Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends: My Henry V (1989) Thoughts

Alright, alright, let's talk Branaugh's Henry V. "Cry God for Harry, England, and Saint George!" and all that. I've seen it a bunch, and it still hits me every time. I know some people find Shakespeare hard to get into, but this movie... man, it just grabs you, doesn't it? It's less of a stuffy period piece and more of a medieval war flick with some seriously lyrical dialogue. I think that's Kenneth Branaugh's genius right there. Specifically, I'm wondering what people think about the contrast between the pre-battle St. Crispin's Day speech – that total rallying cry – and then the absolute carnage that follows. Like, we get all pumped up, and then POW, it's mud and blood and bodies. Does anyone else feel like that juxtaposition kinda makes the movie a bit anti-war, even though it's also super inspiring? Or am I reading too much into it? And what about Pistol (played by Robert Stephens)? "Give me thy glove. Wear it for me", such a great character. He's such a lowlife, but he has some of the best lines, and you almost feel sorry for him when he's ranting at the end. "Old do I wax; and from my weary limbs honour is cudgelled. Well, bawd I'll turn, and something lean to cutpurse of quick hand." Depressing stuff! So yeah, anyone else out there love this flick? I'm always up for talking about Shakespeare and film adaptations. Hit me with your favorite lines or interpretations. Especially if you think I'm wrong about the "anti-war" thing!