A Knight's Tale [DVD] [2001]

Apparently audiences couldn't quite figure out A Knight's Tale when it had its theatrical release last year. This was in all likelihood due to the combination of rock music in ancient times clashing with our knowledge of history and our delicate sensibilities. However, having both seen this at the cinema and owning it on DVD, I would like to hope that this movie will be given a second chance to win new viewers as it really is a good film and great fun!

Heath Ledger (The Patriot) displaying great charm and a winning smile throughout, plays William Thatcher, squire to a washed up champion jouster, who dies during a competition, leaving William to masquerade as his master in order to collect their winnings. Aided by his initially less than enthusiatic pals Roland (Mark Addy from Full Monty) and Wat (Alan Tudyk, 28 Days) William fakes nobility to illegally enter competitions. On their travels they encounter a naked wanderer, the future famed author, Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany) who joins their 'crusade' and helps to forge William's ancestral lineage, so that he can take part in the noblemen only games. Whilst competing (according to my wife who seems to like every Australian film star) the very handsome William catches the eye of a lady, Jocelyn (the very beautiful Shannyn Sossamon), and sets out to win her heart. However, standing between William and his two goals of winning the World Championships and winning the hand of Lady Jocelyn stands the dastardly Count Adhemar (brilliantly played by Rufus Sewell, Dark City).

This is a surprising change of direction for writer/Director Brian Helgelend (LA Confidential). This movie is great fun and the mixture of rock music (they sing, clap and stamp Queen's We Will Rock You before each joust) and medieval times works surprisingly well, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of each competition. Both Heath Ledger and Shannyn Sossamon shine in their lead roles and share excellent on-screen sexual chemistry. However, it is Paul Bettany who steals most scenes as the occasionally naked, always in trouble, lyrical Geoffrey Chaucer. Also watch out for James Purefoy in a relatively small role (but tipped for greater things)!

Extra features on the DVD include a light-hearted commentary from Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany, where they reveal some of the FX tricks of the trade and hear Helgeland feign ignorance of the fact that they didn't dance to David Bowie in 1366 or play Queen's "We Will Rock You" at jousting tournaments. There is also a passable documentary and some excellent deleted scenes and a music video where Britains most popular of current musical stars Robbie Williams performs Queen's "We Are the Champions" with all the pomp and grandiosity of Freddie Mercury, outlining why he is considered natural heir to Mercury's throne as Britains Greatest Showman.

Four stars for the movie (five stars are far too often and easily dispensed), four stars for the extras. Well worth checking out.

Great film - and I would recommend getting this 2006 release which is an extended cut (137 mins) and includes 11 'featurettes' (each 2-5 mins long): these give a rare insight to the thinking behind and making of the film. I just bought/watched this version and thoroughly enjoyed it. The 2001 'Superbit' release would only make a difference if you have a home cinema; you would have the original 127 min version with this and no extra features.

The purpose of the rock music score and modern mannerisms used by the characters is to make them believable, so that the viewer is drawn into the film - this would not happen if pure 1300's language were used. The film starts as it would in real life if you came upon a group of people you never knew - you'd get to know them as time goes by; no need for lengthy 'character introductions', all is revealed as the story unfolds.

Quirky, passionate, amusing, the story links with history by its references to Chaucer and characters in "Canterbury Tales". It is described by one of the cast as a "romantic medieval jousting comedy", which just about sums it up! And when you discover it was filmed in the Czeck republic, including homeless people as extras, it adds to the poignancy of the film.

It is rated PG probably because of the jousting scenes which are pretty vivid and done for real, as the featurettes explain - they may be balsa wood lances, but a 40mph collision still hurts; the violence and 'romance' is otherwise carefully filmed and not OTT. The only person who dies is the opening character, clad with armour, who is already dead; and all ends up happily ever after. With visual detail, verbal banter and great characters, it's a great family film with something for all ages... unless you suffer from a sense of humour deficiency.

I have seen this film several times with different people, and everyone comes away from it feeling buoyant. Watch it with adults or children - there are no nasty surprises to worry about. It is hilarious in the British 'Notting Hill' tradition, romantic and exciting. The scenes of sword-fighting and jousting are great fun and the music uplifting. There is no attempt at historical realism, and yet this actually captures the sense of the time better than accurate mannerisms, clothing and language. For example, the serfs chant football songs at the inn, and sing Queen's 'We Will Rock You' in the stands, creating instant recognition and a sense of the excitement and comradship felt. Don't expect anything intellectual, just sit back and wallow in the fun. Geoffrey Chaucer, played expertly by Paul Bettany, surely has the best role.