content: It's hard to believe that this is Branagh's first screenwriting and directing effort. Either one would be an immense task, but both is really impressive.Moving Shakespeare from the stage to the screen while preserving the integrity of the play has become something of a specialty of Branagh's since. Oddly, though, none of his later efforts has had quite the appeal of Henry V. "Othello" is close, but the rest tend to be cumbersome and way too ambitious. See also: "Hamlet"You're going to have to let go of some cynicism to really enjoy this. His performance of the "Saint Crispin's Day" monologue has become something of a trademark for him, but it is a little overly sincere. Most of the film avoids this kind of forced intensity, but the speech is a notable exception. In fact, Branagh's greatest contribution to the film is his directing, not his acting.Even if you don't already enjoy Shakespeare, you should give this film a try. It may change your mind. It's in my top 10.