Tristan and Isolde
20th Century Fox
125 minutes
January 13, 2006
Rated: PG-13
Before Romeo and Juliet, there was Tristan and Isolde
That byline really does do a good job of setting the viewer up for the sort of movie that you are going to see, but it’s not 100% accurate. While Romeo and Juliet is about forbidden love – and this one is too – Tristan and Isolde have the added layer of a love triangle sort of tale that doesn’t exist in the former tale.
I have to say that I LOVED this film. I went into it with some hesitation because I didn’t think that I would like James Franco as Tristan. After reading some accounts of the character I just didn’t think he would serve well – but I was wonderfully surprised. I also really enjoyed the actress chosen for Isolde, Sofia Myles. She had the softness and persistence as well as being beautiful. All of the roles were well cast and there wasn’t a time when someone felt out of place. And I was extremely pleased to discover the gorgeous Henry Cavill in this movie!
The producers played loosely with the traditional legend but I felt that the changes they made served the movie well. They made the legend more real by dropping the more traditional love potion angle of the story. This allowed for their actions and emotions to be more relatable for viewers and I think give it a more powerful ending. I was a little surprised to not see any mention of King Arthur in this story. I have always encountered the legend of Tristan and Isolde with the legend of King Arthur. It didn’t make one bit of difference to the tale but was just a surprising omission.
This really was a refreshing historical/romance/action film. It might be a stretch through to get your significant other to see it – I know my boyfriend had zero interest in watching the film.
Check out this trailer:
Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court
I've seen bits and pieces of this film. I never catch the beginning, so I'll have to watch this for myself all the way through! Great review!
ReplyDeleteEven though I adore Sophia Myles I haven't seen this yet -- but you reminded me that I desperately want to!
ReplyDeleteCarole Rae - I would really recommend it. The scenery alone is gorgeous and the story is told well.
ReplyDeleteAudra - I think you would love it!
We so rarely go to the movies and I don't even remember this one coming out. Thanks for including the trailer. This looks like a good movie. It is Full of actors I like. We rarely rent movies, but I'll have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my all time favs! Very engrossing. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteLibrarypat - This wouldn't be a bad choice and I think it is a film guys would enjoy too - battle scenes etc.
ReplyDeleteJenny - I can't believe it took me so long to see it!