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Yes, they flat out recognize:
Braveheart might not be known for being the most historically accurate
of films u it jettisons historical fact altogether
from >https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/25_best_movies_and_tv_shows_about_the_middle_ages/s1__39006598#slide_1
25 best movies and TV shows about the Middle Ages
Updated 36 minutes ago | By Thomas West
Though films and TV series about the Middle Ages do not always attract
the same level of love and critical praise as those set in other periods
of history, there are still a number of notable films and TV series
which take the period as their setting. For some time, many of these
looked to the medieval period as a moment of chivalry and knightly
quest. More recently, however, popular culture set in the Middle Ages
has leaned into the gritty and grimy aesthetic, demonstrating how
flexible this particular period remains and the many things it has come
to represent.
1 of 25'Camelot'
'Camelot'
Starz via MovieStillsDB
If thereAs one figure from the Middle Ages who looms larger than any
other, it would have to be King Arthur. His saga has been reimagined >countless times, but one of the more noteworthy efforts was the
short-lived Camelot from Starz. Though it only lasted one season, the
series was nevertheless noteworthy for the extent to which it straddled
the line between historical authenticity and the core elements of this >well-established legend. In addition, it features a strong cast, and Eva >Green is particularly exceptional as the cunning and ruthless Morgan >Pendragon, who wants to bring down both Arthur and Camelot.
2 of 25'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'
EMI Films via MovieStillsDB
Of all the films released by the Monty Python comedy troupe, Monty
Python and the Holy Grail is arguably the best and funniest. A riotous
and joyful send-up of everything having to do with the King Arthur
legend, from King Arthur himself to Lancelot and the Lady in the Lake.
It has all of the surrealism and absurdity of the troupeAs usual humor,
but what makes it really special is how it seems to understand what
makes the original legends so enduringly popular. Perhaps nothing
highlights its premier status more than the fact that it ended up being
the basis for its musical, Spamalot.
3 of 25'The Pillars of the Earth'
'The Pillars of the Earth'
Starz via MovieStillsDB
Based on the bestselling novel by Ken Follett, the Starz miniseries The >Pillars of the Earth focuses on the residents of the fictional town of >Kingsbridge as they struggle to build a cathedral and contend with the >political strife known as the Anarchy. Though there are a host of >characters, much of the action revolves around Eddie RedmayneAs Jack
Jackson and Hayley AtwellAs Lady Aliena, with Ian McShane and Matthew >Macfadyen turning in performances as the cunning and ruthless Waleran
Bigod and Prior Philip, respectively. Though it can be a bit
melodramatic and predictable in its plot, the series is nevertheless a
good adaptation of FollettAs novel and a rich depiction of life and
struggle in the medieval period.
4 of 25'The Adventures of Robin Hood'
'The Adventures of Robin Hood'
Warner Bros via MovieStillsDB
In classic Hollywood, few actors were as dashing and handsome as Errol >Flynn, so it makes sense that he would have been cast as Robin Hood in >Michael CurtizAs The Adventures of Robin Hood, released in 1938. ItAs a >Technicolor swashbuckler as only old Hollywood could have made it, and
Flynn is joined by a great supporting cast that includes Olivia de
Havilland as Maid Marian, Claude Rains as Prince John, and Basil
Rathbone as Guy of Gisbourne. What it lacks in historical authenticity,
it more than makes up for in simple joy and exhilaration, as it sweeps
the viewer up in the efforts of Robin and his Merry Men to topple the
cruel and corrupt rule of Prince John.
5 of 25'El Cid'
'El Cid'
Allied Artists via MovieStillsDB
If there was one actor in classic Hollywood who represented the epic
film, it was Charlton Heston. Whether as Moses or Ben-Hur, something
about his chiseled physique and simple physical presence made him seem
ideal for epic heroes. In El Cid, he plays the titular character, one of
the most celebrated heroes in Spanish history, a man who fought against
the Moors of Spain during the Middle Ages. It has everything one expects
of such a drama, with moments of powerful passion and others of deep >introspection about the nature of religious faith, the bounds of duty,
and the ultimate price of heroism.
6 of 25'The Last Duel'
'The Last Duel'
20th Century Studios via MovieStillsDB
Ridley Scott is one of todayAs most versatile directors, and there are
few genres he hasnAt worked in. He has proved particularly adept at the >epic, however, and The Last Duel, while not an enormous success, is >nevertheless a thoughtful exploration of the nature of patriarchy in the >medieval world. ItAs a grim and somber film featuring the superb acting >talents of Matt Damon, Jodie Comer, and Adam Driver. It shows a grittier >side of the Middle Ages than some might expect, and this is its great >strength and the thing that can sometimes make it difficult to watch.
7 of 25'The Northman'
'The Northman'
Focus Features via MovieStillsDB
Following the success of The Witch and The Lighthouse, Robert Eggers >returned to the big screen with The Northman. A retelling of the legends >that inspired ShakespeareAs Hamlet, it revolves around Alexander
SkarsgordAs Amleth, a young man who swears vengeance against his uncle
after his father is traitorously murdered. Though it has moments of camp >excess, there is still a profound beating heart to this film that helps
to elevate above its excesses. Skarsgord makes for the perfect epic
hero, at once strikingly handsome and spiritually tortured. The film
also excels at bringing out the cruelty and beauty of the Middle Ages.
8 of 25'Braveheart'
'Braveheart'
Paramount Pictures via MovieStillsDB
Braveheart might not be known for being the most historically accurate
of films u it jettisons historical fact altogether u but thereAs no
denying its power. Mel Gibson is in extraordinary form as William
Wallace, the Scottish rebel who led his people to fight back against the >English, led by their hard-edged and avaricious king, Edward I. The film
is filled with rousing battlefield scenes and speeches, but it also
doesnAt shy away from the darker aspects of medieval life. This is
entirely fitting, as this was an often-brutal age, and the film allows
for a surprisingly rich understanding of one of the eraAs most important >historical figures.
9 of 25'Kingdom of Heaven'
'Kingdom of Heaven'
20 Century Fox via MovieStillsDB
After success in The Lord of the Rings and Troy, Orlando Bloom kept up
with the epic filmmaking by appearing in Kingdom of Heaven. He portrays
the character Balian of Ibelin, a blacksmith who goes to the Holy Land
and becomes ensnared in the fraught politics of the Crusades. The film
shows all of ScottAs keen eye for action and epic storytelling, and it
was timely, as its examination of the relationship between Christians
and Muslims dovetailed with the then-new War on Terror. Though it takes
some notable liberties with known historical facts, thereAs still an >emotional truth to it, allowing it to become a surprisingly thoughtful
piece of epic filmmaking.
10 of 25'The Green Knight'
'The Green Knight'
A24 via MovieStillsDB
The legend of the Green Knight is one of the lesser-known stories from >Arthurian legends, which gives director David Lowery quite a bit of
license. The result is The Green Knight, one of the most unique and >innovative films about the Middle Ages. Dev Patel gives a masterful >performance as Sir Gawain, who yearns to be the type of hero he thinks
he deserves to be. It is a unique mix of magic and desire and dark
magic, and it is also fiercely deconstructive, diving deep into the
haunted spirit of folklore, forcing a reckoning with what storytelling
means and entails.
11 of 25'Vikings'
'Vikings'
History via MovieStillsDB
As its title suggests, Vikings is set during the Viking Age and focuses
in particular on Ragnar Lodbrok, one of the most famous heroes of the
era (played by Travis Fimmel). As with so many other series, it takes
some significant liberties with the known history of the period, but
this doesnAt lessen its appeal. The series is remarkable for the extent
to which it captures the grittiness and grime of the early Middle Ages. >There is, nevertheless, a savage beauty about its presentation of this
era and its most terrifying inhabitants, and Fimmel has a suitably
fierce and intense charisma that makes him ideally cast as a Viking warlord.
12 of 25'Vikings: Valhalla'
'Vikings: Valhalla'
History via MovieStillsDB
Vikings: Valhalla is a spinoff of the hugely successful Vikings and
takes place about a century after its parent series. In this case, it >focuses, in particular, on the conflicts between the English and the >Vikings. As with its predecessor, thereAs a gritty and realistic feel to
the show that is key to its appeal. At the same time, however, it gives >viewers an understanding of the complicated politics that were very much
at work in the period when the dominance of the Vikings was beginning to >come to an end. It also features some of the most famous names of the
Middle Ages, including Leif Erikson, Harald Sigurdsson, King Canute, and >Queen Emma.
13 of 25'Excalibur'
'Excalibur'
Warner Bros via MovieStillsDB
The legend of King Arthur has inspired generations of filmmakers, but
few have approached the material in quite as unique a way as John
Boorman. His Excalibur has many of the elements of the traditional
Arthur story u with the boy raised in ignorance of his true heritage,
his dalliance with his own half-sister, Morgana, and the doomed romance
of Guinevere and Lancelot u but he glosses it all with his unique visual >sensibilities. The film exists in the fraught territory between history
and fantasy, with scenes of such brutality and beauty that they seem to
sear themselves into the viewerAs mind.
14 of 25'Becket'
'Becket'
Paramount Pictures via MovieStillsDB
Thomas Becket was one of the most formidable and noteworthy
personalities of the Middle Ages. His friendship-turned-rivalry with
King Henry II was significant for the men and England's history. Richard >Burton (who plays Becket) and Peter OAToole (who plays Henry) give
stirring, soulful performances. They both excel at taking these >larger-than-life figures and turning them into fully fleshed-out >individuals, two men driven to collide with one another due to their own >deeply-held beliefs. This is the kind of literate costume drama viewers
can really sink their teeth into, and the well-written screenplay and
the tremendous performances help to elevate it to the best the genre has
to offer.
15 of 25'The Lion in Winter'
'The Lion in Winter'
AVCO Embassy Pictures via MovieStillsDB
Based on the play of the same name, The Lion in Winter depicts a
Christmas gathering of King Henry II of England and his fractious
family, including his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his three
surviving sons, Richard, Geoffrey, and John. ItAs a film filled with >memorable performances, particularly from Peter OAToole, Katherine
Hepburn, and Anthony Hopkins. ItAs a literate drama about a family
damaged almost beyond repair. Moreover, it ably captures the toxic
politics which were always such a key part of the Angevin family, a
dynasty in which fathers frequently fought against sons and in which
sons turned against one another.
16 of 25'The Sword in the Stone'
'The Sword in the Stone'
Walt Disney Pictures via MovieStillsDB
Though it wasnAt an enormous success at the time of its release, The
Sword in the Stone has subsequently come to be seen as one of the most >beloved Disney films. Loosely adapting the first book of T.H. WhiteAs
The Once and Future King, it follows a very young King Arthur as he
becomes the student of the eccentric wizard Merlin. Filled with
memorable songs, vibrant animation (including a wizardAs duel, in which >Merlin and his nemesis Madam Mim transform into various animals), and
some valuable life lessons, itAs a film that shows the extent to which,
even in the post-Walt era, Disney still knew how to produce a great
animated feature.
17 of 25'Robin Hood'
'Robin Hood'
Walt Disney Pictures via MovieStillsDB
DisneyAs Robin Hood is another of those Disney films that emerged from
the 1970s to lackluster reviews but has subsequently become beloved.
With its memorable cast of anthropomorphic animals in the traditional
Robin Hood roles and catchy songs, itAs a treat to watch. Of course, no >Disney film is complete without a good villain, and the nefarious Prince >John ranks up there with the best of them, though he is far sillier than
he is competently evil. ItAs a lighthearted take on one of the most
beloved legends from the Middle Ages.
18 of 25'The Name of the Rose'
'The Name of the Rose'
Columbia Pictures via MovieStillsDB
Based on the thought-provoking novel by the late Umberto Eco, The Name
of the Rose stars Sean Connery as William of Baskerville and Christian >Slater as his novice, Adso of Melk. Together, they undertake an >investigation of a series of strange deaths at a remote abbey. Slowly
but surely, they uncover the dark secrets hidden behind its walls.
Though not quite as elegantly constructed as the book, there is still a >great deal to enjoy about this film, not the least of which is ConneryAs >performance. However, itAs also enjoyable because it grapples with
weighty issues, including, most notably, the perilous nature of
forbidden knowledge.
19 of 25'The Last Kingdom'
'The Last Kingdom'
BBC via MovieStillsDB
In keeping with the gritty aesthetic that seems to characterize so many >contemporary depictions of the Middle Ages, The Last Kingdom immerses
the viewer in the turbulent period of English history when the native >English were starting to fight back against the Vikings. It focuses in >particular on the character Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon raised by
Vikings who finds his fate intertwined with that of the man known to
history as Alfred the Great. The Last Kingdom doesnAt shy away from the >brutality and violence that were often a part of the medieval world, but
it also has moments of soaring triumph.
20 of 25'A KnightAs Tale'
'A KnightAs Tale'
Sony Pictures Releasing via MovieStillsDB
Some of the most notable movies about the Middle Ages have tended to be >dramas, but every so often, a comedy comes along. A KnightAs Tale is
filled with deliberate anachronisms, but Heath Ledger, who portrays
William Thatcher, a peasant who masquerades as a knight, is so
charismatic and fun to watch that itAs easy to overlook these
inaccuracies. ItAs the sort of underdog story that is always guaranteed
to thrill a film audience, and though it might not be one of LedgerAs
more lauded performances, thereAs no denying that he exudes the same
charm he does in such other roles as 10 Things I Hate About You.
21 of 25'Henry V'
'Henry V'
Curzon Film Distributors via MovieStillsDB
The works of Shakespeare have been adapted numerous times to film, and
one of the more notable efforts in this regard is Henry V. Directed by
and starring Kenneth Branagh as the title character, it focuses on
HenryAs invasion of France and its consequences. Though it maintains >ShakespeareAs dialogue, it still gives a gritty representation of
medieval battle. In this film, Branagh pulls off one of the most
difficult feats, reimagining the oft-adapted works of the Bard and
rendering them into something new, fresh, and exciting. Among the other >members of the talented cast are Judi Dench, Ian Holm, and Derek Jacobi.
22 of 25'The Hollow Crown'
'The Hollow Crown'
BBC via MovieStillsDB
The Wars of the Roses were some of the most noteworthy and devastating >conflicts to have hit England, and they make for fascinating and
compelling drama. The British TV series The Hollow Crown is a
multi-part adaptation of several of ShakespeareAs notable works,
including The Henriad. It is truly an embarrassment of riches when it
comes to its cast, which includes such heavy hitters as Ben Whishaw, Tom >Hiddleston, and Michael Gambon. This is meticulously crafted television
at its best, and it makes BardAs classic history plays feel fresh, new,
and ever more relevant for the 21st century. What sets this series
apart, however, is the extent to which each episode manages to work both
as an episode of television and as part of a coherent whole.
23 of 25'The White Queen'
'The White Queen'
Starz via MovieStillsDB
For the past decade, Starz has made a point of releasing sumptuously >produced historical dramas focusing on the experiences of notable
historical women. One of the most notable is The White Queen, which
tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the commoner who married none
other than Edward IV. However, their romance is only part of the story.
The series masterfully weaves together their love with the broader
conflicts of the Wars of the Roses, as ElizabethAs fate intertwines with >many of the other prominent women of the period, including the
redoubtable Margaret Beaufort, who would herself give birth to a man
fated to become a king.
24 of 25'Ivanhoe'
'Ivanhoe'
MGM via MovieStillsDB
The works of Sir Walter Scott were enormously popular in his own
lifetime, and they have a remarkable afterlife on the big screen. Of the >many adaptations of his work, one of the best is 1952As Ivanhoe. The
film focuses on the adventures of its title character, a Saxon who >nevertheless wants to see King Richard return to England. ItAs a
sweeping adventure film of a distinctly old-fashioned sort, and while it >makes some changes to ScottAs novel, it keeps true to the spirit of it.
It also features some great performances from Robert Taylor, Elizabeth >Taylor, George Sanders, and Joan Fontaine.
25 of 25'Outlaw King'--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
'Outlaw King'
Netflix via MovieStillsDB
Chris Pine is one of the most charming and charismatic actors working in >Hollywood, and he brings all of that to bear in Outlaw King, in which he >plays Robert the Bruce. Though often overshadowed by William Wallace,
Bruce was also key to ScotlandAs Wars of Independence, this film
restores him to his rightful place in history. Though it might like some
of the heightened grandeur of the earlier Braveheart, itAs a more >historically accurate film. Like many other films about the Middle Ages
from the 21st century, it doesnAt shy away from the dirt, blood, and >violence of this pivotal period in Scottish history.
Thomas J. West III earned a PhD in film and screen studies from Syracuse >University in 2018. His writing on film and TV has appeared at Screen
Rant, Screenology, FanFare, Primetimer, Cinemania, and in a number of >scholarly journals and edited collections. He co-hosts the Queens of the
B's podcast and writes a regular newsletter, Omnivorous, on Substack. He
is also an active member of GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment >Critics.
More must-reads:
The 25 best cult classic films of all time
The 25 best TV miniseries of all time
On Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 8:06:32rC>AM UTC-7, a425couple wrote:--------------snip
Yes, they flat out recognize:
Braveheart might not be known for being the most historically accurate
of films rCo it jettisons historical fact altogether
from
https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/25_best_movies_and_tv_shows_about_the_middle_ages/s1__39006598#slide_1
Am I the only one who remembers THE RETURN OF MARTIN GUERRE?
On 7/18/23 22:12, gggg gggg wrote:https://groups.google.com/u/1/g/rec.arts.movies.past-films/c/UPtkcAYDFy8/m/gC0msYHLCAAJ
On Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 8:06:32rC>AM UTC-7, a425couple wrote:--------------snip
Yes, they flat out recognize:
Braveheart might not be known for being the most historically accurate
of films rCo it jettisons historical fact altogether
from
https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/25_best_movies_and_tv_shows_about_the_middle_ages/s1__39006598#slide_1
Am I the only one who remembers THE RETURN OF MARTIN GUERRE?That could well be. I sure do not remember anything of it.
"Is The Return of Martin Guerre Based on a true story?
The real-life 16th century case has been the inspiration for
storytellers ever since, including a French cinema version starring
G|-rard Depardieu (The Return Of Martin Guerre, 1982), and a Hollywood version starring Richard Gere and Jody Foster (Sommersby, 1993).
also
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Return_of_Martin_Guerre
Starring G|-rard Depardieu
Nathalie Baye
Closing in on execution, seems to have a touch of "Tale of Two Cities".