by Tom Galaraga
Assistant Managing Editor
Following a dream, all while winning the heart of a maiden and defending one’s honor, has never called for as much effort as this. Throw in the bitter hatred of a jealous arch nemesis and the plot is complete. Combine the classic tale with subtle nuances of modern day, such as music, choreography and jokes that allude to the present, and the result is an entertaining twist on a classic story.
In “A Knight’s Tale,” Heath Ledger portrays a young peasant squire, who from the misfortune of his master’s demise, garners the opportunity to enter the world of Noblemen, via the joust. Donning his master’s armor, the young squire need only survive the final joust to be named the victor. Winning the tournament and reaching the revelation that one man can “change the stars” fuels William Thatcher, Ledger, to continue as a Nobleman, entering tournament after tournament.
Enter the fair maiden Jocelyn, played by Shannyn Sossamon, who wins Thatcher’s heart and ultimately becomes his driving force, not only in tournaments but in daily life as well. Jocelyn soon becomes the center of attention for the two knights, Thatcher and Count Adhemar, played by Rufus Sewell.
Juxtaposing the two opposing forces by tying them together with a knight’s honor proves to not only be the only definitive arch enemy relationship characteristic, but proves to be an effective means at gaining insight on human nature.
Thatcher, who represents the dream following, good-natured being in us all, relies on his brave spirit and good will in order to overcome any obstacle, while Adhemar does no such thing.
Representing the greedy, self-centered and spiteful side of everybody, he will stop at nothing to degrade and crush Thatcher’s spirit. His ultimate goal, the would be trophy Jocelyn.
Predictable? Yes, but at the same time very entertaining in a feel good manor. If looking for blood and guts, and a sword to sheath battle royal where heads are going to be flying, look elsewhere.
Looking for nudity? Not going to find it here. The MPAA gave it a rating of PG-13 because it allegedly contained brief nudity, however they must have been watching the wrong movie because those scenes did not exist.
Maybe it was a good day, or a good mood going into the movies, but somehow two hours later and six bucks poorer, the mood was still very good. Perhaps every once in a while everybody needs something to feel good about.
“A Knight’s Tale” may seem like just another boy meets girl, has an arch enemy and somehow defeats him, winning the girls love and ultimately changing his life, story, but in its own unique right, has the right elements that definitely make it worth going to see.
