There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion, but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms, you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You", you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether. Other vintage rock hits will follow, but Helgeland--the Oscar-winning co-writer of LA Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill, in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood. As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough, Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut, Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer, along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden, and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion, Ledger's undeniable charisma, a perfect supporting cast, and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot, and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up, like its hero, to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
On the DVD: From "The Rock Music Scene in 1370" to "You Never Know What You'll Find in a Czech Prop House", this disc doesn't scrimp on the special features. Offering a wealth of information regarding the making of this $41million film, from the jousting (which many of the actors actually performed) to justification for the rock soundtrack and Audrey Hepburn-esque dresses in Medieval Europe. Along with these mini-documentaries, (most lasting for only five minutes) there's a mini interview with the new heartthrob of Hollywood, Heath Ledger and a great selection of deleted scenes. The commentary--by director Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany (who plays Chaucer in the film)--is a lively and enjoyable romp that makes it clear that the cast and crew bonded on set. The disc comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack to improve the "raucous rock" and an anamorphic 2.35:1 aspect ratio to bring the "modernised medieval mood" to life. --Nikki Disney
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A Knight's Tale A Knight's Tale is the story of a peasant's son who is able to "change his stars" after becoming a knight's page. This entertaining film is set in Europe in the Middle Ages, and keeps our attention with good acting, humor, and without the help of super special effects. The dialog and soundtrack of mainly rock music takes us outside the usual costumed theme. The "knight" (Heath Ledger) earns the love, respect, and loyalty of his peers and others with his bravery, sense of honor, and strength of... more info
Its meant to be FUNNY This is a film with something for everyone (except for those reviewers below who gave this film a verbal bashing - they have absolutely no sense of humour).
There's a dashing hero; a sultry heroine; the comedy duo; rotten baddie and my favourite who completely steels the show: Bettany as Chaucer.
It has slapstick for the kids, swashbuckling action, jokes just for the `grown-ups' and a mean soundtrack that adds both to the atmosphere and the tongue in cheek element that has be alluded to below.... more info
IT WILL ROCK YOU. I find some of the reviews for this film far too serious in their content considering that the movie was made with tongue firmly stuffed into cheek. The whole idea is nothing more than pure fun and should be viewed that way. It is not a history lesson or a documentary on jousting, the addition of the modern (and superb) music only enhances the fun aspect and fits into the story perfectly. A brilliant performance all round from the entire cast and very well directed. The farting competition at the end proves... more info
A Knight's Tale I must admit I only watched it because I think Heath Ledger is gorgeous but I thought it was quite light, fluffy and entertaining and just a film you can watch if you're not in the mood for thinking basically. The modern soundtrack is a bit of a puzzle for me, it should work but it doesn't. And also the modern bits in it, like the dancing to a modern song is just...strange. I highly recommend you watch this only if you like Heath Ledger, and to see some serious eye candy. That is all
![A Knight s Tale -- Superbit [2001]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KAS7294YL._SL160_.jpg)
