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A Knight's Tale Reviews

2001 Certificate PG
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 13,337 members

In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there's 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 in a jousting match. When he gets a lucky chance--seeing .. Read more

Starring Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Paul Bettany
Director Brian Helgeland
Genres Action/Adventure, Comedy, Romance

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  • Critics' reviews (6) of A Knight's Tale

    View all
  • 4 stars out of 5

    This irreverent medieval caper sets out its stall right at the start, when Queen's anthemic We Will Rock You thuds on to the soundtrack at a joust. So far, so anachronistic. But the real twist is that the 14th-century spectators join in and clap in time. It's that kind of film, full of such cheeky flourishes — jousting fans sing rock songs, emcees talk up contestants like it's WWF wrestling, and dancers at a royal banquet groove to David Bowie's Golden Years. Writer/director Brian Helgeland — whose directorial debut, Payback with Mel Gibson, was reportedly taken from him and re-shot — certainly enjoys himself here, and so does his cast. Heath Ledger plays the commoner who dreams of being a knight, and so impersonates one with the help of sidekicks Mark Addy (his best role since The Full Monty), Alan Tudyk and Paul Bettany (who casually steals the film with his portrayal of writer Geoffrey Chaucer). It's tremendous, infectious fun, with a rocking soundtrack, and everyone concerned enters into the spirit of it (including Rufus Sewell as the evil Count Adhemar). If there's a downside, it's Helgeland's occasionally inexperienced handling of the action scenes, and the fact that, frankly, if you've seen one jousting match, you've seen 'em all.

    • Radio Times
  • "...An impressive ensemble; there aren't many movies in which the actors use their voices so well, making each line reading memorable..."

    • New York Times
  • "...[Bettany's] silver-tongued exaggerations of the jousting jock's brave deeds and mighty stature before each match are great fun..."

    • USA Today
  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of A Knight's Tale

    View all
  • 17 out of 17 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Riotously funny and shamelessly anachronistic

    This is a great film, although Heath Ledger really has the whole film stolen from under his nose the moment Paul Bettany walks onto the screen. Completely naked. So a bit of an entrance really.

    This film is really lovely all over. Very very funny, with unashamedly inappropriate costumes, music and scenery which just works brilliantly because they don't care.

    Watch out for the fantastic dance sequence, where stately medieval gradually fuses into ..well... basically a bit of a contemporary dance moment I suppose.

    Far too many other good moments to describe, but highly recommended overall. The plot is ludicrously thin but the film is so enjoyable it's quite easy to suspend disbelief and be thoroughly delighted by the ending.

    Of course :o)

      • Lesley from Norwich
  • 13 out of 14 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    superb..................

    this dvd is superb. Heath Ledger (also starred in The Patriot), with a smile and great charm, 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.

    He is aided in this quest, by his less than enthusiatic pals Roland (Mark Addy from The Full Monty) and Wat (played by Alan Tudyk, from the film 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 the very handsome William, catches the eye of a lady, Jocelyn (played by 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 ( played by Rufus Sewell, from the film Dark City).

    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.

    well worth renting out.

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    One for all the family.

    This is one deservedly rates among the best Adventure/Comedy classics. So why didn't the critics shout it from the rooftops? Based on Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", Heath Ledger shines brighter than his armour in an inspired role of a peasant squire who seizes the initiative and assumes the identity of a Knight from Germany. His side kicks Mark Addy, Paul Bettany and Alan Tudyk (young Geoffrey Chaucer), support hansomely with hugely amusing, often side splitting prose. It's all action too, in the jousting scenes. Yes, suspend belief and be entertained. Good overcomes Evil - it always did in those days... Oh, yes, an eyeful in Shannyn Sossamon brings beauty and romance too. My family watched it four times in three days... Recommended ***** P.S. I'll be hiring it again nearer to Christmas so hurry up...

      • suenala from Durham
  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of A Knight's Tale

    View all
  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Loosely inspired by Geoffrey Chaucers 'The Canterbury Tales' and set in the 14th Century this is the story of William Thatcher, a peasant squire, who has a real talent for jousting. During this time only Knights of noble birth are eligible to joust and so William enlists the help of his three friends Wat, Roland and Geoffrey to adopt a false identity and compete in high level competitions. Heath Ledger as the lead is real eye candy for the ladies, and Shannon Sossamon in her first prominent role is indifferent but engaging. I personally loved the very british scripting with dark and witty carry on humour. The blend of using modern music and costumes with an olde worlde story takes more than one watch to accept as it is such a different concept, but it becomes natural after viewing two!

    My kids loved the jousting, even if they didnt follow the story, and the thundering noise of the horses hooves cannot fail to get your heart racing.

    A definate rental for all.

      • Paula#10 from PEACEHAVEN
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    A Little of Everything

    My wife loved it, I liked it. It had humour, action, romance etc etc etc. Good formula film well acted with some great faces in there.

      • A customer from Bristol, England
  • 17 out of 17 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Riotously funny and shamelessly anachronistic

    This is a great film, although Heath Ledger really has the whole film stolen from under his nose the moment Paul Bettany walks onto the screen. Completely naked. So a bit of an entrance really.

    This film is really lovely all over. Very very funny, with unashamedly inappropriate costumes, music and scenery which just works brilliantly because they don't care.

    Watch out for the fantastic dance sequence, where stately medieval gradually fuses into ..well... basically a bit of a contemporary dance moment I suppose.

    Far too many other good moments to describe, but highly recommended overall. The plot is ludicrously thin but the film is so enjoyable it's quite easy to suspend disbelief and be thoroughly delighted by the ending.

    Of course :o)

      • Lesley from Norwich
  • 13 out of 14 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    superb..................

    this dvd is superb. Heath Ledger (also starred in The Patriot), with a smile and great charm, 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.

    He is aided in this quest, by his less than enthusiatic pals Roland (Mark Addy from The Full Monty) and Wat (played by Alan Tudyk, from the film 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 the very handsome William, catches the eye of a lady, Jocelyn (played by 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 ( played by Rufus Sewell, from the film Dark City).

    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.

    well worth renting out.

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    One for all the family.

    This is one deservedly rates among the best Adventure/Comedy classics. So why didn't the critics shout it from the rooftops? Based on Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", Heath Ledger shines brighter than his armour in an inspired role of a peasant squire who seizes the initiative and assumes the identity of a Knight from Germany. His side kicks Mark Addy, Paul Bettany and Alan Tudyk (young Geoffrey Chaucer), support hansomely with hugely amusing, often side splitting prose. It's all action too, in the jousting scenes. Yes, suspend belief and be entertained. Good overcomes Evil - it always did in those days... Oh, yes, an eyeful in Shannyn Sossamon brings beauty and romance too. My family watched it four times in three days... Recommended ***** P.S. I'll be hiring it again nearer to Christmas so hurry up...

      • suenala from Durham
  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Something completely different

    A Knight's Tale is simply one of the most enjoyable films I have seen for a long time. It is extremely funny, has brilliant music, wonderful hairstyles and a very talented cast. Paul Bettany is especially good as Geoff Chaucer! If you haven't seen it yet don't wait a minute longer.

      • Penny from Cheltenham
  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Loosely inspired by Geoffrey Chaucers 'The Canterbury Tales' and set in the 14th Century this is the story of William Thatcher, a peasant squire, who has a real talent for jousting. During this time only Knights of noble birth are eligible to joust and so William enlists the help of his three friends Wat, Roland and Geoffrey to adopt a false identity and compete in high level competitions. Heath Ledger as the lead is real eye candy for the ladies, and Shannon Sossamon in her first prominent role is indifferent but engaging. I personally loved the very british scripting with dark and witty carry on humour. The blend of using modern music and costumes with an olde worlde story takes more than one watch to accept as it is such a different concept, but it becomes natural after viewing two!

    My kids loved the jousting, even if they didnt follow the story, and the thundering noise of the horses hooves cannot fail to get your heart racing.

    A definate rental for all.

      • Paula#10 from PEACEHAVEN
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Set against the background of medieval France, this tells the story of a young, impoverished squire who dreams of becoming a Knight - and with the help of his three trusty friends achieves his dream - and falls in love to boot. A great, rollicking yarn, with some very funny moments and a brilliant soundtrack of rock anthems that suit the mood perfectly.

      • DebJan#1 from LONDON
  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    A Knight's Tale

    An entertaining medieval story which strains your credulity a little by employing 20th century rock music. However, if you ignore that, you will be rewarded with a superb comedy/drama which was underrated at the time of its release. Watch out for the gorgeous Shannyn Sossamon. You wont be disappointed, either with her or the film!

      • audidude from Cumbria
  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    A modern classic with some fabulous one-liners. A strange mix of modern music and costumes gives this story of medieval love a fresh twist.

      • Amanda#14 from CORBY
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    we will we will rock you

    this a a great film. it has some of the greatest music ever (queen) and heath is amazing. However it really is Paul Bettany who steals the show with his hilarious performance. complete with the guy from the full monty this worksout as an absolutly hilarious film.

      • A customer from england
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    A Little of Everything

    My wife loved it, I liked it. It had humour, action, romance etc etc etc. Good formula film well acted with some great faces in there.

      • A customer from Bristol, England
  • Critics' reviews (6)

  • 4 stars out of 5

    This irreverent medieval caper sets out its stall right at the start, when Queen's anthemic We Will Rock You thuds on to the soundtrack at a joust. So far, so anachronistic. But the real twist is that the 14th-century spectators join in and clap in time. It's that kind of film, full of such cheeky flourishes — jousting fans sing rock songs, emcees talk up contestants like it's WWF wrestling, and dancers at a royal banquet groove to David Bowie's Golden Years. Writer/director Brian Helgeland — whose directorial debut, Payback with Mel Gibson, was reportedly taken from him and re-shot — certainly enjoys himself here, and so does his cast. Heath Ledger plays the commoner who dreams of being a knight, and so impersonates one with the help of sidekicks Mark Addy (his best role since The Full Monty), Alan Tudyk and Paul Bettany (who casually steals the film with his portrayal of writer Geoffrey Chaucer). It's tremendous, infectious fun, with a rocking soundtrack, and everyone concerned enters into the spirit of it (including Rufus Sewell as the evil Count Adhemar). If there's a downside, it's Helgeland's occasionally inexperienced handling of the action scenes, and the fact that, frankly, if you've seen one jousting match, you've seen 'em all.

    • Radio Times
  • "...An impressive ensemble; there aren't many movies in which the actors use their voices so well, making each line reading memorable..."

    • New York Times
  • "...[Bettany's] silver-tongued exaggerations of the jousting jock's brave deeds and mighty stature before each match are great fun..."

    • USA Today
  • The right to compete at jousting in the 14th century comes only by noble birth, but William (Ledger), a thatcher's son... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • "...A KNIGHT'S TALE delights in comparisons to present-day sport....[Bettany] is especially delightful..."

    • Box Office
  • "...The easy charm of Ledger and the chemistry with his buddies make the training scenes a treat..."

    • Total Film

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    • In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there's only one form of competition to separate the men from the boys--jousting tournaments. William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a poor and ...

    • A Knight's Tale
      In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there's 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 in a jousting match. When ...

Rating breakdown

13,337 Member ratings
  • 100
1,577
  • 90
1,182
  • 80
2,682
  • 70
2,488
  • 60
2,293
  • 50
1,217
  • 40
795
  • 30
503
  • 20
409
  • 10
191

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