Tudor Historian SHOCKED by Firebrand Movie Clip

Such a powerful scene...
Is this the most accurate portrayal of Henry VIII of England on screen?
I react to the clip and discuss all TRUE history around it.

[Carter-hxnb]

The reason she’s so bold and straightforward here is because she’s in shock. She’s much more subtle and cunning in the rest of the movie

[jonathanwilliams]

I genuinely believe Firebrand is one of the best Tudor series we've ever been given. Jude Law shows the perfect contradiction in Henry's views versus his actions. Showing his volatility and unbowing devotion in the same breathe. Extraordinary. Alicia demonstrates so well the strength and courage of Katherine Parr in not only challenging a Tyrant like Henry but also knowing exactly how and when to play him by being the "meek" and "humble" wife subservient to his bidding yet being the learned and intelligent woman of the world he adores - as shown in Katherine of Arragon and Anne Boylen. Absolutely fantastic.

[dalestaley]

Abusive relationship 101. As healthcare providers, we hear consistently about the violence followed by "tenderness" and centers around the abuser. It's a cycle that never breaks.

[bocus]

I think that the moment she included Henry's soul in the conversation, he flipped, because this was a real fear of his. He couldn't and wouldn't stand anyone question his soul, because he couldn't and wouldn't allow himself to question it. The fear here is real, it is the fear for her life, the stakes are that high. I have high hopes for this movie.

[Geo_Babe]

I SAW FIREBRAND 3 TIMES IN A WEEK HERE IN CINEMAS IN LOS ANGELES and I was FLOORED!!! My jaw was literally agape watching Jude laws performance … it’s astonishing - out of a 30 year career of killer performances this may be the BEST thus far (caps for emphasis!❤) I also think the firebrand title applied across the board equally to Parr, Anne Askew, and Elizabeth! To me they all felt equally important in this remarkable story. And as a Tudor Historian and consultant to productions myself - can we please pause a sec to celebrate these COSTUMES?!! Oh my god! Nailed it. The director said every single garment was made exclusively for this film - which is rather uncommon for period productions! ❤

I also hadn’t read the Fremantle novel so of course the twist at the end left me deeply satisfied :)

Please everyone, see this film!! In a cinema if possible because the thrilling pulse of the score that underwrites the film is so haunting and beautiful! So the score, costumes, performances (from literally everyone), narrative make this a one in a million period film and I think they NAILED IT!! ❤

Ps. The scene with the falcon was improv and the falcon really did react in real time and the name Law calls out is the bird handler … it is so effective - that scene reads like a JUMP SCARE he just gets the nuance of HVIII in a way i haven’t seen another actor do. Oh and the leg scenes!!! I physically felt sick… it truly got across what this man dealt with in his last decade. You almost feel sorry for him (almost), I could go on and on about this film and baffled it’s not getting far more media coverage. Merci, Dr P for giving space and thought to this remarkable film!! ❤

[pattigibson]

Henry's double standard of labelling a woman as bad because she abandoned her children and husband, when he did the same to his own issue both with Mary and Elizabeth and their mothers. Also, he had greater care for the hawk than he did for Katherine. The man was a nuisance and a menace

[laurameme-]

We just watched this movie last weekend and I was thinking the exact same thing! Alicia Vikander would be a wonderful Anne Boleyn. She has the dark eyes, the dark hair, and the spirit of Queen Anne. Maybe they should do a remake of Anne of the Thousand days with Alicia and Jude... THAT would be AMAZING!!

[keiththorpe]

Based on everything I've ever heard or read about Henry, I believe he had people around him who, over time, learned how to work him in order to get him moving in the direction they wanted him to go. Now, he certainly wasn't the type who walked through a room, spoke to five different people who wanted five different things, agreeing to them all and acting on the last thing he heard said to him. No, not a bit of it. However, I have no doubt there were those who could get Henry to do something he might not have done on his own, if they were able to convince him that it was to his advantage. One thing at which Henry seemed quite adept was convincing himself of anything which served his immediate convenience.
The moment where Henry becomes enraged with Katherine, and the others assembled don't react. Yeah, by that point, they knew better than to stick their nose in. When the king gets that upset, people get their heads cut off. You don't want to bring his attention down on your head. That wouldn't be prudent. Just keep going with your conversation, take note of the frightful weather, hell, pretend you've gone blind for a moment...But just tighten up and hope it passes without a death warrant being signed.

[laurieduerr]

Yes fully agreed that the casting is really perfect, for both H8 and K Parr. It's definitely Jude and Alicia at their best!!

[medievalwolfgrrl]

Alicia Vikander is a wonderful actress. I wish Firebrand would have been released in more theaters in the US. I guess I'll have to wait until it comes out on streaming services.

[emmacharlenedostal]

It was me … I’m a lover of Queen Katharine & Anne Boleyn but I was floored after seeing the movie here in Texas I sat in my car & processed how even if you were adored by the King that would not save you if someone else “got to him first”

[ElePranaityte]

I saw it like 2 months ago at the cinema. I still get shivers down my spine.

[emocuta]

Thank you for reviewing this movie clip. Your perspective is spot-on. I simply CAN'T wait to see this film! <3 I missed it at the movie theatre now I must wait for streaming.

[jamiedianne]

Wow! Yes, you’re right, Jude Law just might be the best Henry I’ve seen on screen! The acting in this clip is phenomenal.

[elisabetta]

The most accurate portrayal of Henry VIII is still Keith Michell in the Six Wives series.

[RobertoLorenzPianist]

I'd love it if you'd also take some clips from older movies like "Anne of the thousand days" and "A man for all seasons", commenting on their authenticity.. That would be Gold!

[imonherenow]

I can’t wait to see this in its entirety. I’m so pleased we finally got some spotlight on Katherine Parr. Jude and Alicia are phenomenal in this scene. The wave of emotions they both present in just those few minutes is incredible. Side note no I wouldn’t want to see Alicia as Anne we’ve had the story of Henry and Anne and the other wives are always sidelined. Let’s appreciate this actress for this body of work.

[msi]

In reality, Catherine Paar never met Anne Askew norvshe had miscarriage. Firebrand is full of false allegations. The only positive side if the movie is the respect of the Tudor costumes

[philipmalone]

I don't believe that Catherine Parr would have dared to make this statement. At this point in his reign everyone would have been walking on eggshells, his court made up of frightened sycophants and powerless lackeys. You mentioned the people in the background not caring, I'm sure many did care, but were not only helpless to intervene, but genuinely terrified. I wonder if there was a universal sigh of relief in England when he died.

[uptonogood]

I'm looking forward to this. It feels powerful.