A Knight's Tale [M]

Born the poor son of a Thatcher, William has always sought greater and higher things: love, nobility, fame, and honour. And when his master dies before he is due at a jousting tournament, William takes his chance to “change his stars” by riding in his stead. Soon William becomes determined to prove that nobility is not always born into, but something that can be earned, and so he enters numerous tournaments under a false name with false papers. But how long can his charade last before he is punished for trying to be something that he’s not? 

It has to be said, before we go into any great depth, that this movie was made simply for the sole purpose of being enjoyed. You cannot look at it with a critical eye because there is so much to comment on, both positively and negatively, but at the end of the day this movie is really just a bit of fun and not meant to be taken all that seriously. Sure there are some very strong and important messages about nobility, social standing, and overcoming adversity and such, but really it’s just a fun night in. I mean, it’s a medieval film set to a rocking soundtrack! What more could be desired? 

Born the poor son of a Thatcher, William has always had his sights on greater and higher things: love, nobility, fame, and honour. And when his master dies before he is due at a jousting tournament, William takes his change to “change his stars” by riding in his stead. Soon William becomes determined to prove that nobility is not something that one is born into, but can earn, and so he enters numerous tournaments under a false name with false papers. But how long can his charade last before he is punished for trying to be something he’s not? 

At the end of the day, all this movie is really about is overcoming the adversity of social standing, a theme that crops up in many, many, many films. It’s a story that we’ve all seen before, but one that can never tarnish or become watered down. 

I have to say that what made the film most memorable, for me at least, was the totally awesome soundtrack that so brilliantly matched, yet contrasted with the medieval setting and story. Classic tracks like David Bowie’s Golden Years, Taking Care of Business, and Queen’s ever powerful rock anthem We Will Rock You are played to great effect and it makes the movie all the more intriguing as you would never expect such songs to appear in a film set well before the genius of Bowie and Queen. 

Admittedly, the script wasn’t that crash hot, not quite dissimilar to that of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves where curses were used that I don’t think were even around then. But really, at the end of the day, who cares? This film is just fascinating and highly enjoyable, mainly due to the fact that you don’t have to take it so seriously. 

Starring Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell. Shannyn Sossamon, Mark Addy, Alan Tudyk, and Paul Bettany, A Knight’s Tale is a fun film packed with action, nobility, romance, dancing, rock music, and amazing sets. Even if the leading lady’s hair-dos and outfits are a little too ahead of the times, you still cannot help but become entirely enthralled in this film. Especially during the times of Paul Bettany’s passionate speeches; watch out for those!