Henry V

Contains different layers of meaning. For the simple-minded, it is drums, trumpets and heroic words and deeds. But in the end there is futility for the cynic, too.

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"Henry V" appeals in a number of ways because of its different layers of meaning. For the simple-minded, it is drums, trumpets and heroic words and deeds. But in the end there is enough futility for the cynic, too. For everyone there is some of Shakespeare's finest poetry, there is the realisation of the Ideal King in the person of Henry himself, and there is of course the famous soliloquy on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt. Ian Holm's King Henry takes its place among the historic performances that will be enjoyed again and again.