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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
145 of 151 people found the following review helpful:
Don't buy the "Extended" Edition!
If you're a fan of Brian Helgeland, Paul Bettany (Chaucer), or just commentary tracks in general, don't buy the extended edition. The regular DVD has every feature the "extended" edition does - it just doesn't insert the deleted scenes into the movie. They're included as bonus features. This extended edition does not include the hilarious and insightful commentary track...
Published on October 5, 2005 by Edea Baldwin
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
a bit cheesy, but fun nonetheless....
This movie had an interesting flip to it that took me by surprise. I was expecting a more authentic medieval time period movie, and found it to be more of a comedy. So, I am not sure if I was disappointed at first or not. Perhaps, if I had read beforehand what to expect, I may have liked it better than I did. I found myself groaning about the 70's pop and rock music...
Published on May 18, 2001 by J. Scharp
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145 of 151 people found the following review helpful:
Don't buy the "Extended" Edition!, October 5, 2005
If you're a fan of Brian Helgeland, Paul Bettany (Chaucer), or just commentary tracks in general, don't buy the extended edition. The regular DVD has every feature the "extended" edition does - it just doesn't insert the deleted scenes into the movie. They're included as bonus features. This extended edition does not include the hilarious and insightful commentary track by Helgeland and Bettany, which is really the best thing about the DVD. You get more features for less money by buying the regular DVD release.
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74 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
IT WILL ROCK YOU, December 31, 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.
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59 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
Changing their stars, February 7, 2004
I can't tell you how surprised I was when I absolutely loved this movie! I didn't expect to like it at all. I figured it would be a two-dimensional MTV take on Medieval sport. Instead the producers did something dangerous -- they found a script!Sure it's predictable and there are plenty of cliched lines, but the film absolutely succeeds in what it set out to do. It plays very well by its own rules. And it is surprisingly moving at times. When the film could have sunk to schmaltz, it holds its own with good acting and sturdy writing. What could have been another stupid teen movie actually has legs and a soul. I'm amazed the number of people who fault it for its inventive style in incorporating contemporary music with the medieval milieu, when these same people loved Shrek for doing exactly the same thing. I applaud the risks the film takes and how well it succeeds when it takes them. In the end, isn't Pro Wrestling or boxing the modern day equivalent of the joust? In spirit and appeal, at least, if not in grace or sophistication. Call it a guilty pleasure, but the film is a fun and successful and worth watching again. Don't skip the deleted scenes -- wonderful stuff there, especially the extended stockade scene.
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20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
Better than you're expecting., May 12, 2001
A suprisingly entertaining spectacle. 'A Knight's Tale' marks Heath Ledger's coming out party. The young Aussie star is in fine form as a poor boy seeking to become a knight. The lancing tournaments are dazzling, and the comic relief is frequent. In addition, call this movie the 'un-period piece.' While the film is set in medieval times, several scenes blatantly and intentionally fuse history with present popular culture. For instance, Ledger and another knight meet in the arena as the crowd claps to Queen's 'We Will Rock You.' Later, Ledger and a young maiden dance disco-style in a medieval hall. It's a bizarre mixture that gives the movie a hip, refreshing edge. I was dragged kicking-and-screaming to this one. But I came out a fan.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Great family entertainment!, October 28, 2003
Okay, like some others here let me stress...THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE A HISTORICALLY ACCURATE MOVIE.After reading the first 80 reviews I feel compelled to add my own 2 cents. We rented this and I have to agree that in the first few minutes I was revolted by the rock music, being a big fan of historical pieces set in the middle ages. Despite my initial feelings, I stuck it out. Too soon I found myself again annoyed by the styles worn by the Lady Jocelyn. Yuck! "What is going on", I wondered. But already I was finding myself involved in the story line and enjoying the humor, especially the interactions among the main characters. By the end I was willing to admit I'd been entertained and I was in love with all the characters with the possible exception of Jocelyn. Then we watched all the extra bonus material and I was amazed at the thought and work that went into this movie. I just had to watch it again, having gained a new perspective on WHY things were done the way they were. What I discovered was an extremely entertaining romp. For those of you who only saw the theatre version or are concerned about the rock and roll references in these reviews, try to see the director's point of view. Throughout history parents have strived to understand their youngsters. Or do we assume that the generations have always perfectly understood one another until it came to the 20th century? Language, music, clothes...isn't it likely that different generations differed as much in opinions then as now? If not then how did the culture ever evolve into something completely different? Notice that I have avoided the term "teens". Well, face it, back then the teens WERE adults. But there must still have been generational gaps. Did they say "wow" in historical times? No. But it's probable that there was a word that conveyed a similar meaning from a "slang" perspective. Language is not static, it is ever-changing. What we speak today would not even be understood by those who lived in England almost 700 years ago, so how can anyone complain about accents and language? Do they really think that anybody from England today would have been understood back then? Please. Music....hello? Orchestral is better for periodic pieces why? As another reviewer mentioned...it's no more periodic than rock. The director was wanting to portray a fresh perspective and succeeded hugely. I'm sorry but when you're trying to convey a sense of excitement such as one feels at a football game (yes, that's the analogy used to try bringing jousting to a more modern perspective), chamber music isn't likely to get anyone in today's world fired-up. And folks, that's a big part of what this whole movie is all about. Jousting was a major sporting event that was very exciting to the people of the time. How does one convey that excitement to a modern audience? The drama is easily done...but the intense emotion, the exhilaration we associate with a favorite sport? I feel that the director found an exciting new way to bring the medieval world alive for modern viewers. As to Jocelyn. She's a bit shallow and the costumes are starting to bother me less. But her character (or lack thereof), allows for some very comedic lines that I think add to the overall fun of the movie. I could go on but other reviewers have hit most of the other key points. The bottom line is: if you've seen it once...try it again...and watch the extra stuff. If you haven't, then get it...rent it first if you must but watch this movie. It is now one of our favorite movies and just the other night we watched it again with tremendous enjoyment and I wanted to see each and every single extra feature again. It's family-friendly and a romantic comedy that you won't mind at all having the teens and youngsters watch. As one reviewer said, "suspend your belief from the start"...and then settle down to enjoy this story. It's fun, it still portrays a medieval "flavour", and the music ROCKS!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
One of my new favorites, May 8, 2001
Let me begin by saying that this film is not what most people expect it to be. Rather than being a typical medieval hack and slash movie, A Knight's Tale is actually a sports movie with a lot of comedy, action, and a bit of romance. Confused? Well, considering that jousting was probably the sport of choice in the movie's time setting, this makes perfect sense. Still confused? You'll understand when you watch the opening scene with the spectators at a joust singing "We Will Rock You" by Queen. Sound bizarre? I thought so, too, but then it all made perfect sense as I sat and watched. Basically a tale of a rookie new to the sport and his struggle to the top, this film is now one of my favorites up there with Gladiator and Braveheart. Just like those two movies, Knight's Tale is one of those films that sucks you right in with gorgeous sets, detailed costumes, and great characterization. However, the main difference is that the tone of this movie is rather comical. Actually, I laughed more during A Knight's Tale than I remember laughing during most comedies. This isn't to say that the movie lacks any seriousness. Competition is what jousting is all about, and this film gets you pretty pumped up even without having any battle scenes. I highly recommend this movie to everyone, and I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. Make sure you don't get to the theater late so you don't miss the "We Will Rock You" opening sequence, and check out Geoffrey Chaucer, one of the major characters. Yes, the same Geoffrey Chaucer that wrote Canterbury Tales. You won't be disappointed.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
My lords, my Ladies, and everybody else here ... not sitting on a cushion! ..., July 3, 2008
Well ... a good seven years has now passed since this film was in the theatres and it holds up just as fine as it did the very first time I saw it.
The Reception ...
The first and most striking aspect of this film was the amount of antipathy that was generated by Carter Burwell's insightful use of modern music in a period comedy /drama. Unfortunately this created so much backlash, and so much hatred amongst the viewers that hordes of haters flocked to the internet to post hundreds of pages of comments on IMDb, and post an unflattering number of continuous negative reviews on Amazon for years to come with a long sea of comments regarding the `egregiousness' of what this film did to the period. None of the `paid, real-life' Reviewers were any kinder to writer / director Brian Helgeland as well and just about every reviewer couldn't tolerate the opening of peasants drumming away and singing `We Will Rock You' or Heath Ledger practicing his technique to War's `Lowrider'. So many viewers would have a better understanding and greater perspective on stuff like this if they would just acquaint themselves with the work of Tom Stoppard. His work in the field of Victorian and Middle-age shenanigans has made absurdist theatre what it is today and has shaped a lot of modern film.
"It's called a lance, hello ..."
The Controversy ...
Some people may remember that the negative reviews were so many, that some bright spark over at Sony Pictures decided to start fabricating positive reviews and using quotes for those fake reviews to advertise the film. Well, someone noticed and caught them with their proverbial hand in the cookie jar. Yes, there was a lawsuit and someone got paid. Whoever that was, is beyond me because I never saw a dime of that money and I saw it twice in the theatre and I've purchased both versions available on DVD.
For almost five years, someone also hosted a phony website that was made to emulate an Anchorage area High School up in Alaska, which regarded a supposed Musical adaptation of `A Knights Tale', replete with fake newspaper reviews, fake still photographs and other phony productions also complete with posters, banners and photographs. The website was taken down in 2006 after it was finally discovered by Sony Pictures and they didn't find the joke very funny at all.
The Writer / Director and Shannyn Sossamon ...
A lot of people, who were in charge of production and had financially backed the picture were ecstatic to be working with prolific Writer / Director Brian Helgeland, who had previously had much success with the magnificent film L.A. Confidential. Whether one likes that movie or not, it surely is a screenplay to rival all others in scope and skill. No dailies were made available during filming as principal photography took place in the Czech Republic, but nobody seemed to mind as they were all fully behind Helgeland's "period epic" that would be a sort-of screen adaptation of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. There must have been an incredible silence during the first few screenings when they finally got to see the finished product. The problem was that even though the marketing campaign for the film was vast and appropriate, too much negative banter behind the scenes got the ball rolling on all the bad reviews. But in truth, it still did pretty good in the theatres and very well once released on DVD, both times. To this day, a lot of people adore this film and it's quickly becoming a real cult-classic and not the kind of cult-classic that Studios likes to advertise their poorly made films like Superbad as. A Knights Tale really is a cult-classic, that status is not something placed upon it by the Studios, but attributed to it by the fans and the continued viewership.
Unfortunately though for Helgeland, his career as a director hasn't ever really improved, has it? He's seemingly stuck forever with his Cirque du Freak vampire movie that no one has yet seen a frame of. His writing though hasn't suffered as he's penned numerous hits that have been critically acclaimed such as Mystic River, and Man on Fire. He was also a guest commentator on the recent DVD re-release of The Omen alongside Richard Donner. Note to reader: the Omen commentary is well worth listening to and will give you a deeper respect for Richard Donner after hearing it.
And then there was Shannyn Sossamon. A nice young girl who went out for general auditions for this film, and who at the time was working as a (gasp!) Stripper in a Los Angeles area all-nude Strip Club. I promise you this ... I never met her. In the commentary, Helgeland makes mention of this and jokes that he intentionally put her name in the opening credits superimposed over a young-girl dancing because of that fact. It was a bit harsh, I thought and I couldn't help but detect some jilted emotion in his voice as well. She also shows up as the object of the writer's affection in the movie The Order, with a few other members of this cast in a story that is just overwrought with the pangs of deprized love and has a serious undercurrent of a Sossamon infatuation.
So I guess, Helgeland truly has been weighed, measured and found wanting as a director. The future is all his though. Hopefully, whatever he does next will be openly accepted, even if it is another A Knight's Tale.
Heath Ledger ...
For years on Amazon, the bulk of recent reviews for A Knights Tale were all negative as I stated before, and there was a lot of conversation about the historical accuracy. Now that Heath has passed, I guess it's only appropriate that all that is now in the past and people now post reviews saying how much they loved him and what an impact as an actor he made on film and their lives. It's fine and probably well-deserved. He was taken too early through working himself into an exhaustion and getting caught in a spiraling set of circumstances that went out of control.
I probably owe Heath a debt of gratitude as for a period of time, I was often mistaken for him in public. Being a Los Angeles area resident, it did get me a few girls during the late night outings. But trust me, no one ever believed fully that I was him. The timing was good too, as it was a dark period for me and I needed everything I could get back then just to keep going. So, posthumously ... thanks, Heath. I owe ya one, mate.
His performance in this film quite good, and full of life and hopefully this is how people will remember him as I feel it was one of his most enjoyable roles in film. The Joker will probably be seen as equally good even though the polar opposite in emotion and intensity.
Alan Tudyk and the rest of cast ...
It was this film that introduced me to the American Actor Alan Tudyk. A native of Plano, Texas whose acting is so good, could get himself cast in a film with a fake accent and do a more than passable job as an Englishman named Wot Falhurst. Great name, by the way.
A story about `Geoff' Chaucer is intriguing enough by itself.
"I will eviscerate you in fiction. I was naked for a day, you will be naked for eternity."
A much-overlooked, but incredibly well-written piece of cinema. Anyone who could write something like that, does not need a lecture on historical accuracy. Lots of films and movies are made about historical figures, but the most shameful thing that is too-often done -- is the dialogue that is placed in their mouths. It is often out-of-place, inaccurate, buffoonish and abysmal. Helgeland wrote so many incredibly moving, witty and interesting lines for Geoffrey Chaucer that would make one think that he will one day revisit the character and give him the honor of a feature length film, or at least a screenplay. Paul Bettany's performance with the line ...
"Lillium Interspinus ... the Lilly among the thorns."
Is a fantastic piece of impromptu acting and a great introduction during the film.
As for Rufus Sewell, a lot of people used to associate him with the cult sci-fi masterpiece Dark City, now I can't look at him without thinking of his role as Adhemar of Anjou and that scowling cock-eyed look of his. You'd be cock-eyed too, if you boozed it up and partied as heavily and heartily as this guy did. My God, he was a Hollywood legend for years at after parties, wrap-parties, clubs, you name it. His reputation as an animal far outweighed his reputation as an actor.
A historical note ...
Yeah, too many other reviewers make mention of the dates, the Black Prince, the real Ulrich of Gelderland and on and on. A long list of accusations is still up for the reading over at IMDb if anyone is interested. If you're really interested in why a lot of this was done, then just listen to the commentary on the DVD with Paul Bettany and Brian Helgeland and you learn more about this film, and be the better for it.
We walk in the garden of his turpluence ... (hahaha .. just what does that mean, anyway?)
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
A PSEUDO-MEDIEVAL ROMP..., August 7, 2005
This highly enjoyable, fairy tale of a film revolves around the efforts of William, a tanner's son, trying to change his destiny. His father gave him up into servitude to a knight, when William was a slip of a lad, in hopes of his having a better future. When he grows up, William, remembering his father's advice, reaches for the stars in an effort to become what he has always dreamed of being, a knight in shining armor.
Played to perfection by the very hunky and charismatic Heath Ledger, William gets his big break when the knight, whom he serves, dies during a jousting competition. Donning his knight's armor and substituting secretly for the knight, he handily, though clumsily, wins the competition and its purse. He persuades Roland and Wat, the other two vassals who also served the now dead knight, to assist him in his efforts to continue competing. They reluctantly agree and begin helping him train for future jousting competitions. William, however, needs credentials establishing his knighthood in order to compete, as mere peasants are prohibited to do so. He has the good fortune to run into a man of letters, Geoffrey Chaucer, who happens to be a bit down on his luck. Chaucer agrees to provide him with forged patents in order to enter tournaments.
William, playing the role of a knight named Ulric Von Lichtenstein, becomes a force with which to be reckoned on the playing field. This does not pass unnoticed by an evil knight, Count Adhemar, played with deliciously wicked malice by Rufus Sewell, who does not hesitate to play dirty on and off the field, if necessary, in order to win. William, however, plays his role most honorably and nobly.
William falls in love with the Lady Jocelyn, whom Sewell also covets and intends to marry, but Lady Jocelyn, played by lovely newcomer, Shannyn Sossamon, may be falling for our erstwhile hero. This turn of events makes Count Adhemar all the more determined to win on and off the field. When a jousting competition brings them all to William's hometown, Adhemar pulls out all the stops in an effort to settle the matter once and for all.
This is truly a fun film. The viewer can't help but love the ever so earnest William, played by the simpatico and romantically handsome Heath Ledger. Paul Bettany, as the insouciant and scampish Chaucer, very nearly steals the film, so terrific is he in his role. Rufus Sewell is both sexy and ruthless as the unprincipled and haughty Count Adhemar. The rest of the supporting cast is likewise superb, with the exception of Shannyn Sossamon who does not seem fit the role of one to the manor born.
While the plot seems somewhat formulaic, it is made new by the interjection of modern day music and customs. Watch as the crowd gathered for the jousting competition stomps, claps, and does the "wave" in time to Queen's rousing song, "We Will Rock You". See Chaucer act as a modern day huckster for his knight, working the crowd to a fever pitch. Look to the dance led by William at a post jousting reception at the local castle. Likewise, Jocelyn's costumes, at times, resemble haute couture. These modern day interjections that occur throughout the film, though jarring, keep this age old story fresh and funny. It is difficult not to enjoy this film, as it is infectious in its charm.
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
Non-stop fun for everyone! A great medieval tale!, August 25, 2001
While it's certainly not going to reach the standards of last year's brilliant Gladiator, A Knight's Tale remains an action-packed adventure with plenty of drama and romance mixed into an easy to understand script with some corny lines. There are a couple of flaws in this medieval tale including the start, which was a bit of a bore. It's also a bit hard to take 14th-15th Century men and women chanting Queen's "We Will Rock You" in a stadium before a swordfight or something seriously; but, when it comes down to the action, the suspense, the adventure, the lances and the sword-fights, can you really resist this cool flick? It's bound to be a hit with the boys and the romance will break the girl's hearts. Plus Heath Ledger, ladies, he's one to look out for. His acting is talented and I loved his character determination. The script surprised me too. Although some corny lines kinda take over in some scenes, I thought - and don't kick me for this - that A Knight's Tale was refreshingly clever and had some fantastic ideas which it uses with imagination and detail. A Knight's Tale is a groovy, crowdpleasing and fun movie that kicks off easily and proceeds to be one of the neatest medieval adventures of the year 2001. So leave your uppity attitude at the cinema door, kick back, prepare yourself for some major summer fun and ultimately, enjoy!
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
a bit cheesy, but fun nonetheless...., May 18, 2001
This movie had an interesting flip to it that took me by surprise. I was expecting a more authentic medieval time period movie, and found it to be more of a comedy. So, I am not sure if I was disappointed at first or not. Perhaps, if I had read beforehand what to expect, I may have liked it better than I did. I found myself groaning about the 70's pop and rock music used throughout the soundtrack. Were they trying to save money by not formulating fresh and new music? (which could have been awesome), or were they trying to be funny and different?? I am not sure. The costumes were not time period authentic either, but did that matter? I suppose not. HOWEVER, The storyline was fun and had the things I like in a movie...some romance, some action, a good looking main man (and woman...for the guys)...and to my surprise alot of unexpected humor. I enjoyed the characters, and thought they worked well together. I liked the action scenes, they were not "bloody" graphic, but they still packed a punch. I liked the cleanliness of the language, (a welcome change to some of today's movies, which can go overboard with vulgar language). Just so you know what to expect for your kidsake, there was a few "bare butt" scenes, by one of the men (not Heath's). OKAY, So I groaned in disbelief a few times as to the direction they went on some things, I did get a few good laughs and of course some fun entertainment for my money. I just wouldn't say it was the best film I have ever seen, just a fun movie. If that is what you like...you will enjoy this movie...I did...I just won't buy the soundtrack :).
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![A Knight's Tale [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514yJw4K68L._SL160_SL90_.jpg)
