Added to Netflix on Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023 A Knight’s Tale is an adventurous tale blending action, romance, and comedy, centered around William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a peasant squire who, after his master’s untimely death, decides to take on the identity of a knight. Adopting the name “Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein,” Thatcher goes on to compete in various jousting tournaments across Europe, aiming to change his stars. Alongside his loyal companions, Roland and Wat, and with the help of Geoffrey Chaucer, Thatcher faces numerous challenges, both in the jousting arena and in his romantic pursuit of Lady Jocelyn, a noblewoman. His journey not only tests his physical abilities but also challenges the rigid class divisions of the medieval society.
Length: 2h 12m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance
This Title is: Inspirational, Entertaining
“A Knight’s Tale” IS STREAMING TODAY ON Netflix IN CANADA
Trailer
Cast
- Heath Ledger as William Thatcher
- Paul Bettany as Geoffrey Chaucer
- Shannyn Sossamon as Lady Jocelyn
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 for action violence, some nudity and brief sex-related dialogue
Parents should be aware that the film includes jousting and sword fighting scenes, which are integral to the plot but can be intense. Some scenes include mild nudity and there are references to sex and romance.
Trivia
- The film uses contemporary rock music in its soundtrack, an intentional anachronism to bridge the gap between the 14th century setting and modern audiences.
- Paul Bettany improvised many of his lines as Geoffrey Chaucer, adding a unique humor to the character.
- Heath Ledger performed many of his own stunts in the film, including the jousting scenes.
Our Review
“A Knight’s Tale” is a vibrant, engaging film that mixes medieval jousting with an eclectic modern soundtrack, resulting in a refreshing take on the historical adventure genre. Heath Ledger shines as the charismatic and determined William Thatcher, embodying a character who is both heroic and relatable. The script cleverly integrates humor and romance, creating a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining. The blend of period detail with contemporary elements, especially the soundtrack, gives the film a unique flair that sets it apart from traditional historical dramas. The supporting cast, particularly Paul Bettany as Chaucer, adds depth and wit to the film, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)
