Watch Henry VIII

Henry VIII is a 1979 historical drama film that takes the viewers through the life of King Henry VIII of England. The movie portrays the intense political and personal life of the king and how it intertwined with the church and affected his romantic relationships. Directed by Kevin Billington, the film is an illuminating look into England's tumultuous past during the Tudor dynasty.

John Stride stars as the infamous Henry VIII, who is known for his six marriages, tyrannical reign, and separating the English church from the Roman Catholic church. Stride plays the role of Henry as a complex character who is often unpredictable and impulsive. The film begins with a young Henry VIII, a man with many hopes and dreams about his reign. However, as he grows older, he becomes corrupted by power and his personal life becomes a source of trouble for his reign. Stride's portrayal of Henry VIII is nuanced and multi-dimensional. He masterfully shows the audience Henry's internal conflicts on how to handle his political and personal issues.

Julian Glover plays Chief Minister Thomas Wolsey, who is a significant figure in the early years of Henry's reign. He is the man who advises and supports the king while controlling the country's affairs. Glover's performance is impressive, as he portrays Wolsey as an intelligent and resourceful man who is devoted to the king but is also a flawed character. Despite his capabilities, he becomes a victim of the king's wrath and is consequently forced to retire.

Ronald Pickup portrays the famous English statesman and lawyer, Thomas More. More proves to be an influential figure in the movie, as he refuses to acknowledge Henry as the leader of the church and also refuses to sign the Oath of Supremacy. He is consequently charged with treason and executed. Pickup's performance is powerful, conveying the dignity and moral conviction that More was known for.

Barbara Kellerman takes on the role of Catherine of Aragon, Henry's first wife. Catherine is a devoted Catholic who befriends More and opposes the king's actions. Kellerman humanizes Catherine in a way that the audience can empathize with her situation, as she is a pawn in the king's political strategy, and ultimately loses all her power and influence.

The film's story is mainly divided into two parts. The first half is about Henry's early years as king, his relationship with Wolsey, his marriage to Catherine, and his attempt to secure a male heir. The second half of the film deals with the king's break from the church and marriage to Anne Boleyn, leading up to his eventual betrayal and execution of those around him.

The production design and costumes in the movie are excellent, capturing the era's essence, and the cinematography brings the audience into the film's time period. The musical score is also striking, helping to establish the film's mood and tone throughout.

Overall, Henry VIII is a compelling historical drama. The film provides a glimpse into one of the most iconic figures in English history while taking a closer look at his political and personal life. Stellar performances from the cast, excellent production design, and the film's attention to historical detail make it a must-watch for fans of period pieces or history in general.

Henry VIII is a 1979 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.