the fingers they'd spent literally their entire lives winning their bread on and then left alive as a burden was MORE insulting to them than simply being killed out of hand. He ended it by ordering every man to spend the night in silent prayer and mental preparation, with the punishment being amputation. Evidently it all worked, as the Knights (with Henry and his bodyguards fighting in the thickest part) held the line against 4x their number of equals until the archers could shoot their quivers empty. These totally unarmored peasants, not at all intended for hand-to-hand combat, then screamed bloody murder and descended (full Barbarian style) into the fray with their heavy lead mallets and misericorde daggers, finishing off any of the heavily-armored French nobility who'd been battered into the mud. Even after they'd narrowly dispatched the French vanguard, their reserve forces could have then attacked and annihilated the English. So Henry stood all the captives up and executed them brutally in cold blood in front of the reserves. The reserves went home. So did the English. Victory. The whole thing from soup to nuts was an exercise in effective brutality by a master of battlefield leadership. I'd have followed a Warrior King like that into the bowels of Hell.

[@eifionjones559]

only one thing wrong , he never made that speech and whilst he won the battle he lost the war

[@SiLatics56]

@@eifionjones559 He didn't lose the war. He died of dysentery and sadly his son was a relatively weak king in war terms. With no leader in the same mould as Henry V it allowed the French to regain their lost territories and eventually win the war. So it wasn't Henry who lost the war, it was the English army who carried on after he had died who lost the war, minus true leadership.

[@flamebird2218]

Henry V spoke Middle English; he would have sounded nothing like this if he did give the speech at all. As @@UCsiZ57y7PpcZqQVii_hNjagpointed out, this is a Shakespearean re-imagining of what he really said. If the speech were actually recorded, it would sound nothing like Modern English or Early-Modern English.

[@roryokane5907]

Note the young Christian Bale at 2:26!

[@U2QuoZepplin]

Yeah, I noticed a few other notable British actors faces there too. Brian Blessed - no less. I mean how can you loose when you've got him on your team! hahhah After all, he's only wrestled with The Dalai Lama for goodness sake, among other great deeds.

[@nano4778]

No wonder he became the dark knight after hearing that speech

[@twirajuda]

Bale will make a great Henry V, especially if the character is reinterpreted away from Shakespeare nano4778 . He has that mix of toughness and class, ruthlessness and vulnerability that can make the king more relatable to modern audiences and is close to the historical personage

[@redneckzen]

Don't forget Bilbo Baggins, too!

[@connorveach5986]

Wow he’s a babyyy. I would have guessed him and Kenneth Branagh would be around the same age, or at least the same generation...

[@RCAvhstape]

100 viewers hold their manhoods cheap.

[@princepis]

Lol

[@cascinamelognis9027]

+Helium Road 2% of stupid people means a very good average. Be faithful in human progress despite the mice.

[@davidmckown3590]

the number of cheap manhoods has increased to 115

[@carlosdanger5741]

+Helium Road I've been holding my manhood cheap for years. I have pictures...

[@johnogrady7066]

+Carlos Danger very witty :-)

[@normvw4053]

Once, and only once was I able to recite this, from memory, and complete, with a friend. We were at Arlington National Cemetary, at the base of a tree was a plaque, with the quote, "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...", I've not been able to do it since, but if any place I was able to do this, there, among that Hallowed Garden of Stone, that was the place...that was the time.

[@Mermaid2261]

I can hear this speech over and over and it affects me the same way each time. As inspirational as it gets!

[@ghill628]

Another Veterans Day comes and again I come back to the St. Crispin's Day speech. To all my shipmates, past and present, it was my honor to belong to your band of brothers.

[@SarcyseTiranin]

This speech literally brings tears to my eyes. How can a speech written hundreds of years ago be so profound?

[@Consume_Crash]

Because this story is more connected to the real.

[@johndoe5432]

Because there are some truths that are universal and timeless.

[@janel342]

Because they, unlike us now, did deep.

[@rhondapetrus7187]

Why does this always give me chills. My ancestor fought at Agincourt.

[@KevinMeeds]

bonjour...

[@therevolvingmonk]

Braveheart, Gladiator, and 300 pre-battles speeches are amateur hour compared to Sir Kenneth nailing Shakespeare.

[@concars1234]

it's all about the language, man

[@johnnysokko4648]

Truth

[@therevolvingmonk]

@@concars1234 So true. The way Shakespeare sounds as you hear it and how it feels as you speak or read it tickles a part of the brain in a way that few other things can.

[@daybeau7819]

Three elements put this clip at the top of motivational speeches: the text, the delivery, and that sneaky--but really effective--music track. Contrast this version with Olivier's take on the material or even Bill Pullman's almost pep rally worthy speech near the end of Independence Day and you will wonder why did the others waste the celluloid.

[@63Baggies]

Shakespeare is the GOLD standard. There's a reason why we're still watching and reading his work 500 plus years later. There are fewer and fewer reason to feel pride in being English; especially nowadays - William Shakespeare is one of them.

[@nickdarr7328]

I love that since time immemorial the glory of combat has never been in the fighting or even personal bravery. But the simple love and absolute willingness to die for your fellows. That term band of brothers captures the feeling perfectly

[@pateris]

I think it underlines the fact that when you wee the actual fight (as far as I remember it), it's not Exacalibur or Ran-style grandiose, but an abject brawl in mud and blood. Brannagh might have been standing on the shoulder of a giant, but he knew what he was doing…

[@Warrior_of_Sparta]

For me this is the greatest speech in literature, absolutely staggering!

[@beckerqueiroz]

Agreed! And Branagh's is the best interpretation, in the humble opinion of one who hasn't seen any other and doesn't care for them. Nothing could top this.

[@markgrice8088]

harry's speech at harfleur is second ofcourse...once more into the breech,dear friends, once more

[@s51curtis]

There was one performance that comes close. Years ago the BBC ran a series call "The Shakespeare Plays" with David Gwillim playing the lead in "Henry V." His performance was excellent.

[@jeffwalther3935]

BUT only if ya can relate. thats why the noncombatant sleepers are FAR AWAY in london and not calais, i.e., ya gotta run the guantlent at least once of killing AND dieing for such a noble cause to even know what the b of b are talking about. that explains that captivating, totally out of place smirk and delight on henrys beaming face. hes telling an inside joke, while unwrapping sudden surprise st crispin day gifts for each and every one. and thats true and real and profound and important; timely and timeless. i guess.

[@jeffwalther3935]

if one had to choose, especially for blessed brevity and lack of bs, henry v or gettysburg address are outta the park #1 homers.

[@stubblington]

Whenever I need a pick me up, I can always come here and it never fails. This rendition was what introduced me to the play when I was bored flicking through the channels one day when I was a teen. From then on I was obsessed with it and have even been lucky enough to both direct it and star in the lead role (in separate amateur productions). Thanks Kenneth Branagh, you gave me an appreciation for Shakespeare that helped shape my life.

[@ajurado800]

"I pray thee bear my former answer back: Bid them achieve me, and then sell my bones." (Henry V, 4.3.91-2)

[@concars1234]

badass line

[@rongravelle603]

If his voice booms any louder, it would cause the clouds to move. What s voice!

[@mustafajackson9430]

Brilliant work by Mr. Branagh and his Happy few.

[@Cheggley45]

Well, I have watched this scene in excess of fifty times, and will continue until have I have committed it all to memory! So powerful!

[@ChannelUmptyThree]

That has to be the most cultured way to say "Let's go kick some ass!"

[@marvinc9994]

""Let's go kick some ass!"" Well, _arse_ , at any rate: the English don't care much for animal-kicking ;-)

[@VVeltanschauung187]

Isn't that the irony of it?

[@MonicaActis]

Hahaha. Love it!!!

[@robbo-jn7169]

This will hang on my conscience for years to come, the music,the language and the tone come together to inspire millions. Future generations will never see a better speech.

[@francispardeilhan5719]

What a stunning interpretation of a magnificent speech...

[@EmmanuelleHen]

I am French and stop my studies too early but England English language and especially as Shakespeare use it is so perfect for me..I cannot express my joy listening to these lines even if I have so many efforts to do ..LOVE WILLIAM S FOR EVERV

[@EmmanuelleHen]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 this is one tbe most important part of my life

[@Hablagrabla]

I could not have wished to be of english descent more than after watching this. Alas I'm swedish, but I behold, read and admire, still. O' Land of Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Britons. History has shown you are a great people. For good and for worse. You are a people to be admired.

[@Hablagrabla]

Of that I already know. Scandinavian history is kind of my thing.

[@mrkitcatt2119]

@@Hablagrabla and that Briton blood is on average 28 %in all of Britain whereas around 60 is germanic

[@leedobson]

You're a brother to us in every way

[@mattmale7183]

You have your heroes, Gustavus Adolphus for one.

[@jenn-kh]

Everyone likes the Swedes. We all just wish you'd act more like Vikings and less like socialists. Good grief, you never even had an empire, let alone the, you know, German unpleasantness. What are you people apologizing for all the time?

[@bigbadseed7665]

"Bid them achieve me and then sell my bones!" God, I love it!

[@alexyoon-sungcucina7895]

Mountjoy really shines in this. You see his expression change and he realizes Henry is in deadly earnest and this will be a gruesome fight to the death, yet at the end he remains confident of French victory and Harry's death/capture with "Thou shalt never hear herald anymore." The subtle mix of both respect and boast is splendid.

[@CasuallyObservant]

I took a different meaning. Mountjoy would have been a neutral with no allegiance to either side. He was a protected courier to deliver messages between the two warring sides. He had arrived to allow one more option of mercy as decently offered by France who was certain of a quick and bloody victory. France's offer was to allow England to declare a loss right then, allow France to declare victory, arrest all the soldiers, keep the King and his high ranking leaders safe to be returned (for ransom of course) while the remaining soldiers' fates would be death or imprisonment. To some that was an act of mercy. Truly, to stop England from suffering such a terribly bloody loss, including perhaps the death of the young King. But, the King proclaimed he was not afraid to go forth in battle and was offended by the offer. He directed the courier to tell the King of France his previous offer still stood and to make no more such offensive offers to him. The courier seemed impressed by the King's bravery and even took his cap off and placed it on his chest as a sign of respect and admiration and said in effect, "you will have no more such offensive offers tendered by me'. And he nodded and rode off to tell France that the battle would indeed go forward!

[@alexyoon-sungcucina7895]

@@CasuallyObservant Definitely agree on the doft of the cap as a sign of respect. Whether he was doing his perfunctory duty or not, and whether he was confident of French victory or not, he was clearly impressed by Henry's resolve. How many other kings and nobles had he delivered terms to and found them to be little more than connivers and cowards?

[@CasuallyObservant]

@@alexyoon-sungcucina7895 - I imagine most of them!

[@DwarfyDoodad]

​@@alexyoon-sungcucina7895 Agincort was such a *resounding* defeat for the French that the ransom of the French nobility repaid the cost of the failed invasion and then some, and the French Infantry still suffered servitude or death. But make no mistake, Henry's invasion of France was absolutely a failure, Agincort wasn't a battle Henry wanted to fight, especially outnumbered and with many of his men so *literally* sick with Dysentery they went without pants (actual accounts of this, dysentary is conveyed via diarhea) Keep in mind Henry knew (at the time of the Battle) he was a disgraced king and if ransomed back (if it was paid at all) he would have been deposed. His options were death in battle or death in disgrace he didn't think he had a chance of actually winning the battle.

[@DwarfyDoodad]

@@alexyoon-sungcucina7895 To clarify further: "Ransom" actually was standard practice, land owners were rarely if ever put to death even on the battlefield in any conflict. But in terms of this speech King Henry is willing to pay from the crown's treasury for any man who doesn't want to die ("His passport shall be made") Even if Henry himself is not willing to admit such a disgrace.

[@professortolk]

The greatest speech on film

[@purefoldnz3070]

its a bit camp innit?

[@davidahlstrom7533]

Brilliant delivery of Shakespeare's great Henry V leadership speech. Branaugh is one of the all-time great actors.

[@wireguided9572]

Without doubt, the best rendition of this speech, ever. I have this film at home and every now and then watch it. I never tire of it. Makes me proud to be British. For good or bad the British have certainly made an impact on this planet out of all proportion to their numbers.

[@francais197]

proud to be English

[@Bruce-1956]

Britain didn't exist. I take it your English! Maybe you should learn some history.

[@georgeiii2998]

@Bruce1956 What do you mean, Britain didn't exist? Great Britain is an island, of course it existed. And the original commenter lives in the present, not in the past, which makes them citizens of the present-day United Kingdom, which is probably what you meant. I'm capable of being pedantic too.

[@kellydg471]

@@Bruce-1956 If you actually watched the play, you will see that Shakespeare included a Scotsman, an Irishman and a Welshman to show this was a "British" victory

[@mikeoglen6848]

Never, in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few....

[@edwardfrostickblois4191]

Utter rubbish

[@mikeoglen6848]

@@edwardfrostickblois4191 OK, you tell that ti Winston, then...

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

No doubt many of those RAF boys in the Spitfires and Hurricanes had this speech in the backs of their minds, even if they didn't realize it at the time.

[@johndoe5432]

Any man who says this speech does not stir something within him is either a liar or a fool.

[@alineharam]

or dead

[@andrewelliott4436]

​@@alineharam Well ... The thing is that a dead person wouldn't be able to hear anything, now would he?

[@bigm6649]

...or French 😉

[@WolfStrife]

600 years ago today...

[@ObsoleteOddity]

I've watched this scene many times, I had the video cassette (now vintage!) ...back in the day. I think Mr Branagh did a damn fine job of bringing Shakespeare to the younger generation. My poor old landlord at the time....full volume - lol

[@brettbaxter7882]

When I hear King Harry, so does my neighbor.

[@persesrathert8324]

Blessed old landlord to have such a tenant.

[@Lorenzo-cp7qs]

@@persesrathert8324 For thine men are honoured

[@dinoperedetout7464]

Thankfully, you did not call him “host”!

[@63Baggies]

If it's too loud; you're too old :-)

[@fnulnu6507]

I had to learn and recite this speech in college in1995. Had never heard of it, but was greatly inspired. I have searched for it many times since, but just happened across it today. Greatest speech ever!

[@corkmans8846]

+fnu lnu It's a lot harder to memorize in high school tonight...

[@fnulnu6507]

+Corrigan “ayy” lmao You will never forget it.

[@fnulnu6507]

fight for your own destiny. dont be told what to do.

[@perfesser944]

"We few, we blessed few, we band of brothers!" Countless are the occasions when teams or groups of humans could have uttered those words.

[@nbenefiel]

No one in the thousands of years of human culture wrote like Shakespeare, no one.

[@NBarker1993]

Nancy Benefiel Its amazing how he just blows everything else out of the water. Very, very little matches him and nothing surpasses him. It'd be interesting to see what Shakespeare's thought process was like, I wonder if there's any notebooks of his that exist that showed us what he was thinking?

[@30secondstomarsMBH]

+Nancy Benefiel And thank god. At least I can understand everyone else. I really don't get people's fascination with Old English. Yay, it happened, it made us speak a certain way, it introduced certain things, but now it's old and we don't speak it really that much any more and it doesn't make much sense, and it's not modern english and oh, by the way I speak in slang more than I do QUEEN's english, so, it's not exactly that relevant any more. Like, that's how I see it anyway. Great stories, annoying as hell language.

[@nbenefiel]

+30secondstomarsMBH Old English is Anglo Saxon, the language of Beowulf. You can't read it just from knowing modern English. Middle English is much more accessible as in Chaucer or the lovely poem Sumer is icumen in, thought to be the oldest in the English language. The English of the 16th and 17th centuries, Shakespeare and Marlowe are readily accessible with a good glossary. I can't imagine wanting to miss the beauty of it. When you lose a language, which we are doing rapidly right now, you lose the heart of the people who think in it. Each loss takes something away from mankind, in my humble opinion.

[@nedpike2186]

+Anon San It's really quite simple. Shakespeare wrote his plays not to entertain the gentry & royalty, but for the common folk in the pit at the Globe. Since they, in that day, were mostly illiterate, he had to write easy "hooks" that the common man would remember and spread as cheap advertising. He invented the movie trailer, but had the genius to keep it up for a 2 hour play.

[@nbenefiel]

+brony428 It's not just the stories, It's what he did with them.

[@samosullivan1744]

That moment when the camera shows Robin The Luggage-Boy is truly magical. Not just because you can see the young lad feeling a whole new surge of pride at his place among these older soldiers and the place in history he’ll earn, but you can also see the young Christian Bale’s inspiration! After he had done Empire Of The Sun, he felt like he wanted to quit acting, but working with Branagh encouraged him to continue his career. You can imagine how full of awe he must have been watching this legendary thespian deliver this passion-filled speech!

[@ReonMagnum]

I'm currently stringing my 140 lb English Longbow while watching this.

[@thegatekeeper715]

Twas not the bow that heralded nigh the death of Frenchmen on that day, It was indeed the water sopped ground upon which they charged that did the deed. The stalwart bowmen nair did move against the charge, but stood their ground convinced they won the day.

[@JAG3003]

Welsh longbow

[@Agent1W]

+ReonMagnum I'm currently calibrating my 1,000 Italian siege crossbow, because if you want to penetrate French plate, you gotta do it right.

[@justanobadi6655]

the great part of this scene is that the bowmen haven't strung their bows yet, considering it rained the night prior and they didn't want wet drawstrings, it's great attention to detail. it's a shame we didn't see anyone warming up their bows by stretching it.

[@JAG3003]

@Mark Weaver the oldest bow is found in Somerset (more Celts than English) and dates back to over 2 and a half thousand years ago, over a thousand years before "England" existed as a name and in every battle from Crecy to agincourt they were used by the Welsh archers (the time at their highest use) so call it what you want but it's the Welsh who used them while fighting for the English armies, oh and I hope you realise Henry and all his family is Welsh too, the (arguably) greatest English monarchy so not so much a dream as historical fact.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Amazing. To my knowledge Shakespeare never served a day in the military in his life, but he "got it." What a genius he was! And Kenny Branagh NAILED that speech! He even beat Olivier's version, and that's saying something!

[@berserkley]

As good as Olivier's Henry was, I think Branagh's is the gold standard. (For my money, the best Olivier Shakespeare is Richard III)

[@jimtownsend7899]

I found Olivier's to be rather like rote recitation. In honesty, he let Shakespeare's words take center stage and yet, Branagh's version puts the feeling and emotion behind the words.

[@TheCatJoker]

How beautiful. I never get tired of this incredible scene.

[@taylorahern3755]

Yes, one of the finest and most inspirational speeches ever given in cinematic history. Mesmerizing and beautifully rendered, Kenneth Branaugh delivered it to sublime perfection, with this passionate love and seamless grace, to the point that his deep and wonderful veneration of Shakespeare, and more specifically, of Henry the V, oozed out of him with this natural and poetic flow. Spellbinding, sign me up for battle, such was that speech's impact and effect upon me, its timeless appeal, its endearing and enduring poignancy, and its true power, remaining undiminished through the passage of time. Loved it, that amazing speech, along with that astonishing and incredibly inspirational rendering of it! Shakespeare himself would be proud. Great job Kenneth, from one nostalgically inspired Irishman to another!

[@lauraschwendinger4759]

Amazing. Score, actor, text are perfect match. So extraordinary! I wish Kenneth Branagh would do 10 more film adaptations of Shakespeare!

[@davidbroadley126]

He s not even english is he hes from belfast that wil b a one sided movie as well

[@davidbroadley126]

Olivier blinds brannagh at Shakespeare

[@seanjoyce7039]

Does anybody else love the cool little connection made between Henry and Herald? Henry refers to him as "gentle", knowing he's just an emissary and likely wants no part of the conflict, while Herald doffs his hat to him, clearly a showing of respect toward Henry's abject bravery.

[@kegginstructure]

It is a central tenet of chivalry that when not in combat, you hold your enemy/adversary in highest regard.

[@MarySanchez-qk3hp]

Wish it was still that way, America has fallen so low of late.

[@HordrissTheConfuser]

'Gentle' in this context has a similar meaning to 'noble', as in 'gentleman'. The same meaning is used in "... gentle his condition". Knowing Shakespeare, though, this was probably a deliberate double-meaning.

[@thraciangrapes]

Thank you 👏 The most brilliant and stirring speech ever written.

[@lindgrenland]

I need to start speaking like this in everyday life. What a performance

[@littlehorhey5285]

We few, we happy few whom are blessed enough to comprehend the extent of Shakespeares genius.

[@user-pm5jh8vj2x]

No wonder the Brits ruled the world for 300 years. Every schoolboy with any imagination who read this, and that was schoolboy for generations, was highly motivated to serve the crown to the maximum extent possible. The Bard was a linguist genius who will never be equaled.

[@johncarroll772]

Read Flashman

[@davidtuer5825]

@@johncarroll772 Don't be stupid! Flashman is the very antithesis of Henry's spirit. Remember, it may be Shakespeare but it's not fiction, the battle was real, the odds against but we prevailed, in real life. Shakespeare preserved it for us.

[@davidrodgersNJ]

I'm hardly Shakespeare, but this is what I call BALLS. It makes me proud of my British blood.

[@susanesquer1520]

I take it that you don't hold your manhood cheap . (16 November 2045 hours)

[@razahasnain9326]

Dont be proud of your british world. In a few years, south asians will ve running britain, ruling over all of u with an iron hand, just like the east india company did with us. Almost 30 percent now. In a few years indians will take over. Shakespeare will be translated in hindi and english will be forgotten.

[@stevecooper7883]

@@razahasnain9326 "Achieve me, and then sell my bones!"

[@razahasnain9326]

Bradley Owusu all human beings were asians once upon a time.

[@raymondturner1478]

@@razahasnain9326 lol

[@renatebarbeck]

The power of words. Thanks Kenneth Branagh the best Shakespear performer!

[@robertthomas3777]

Branagh always gets the good lines. Underrated actor. Timeless words for all soldiers, past present and future.

[@Sammyli99]

but not IDF, oh please.

[@voivod6871]

not sure what you are on about Branagh is an extremly highly rated actor and rightly so.

[@toonu]

Have watched this video once per day for 5 months. I can recite it all. It’s also my shower timer. In, wash, recite this entire video, out, dry.

[@jimhall167]

I saw this movie when it debuted in 1989 as most of my friends were dying of AIDS. Several of us, all gone now but me, saw it together. We had a foe and we were few and despised by society. Nothing could have been more encouraging than this scene, the St. Crispin's day speech by the dear King. I miss them all and hope that in the hereafter we will meet again and remember St. Crispin's day.

[@deniseeulert2503]

You will see them again. Maybe in Heaven/the hereafter, we can all act in plays forever.

[@longshot7601]

I saw this in a video store and for a dollar,. what the heck. I have never seen or read anything by Shakespere before. I watched it mesmerized. I went to get Hamlet with Mel Gibson next and was sorely disappointed. I play Branagh's spech when I'm feeling depressed for some reason and it helps get me out of that funk.

[@WhiteIkiryo-yt2it]

May the memories of your friends, you happy few live forever.

[@powfoot4946]

The fewer men, the greater share of honour.

[@MaryCree-p3r]

We would not die in that man's company who fears his fellowship to die with us. --I thought about that line often during the deepest days of the AIDS crisis.

[@franciscomendoza5811]

Aquí mexicano, en Zacatecas México tenemos una capilla dedicada a san Crispín y san crispiano, cada 25 de octubre voy de peregrinación a Zacatecas a brindar plegarias, :) me alegra que este speech mencione estos santos

[@TheLeadhound]

I gave a version of this speech at work when things were going slowly. It actually inspired people despite me forgetting a lot of it and pausing a bunch. Even I worked harder after giving it. Shakespeare's words have legitimate power.

[@darrengallagher7843]

The finest of delivery of this Shakespeare immortal speech, on this St Crispin day

[@jskn15]

If English is your language, this is your speech. Great are the English Speaking nations. We are a crazy family, but we are family.

[@noneofyourbusiness43]

Britain's the weird cousin who isn't a bad guy but its sad cuz he lets his wife beat him

[@blockmasterscott]

Agreed 100!

[@prestonlindbeck1197]

Absolutely God damn right!!!

[@Trickroad]

jskn15 and islam is taking over the english nations

[@NJA1039]

It’s not perfect but it’s the best damn language we got

[@adstow]

This is a wonderful example of the beauty of the English language. Kudos to William Shakespeare - from one of the commoners from the colonies in Australia ;-)

[@Modyman]

Just got cast as Henry. Which is strange for me, cuz I’m typically the comedic side kick. But I’m stoked as hell to deliver this and “once more unto the breach”

[@siras2]

As someone whose middle name is Crispin I'd just like to wish everyone a happy St Crispin's day - 25th of October!

[@jacksonmawhinney3328]

This moves me to tears. Summons up the blood every time.

[@georgeorwell4534]

His speech to the Herald is equally stirring.

[@tomek1867]

One of the greatest speaches ever. Indeed Shakespear played not just with words but also he was very wise and clever. A wonderful piece of English literature. 😃

[@davidbroadley126]

Brannagh leave it to Olivier

[@zakurquhart225]

He inspired courage and showed no fear. A king in name and sword.