Henry V is the most famous and influential of Shakespeare`s history plays. Its powerful patriotic rhetoric has resounded down the ages, gaining eloquent expression in Laurence Olivier`s renowned film. Henry himself, astute and charismatic, who led his `band of brothers` to victory in the Battle of Agincourt, could indeed seem to be `this star of England`. In recent decades the play has attracted increasing critical attention and is now highly controversial. Kenneth Branagh`s film-production reflected the changing valuation. Does this play have a sceptical sub-text which subverts its patriotism? Is Henry`s achievement beset by irony? Has current scepticism distorted a predominantly and proudly nationalistic drama?