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A Knight's Tale (2001)
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Reviews Counted:136
Fresh:79
Rotten:57
Average Rating:5.8/10
Consensus: Once you get past the anachronism, A Knight's Tale becomes a predictable, if spirited, Rocky on horseback.
Runtime: 2 hrs 24 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there is only one form of competition to separate the men from the boys: jousting tournaments. William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a poor... In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there is only one form of competition to separate the men from the boys: jousting tournaments. William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a poor and humble squire, has always dreamed of proving himself worthy as a knight. When he gets a lucky chance--seeing an opportunity to disguise himself in the identity of a knight--William decides to maintain the illusion for as long as possible. He is aided by his friends Wat, Roland, and Geoffrey Chaucer--a writer with a knack for forging official papers. Under his new title, Sir Ulrich of Liechtenstein, William wins tournaments and receives monetary awards. However, the only way for William to prove himself as truly noble is to beat out all of his enemies, including the arrogant and undefeated Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell), in a series of jousts. Once he does so, William will reveal his his true identity. Writer-director Brian Helgeland creates a unique blend of rousing adventure, comedy, and modern sensibility in A KNIGHT'S TALE, giving a contemporary make-over to the medieval genre with a soundtrack that includes hit songs from Queen, David Bowie, Sly & The Family Stone, and Thin Lizzy. [More]
Starring: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Paul Bettany, Shannyn Sossamon
Starring: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Paul Bettany, Shannyn Sossamon, Laura Fraser, Rufus Sewell, Christopher Cazenove, Alan Tudyk
Director: Brian Helgeland
Director: Brian Helgeland
Screenwriter: Curtis Hanson, Brian Helgeland
Composer: Carter Burwell
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Reviews for A Knight's Tale
Like those wrestling matches, this flick is a flashy good time, kinda stupid but still a tad more clever than you might initially realize.
The overindulgent jousting matches and the 'good guy vs. bad guy' scenario becomes overbearing and a bit repetitive. Still, it's worth a look-see just to see Ledger and Sossamon steam up the screen.
It’s all done with a light-hearted touch and a wicked sense of humor.
Not since Excalibur have we been treated to such a generous dose of good, healthy, medieval lust.
Even if you don't joust, you should appreciate Brian Helgeland's winking post-modern take on the medieval sport in A Knight's Tale.
Historical accuracy is cashed in for a classic rock soundtrack and a forest of shattered lances, but the trade-off is worthwhile.
A reasonably good time and a novel experiment, and nary a whit beyond.
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