Since it’s St. George’s Day today, I thought I would review a film around the theme. A film that is very close to my heart and is one of my favourite films ever. The film in question is A Knight’s Tale. Released in 2001 and directed by Brian Helgeland, A Knight’s Tale follows the story of William Thatcher (played by the late great Heath Ledger). Ever since he was young William wanted to be a knight and to joust, but there was only one problem, in order to joust, you must be of noble birth, but he is only a peasant. When he was a child his father sent him away with a knight and became his squire. He did this so he could learn from him, what it is to be a knight and to joust. One day his master dies, and he sees this as his opportunity to take his place. After winning the tournament he decides that he wants to become a full-fledged knight and compete in jousting tournaments, but again he is not of noble birth so he can’t officially compete. This is where he gets the idea to pretend to be of noble birth and dons the name Ulrich Von Liechtenstein. Along the way, with his friends Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk) they run into Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany) who just so happens to be a writer. Whilst talking with each other, Geoffrey offers a deal to William in which if William gives him some clothes and food, he will write up some patents of nobility for him. William needs these so that his plan can work fully, and so he can compete in the jousting tournaments. Whilst competing during one tournament, he meets Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), and he slowly starts to fall in love with her and she also starts to fall in love with him. However, upon meeting Jocelyn, he also meets Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) who is also a knight and is considered to be the best jouster in the whole world. The two slowly start to develop a rivalry, and William will only consider himself the best, if he can beat Adhemar. Throughout the rest of the film, he competes in different jousting tournaments aiming to become the best, but also having to deal with Adhemar, he’s past, and who he really is.
The cinematography in this film is very nice. There’s not a lot of jaw dropping shots or angles used but I feel that the film didn’t need anything like that. There is still plenty of good shots and angles that make the film look beautiful. Although, I think this is best shown when the characters are jousting. The mixture of mid shots, close ups, long shots and POVs make these scenes feel exciting and action packed. It makes the film feel more realistic, from every hit of the lances on the armour, to the running of the horses, to the people in the crowd, the cinematography here is amazing and is where I feel it stands out the most from the rest of the film.
The sound in the film also very nice. Again, just like the cinematography, it captures the setting of the film and makes it feel more realistic. From the crowd roaring and cheering in the background, to the sound of metal smashing from the lances getting broken on the armour, it is all so satisfying. Some parts that might be weird when you first see the film, is the out of place music. One example of this is the opening of the film where Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ plays whilst the crowd dance and clap along to it. Now obviously the music doesn’t fit the setting of the film, however I don’t think this is really a problem. It doesn’t affect the film in anyway, although some people might like a bit of authenticity when it comes to films set in this period, however again I don’t see a problem with this, and if anything, they chose a great song to open the film to.
Overall, this film is amazing and is an absolute must watch. It’s funny, heart-warming and along with is brilliant cast who all play loveable characters, it’s a fun and enjoyable time from start to finish and I would no doubt recommend it too everyone.
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