★ 9 / 10
**_One of the Best Medieval/British Isle flicks_** Remember
Wuchak
**_One of the Best Medieval/British Isle flicks_** Remember the three such movies of 1995: "Braveheart," "Rob Roy" and "First Knight"? "Tristan + Isolde" is…
**_One of the Best Medieval/British Isle flicks_**
Remember the three such movies of 1995: "Braveheart," "Rob Roy" and "First Knight"? "Tristan + Isolde" is better than all of them or, at least, on par. It shares plot elements of "First Knight" with the king's trusted protégé playing around with his young wife, but "Tristan + Isolde" is just overall superior.
James Franco plays the brooding Tristan, who has good reason to be sullen, except when he escapes into Isolde's arms in secret. Sophia Myles works well as the Irish princess, Isolde, who's given as a gift to the king of the Brits, Marke (Rufus Sewell). Also on hand is Marke's nephew, Melot (Henry Cavill), who's passed up by the king for Tristan; David O'Hara as the wicked Irish king, Donnchadh; and the ignoble Wictred (Mark Strong). These are all strong, memorable characters.
Although there are some contrived plot elements, the story (based on the medieval romantic legend) is coherent and pretty compelling. Meanwhile the locations (Ireland) and cinematography are breathtaking. The score's good too. Yet this isn't just a film that's beautiful in appearance & sound, it's beautiful period, despite the brutal violence, bloodshed and betrayal. The general ambiance is similar to, say, "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992) and lacks the crude elements of "Rob Roy."
Some complain that James Franco is too selfishly sullen as Tristan, but that's a big part of the story. Should he have played Tristan as elated that the one & only woman he's ever loved has become the king's wife, a gift from Ireland?
The whole adulterous tangled web could have probably been avoided if either Tristan or Isolde simply told the truth about their relationship BEFORE Isolde married the king, but it's not always easy to do this, especially when you're so young and dumb. By "dumb" I don't mean stupid, but rather naive and lacking the life-skills that only come with age & experience.
There's also a lot of good stuff to glean from the tragedy: Everyone wants someone to believe in them; never trust a proven scoundrel; humble confession, remorse & repentance; the natural desire for freedom and "true love," etc.
Despite its early 2006 release date, it was shot over two years earlier in September-October, 2003.
It runs 2 hours, 5 minutes, and was shot in west-central Ireland at Connemara, County Galway. Exterior shots were done in the Czech Republic at Pruhonice Park and Castle, Krivoklat and Prague.
GRADE: A
★ 8 / 10
Before Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere, there was another timeless love triangle
inkblot11
Tristan (James Franco) was orphaned as a boy. Irish warriors interrupted a dinner in Cornwall, which his parents were attending, and killed many, including the…
Tristan (James Franco) was orphaned as a boy. Irish warriors interrupted a dinner in Cornwall, which his parents were attending, and killed many, including the lad's father and mother. Brave Uncle Marke (Rufus Sewell) saved his nephew, losing a hand in the process. Now, Tristan is grown and a fine swordsman himself. Yet, the Irish and the clans of Britain are still at odds. In another skirmish, after a valiant fight, Tristan is wounded by a poisonous sword. Thinking him dead, his grieving uncle and other men put him in a boat and release him to the waves. This is the burial ceremony of the times. But, by a twist of fate, the boat crosses the sea and lands in Ireland. Spying the vessel is beautiful Isolde (Sophia Miles), the daughter of the king. Realizing the man is alive but gravely, sickened, this beautiful princess and her lady in waiting nurse Tristan back to health in a secret cove. Before long, Isolde is deeply in love with her patient, although she gives him a false name for herself, and he is in love with her. But, danger lurks, due to his heritage. Just as the Irish are about to discover the secrets, Isolde releases Tristan in his boat, telling him their love can never be. Both are shattered inside. When Tristan arrives back in Cornwall, his uncle is overjoyed. Before long, the Irish king offers his daughter to the knight who can defeat all others in a tournament. Tristan vows to win a wife for the never married Marke. Sure enough, Tristan wins the contest. But, horror indeed when the lady's veil is lifted and it is his dear love. No matter, Isolde must marry Marke, for all parties are bound by honor. Yet, can Tristan really forget his love for Isolde or can she truly love her husband? In addition, if they give into their past feelings, what will be the consequences in the near future? This timeless tale of a love triangle is a legend that came before King Arthur himself. One could probably say it influenced the later story. As such, it is just as beautiful and tragic. Franco, Sewell, and Miles are a most lovely and talented threesome while the lesser actors are equally well chosen. The sets and costumes, which depict a time long ago, are wonderful to behold while the script and direction fulfill the story's telling well. Yes, there is some violence but it is muted; even so, those who shiver at sword fights and such should be advised accordingly. Nevertheless, this is a stellar two hours of entertainment.
6.8/10
56.6K
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Class movie! thumbs up!! dont go with the reviews of rotten tomatoes critics...