Brian Helgeland's A Knight's Tale is a hugely entertaining medieval romp set to modern rock classics such as Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and Thin Lizzy's 'The Boys are Back in Town'. The movie urges you to join in the fun with recognisable songs that is a jarring juxtaposition to the 14th century goings on at first but you soon get used to the idea.
Heath Ledger is excellent as the peasant who wants to be a knight and, upon meeting a homeless writer, who turns out to be Chaucer, offers to forge papers so that Ledger can bluff his way into the annual jousting competition to prove his worth as a knight and finds romance along the way.
This film has everything - action, adventure, comedy, romance and rock songs. It's feel good entertainment and Helgeland's unique approach still feels fresh, sassy and on point. Ledger is surrounded by a good supporting cast of Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, Shannyn Sossamon and James Purefoy.
It's the perfect mix of a smart witty script, solid acting and an off kilter approach that really works. Baz Luhrmann pulled a similar trick with both Romeo & Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge (2001) by mixing up period pieces with modern songs to serve the narrative in an unconventional way.
Heath Ledger is excellent as the peasant who wants to be a knight and, upon meeting a homeless writer, who turns out to be Chaucer, offers to forge papers so that Ledger can bluff his way into the annual jousting competition to prove his worth as a knight and finds romance along the way.
This film has everything - action, adventure, comedy, romance and rock songs. It's feel good entertainment and Helgeland's unique approach still feels fresh, sassy and on point. Ledger is surrounded by a good supporting cast of Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, Shannyn Sossamon and James Purefoy.
It's the perfect mix of a smart witty script, solid acting and an off kilter approach that really works. Baz Luhrmann pulled a similar trick with both Romeo & Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge (2001) by mixing up period pieces with modern songs to serve the narrative in an unconventional way.