A Knight's Tale mightn't be the best film of 2001 but it's certainly one of the most entertaining and it's definitely my favourite. A story of a young squire named William Thatcher (hopefully not a relation to the other one) who on a whim disguises himself as his late master and not only enters jousting tournaments but starts winning them too.
It's a simple story that's very well told. It's hilarious, bursting with heart, full of romance and has a killer soundtrack. Yup. It might be set in the 14th century but it's full of 20th century tunes. Queen, Sly and The Family Stone, Thin Lizzy and War all turn up. It's a film that doesn't take itself one bit seriously and it plays very fast and loose with historical fact. Scholars and historians scoffed at the time but who cares when it's all so entertaining. Look at the scene below. Bowie's tunes slot into a Medieval banquet just perfectly don't they. You'll start smiling as soon as you hear the first "angel" and you won't stop til the music stops.
Cinematic bliss. My fave dance scene ever. It's so underrated and it's a film so many people haven't heard of or have avoided because it looks silly. You're missing out on a brilliant slice of fun. Mark Addy, Paul Bethany and Alan Tudyk are all great craic. Rufus Suwell is the perfect boo hiss bad guy who gets a very satisfying comeuppance. Shannyn Sossamon is a beautiful, spirited and not one bit demure lead and Heath Ledger is just a superb, funny and heroic in the mould of all the swashbuckling stars of yesteryear. His death in 2008 was so sad, such a waste of talent.
It's a perfect companion piece to The Princess Bride, another medieval tale full of knowing post modern humour. If you enjoyed that you will enjoy this.
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