The three films to be discussed in this essay (Lang's "Metropolis", Fellini's "La Strada", and Branagh's "Henry V") have
all succeeded in resonating with the popular audience while receiving considerable
critical attention at the same time. In order to better appreciate the important qualities of each of the above works, this paper will analyze critical reviews of each. In the process, it will be seen that the power of all three films lies in their capacity to impress audiences with either their technical achievement, or their incorporation of eternal verities of the human condition.