Maybe it’s the fact that the World Cup has started, bringing with it my hopes for an England-France match-up, but I’ve been on a bit of a Hundred Years War kick lately. Which always makes me think of Shakespeare’s Henry V. Which always makes me think of the Kenneth Branagh movie adaptation. For my money, it’s by far the best version of Henry V that’s ever been made.
His version of the St. Crispin’s Day speech is fantastic. He seems to hit every note perfectly. But, as good as it is, I think the part immediately after, when he has the exchange with the French herald, is even better. That passage (which starts at the 3:48 mark in the linked video) has what I think is one of the best “Come at me, bro” moments in all of literary history.
And, just for fun, I made a meme about it a few years ago. Enjoy.
