Friday Feature -- St. Crispin's Day

Best pre-battle speech ever?

Comments

["lee n. field"]

"from this day until the ending of the world!"

[pb]

Crispin or Crispian? I hear it both ways even in that excerpt.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...
Great stuff. An apologetic for small churches?

[Nate]

In my opinion, yes. It summons emotions that were left dormant prior to hearing it. Kenneth Branagh, and William Shakespeare deliver a mighty fine scene.

[Syzygus Yokefellow]

I know of none better in all of human literature. And what a performance by Branagh.

Here's a lesser version from the movie Renaissance Man which still manages to give me chills:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApcrdI-XPdU

[Robin]

Meh.

Either one of these is more direct:

Aragorn's speech at the Black Gate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1jG1bity2E

Theoden's charge on Pelennor Field:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdnqZcmWk8U

Tolkien's text is more elaborate but considerably tighter than Shakes. Perhaps due to him fighting in the Great War?

.02 cents

[Syzygus Yokefellow]

Honorable mention should go to

Glory - 54th Infantry pre-battle song ("Oh, My Lord") and prayers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzUUFwbPaE4