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Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
‘The Green Knight’ is an acid trip through Arthurian legends.
The Green Knight tells a story we might vaguely remember from school, albeit in a much more interesting way. It is the latest release from David Lowery, known for Ain’t Them Bodies Saints (2013), Pete’s Dragon (2016), and A Ghost Story (2017).
Staying very true to the original tale of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, Lowrey is able to bring us a beautiful and sometimes otherworldly retelling of a classic legend. Magic, mystery and myth are woven together from the start, and the beautiful visuals only serve to keep us hooked through the whole story.
A Christmas Game
Camelot. Christmas. 6th Century CE. From the beginning, this film is able to draw you into the start of the Middle Ages, and you can almost feel and smell the dirt of the place. This isn’t a fancy and polished story of gallantry and heroics like we might have seen so many times before. The film is presented from the start as a truer version of life in these times, with a sinister and magical twist.
From the very first scene, the tone is set and you understand that there is something quite different to how this story will unravel. And different it is! A Christmas Celebration, a magic ritual and a mysterious Green Knight set things in motion. The choice of practical effects for the Knight is perfect. It keeps the tone and is so beautifully done that you believe everything on the screen.
Wildest of Heart
After our introduction to this bizarre new world, things only get stranger. As Gawain travels closer and closer to his destiny, reality seems to slip further and further away. The scenery is so beautifully captured and played with that there is a constant sense of unease. These are things that are familiar to us. We know this place and have seen it a hundred times before. And yet, it’s not quite right.
The film starts out a murky grey and gets darker and darker as we progress, with flashes of colour that add to the uneasy feeling. It’s slightly disorientating but I just couldn’t look away. I wanted to know what would happen, where he would go, and what he would do; even though I’ve heard this story before.
In the original story, Gawain’s challenges in his journey aren’t very clear. But Lowry works in familiar things with a difference. Bandits and giants are just a couple of the trials Gawain has to tackle, but again it just feels a little different. The surreal feeling of the film adds something different to these all too familiar characters.
Time is manipulated as well within the film. We can never be quite sure if what we see is real or a vision that could be changed. A vision of the future, a cry for help from the past, and a look at his own fate keep us feeling lost and unsure of where we are and what we’re seeing.
Boldest of Blood
From the moment I saw Dev Patel’s Gawain I loved him in the role. He’s believable and feels just right and he’s able to showcase his versatility. He starts as a childish and somewhat lost character and grows with the film to be so much more. He carries the film entirely alone at times (save for a furry forest friend!), and it firmly places him as one of my favourite national treasures.
He isn’t completely alone for the entire film, however, and we see a range of fantastic actors. Alicia Vikander is able to shine as both a lowly woman and a mysterious noble Lady – even if her accent is a little questionable at times.
Joel Edgerton is also fantastic as the Lord. This part of the film is so bright and in contrast to the rest of the film that, coupled with Edgerton’s all to friendly and welcoming character, I felt uncomfortable and was expecting the worst for all of it.
Some of the real scene-stealers of the film are characters we see very little of. Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight is excellent. His presence on screen is almost frightening, and with the amazing practical effects, this character really does hold you captive when you see him.
Sarita Choudhury as Morgan le Fay is my absolute favourite. She plays with this character and brings her to life in an enigmatic and captivating way. I felt the magic and mystery from her with every moment she was on screen.
A Legendary Tale
The Green Knight isn’t exactly a slow burn, but it’s definitely one that you need to pay attention to. There are so many little moments, quick changes, and such beautiful imagery, that you can’t really take your eyes off the screen for too long.
Some parts of the film can be a little heavy on the dialogue, but it is also necessary. The script itself walks a fine line between middle and modern English, but never really wanders either side too much. We are kept enough in the past to be immersed in a long-forgotten time, but it’s never too much that we can’t understand it.
I’d also recommend watching it with a friend, as this is a film you will definitely have questions about and want to discuss. The ending is especially strange, and it left me wanting more and feeling a little unsatisfied with what I was given.
Overall, it’s a great film that really knows how to best use the talent and settings featured. I’d definitely recommend it at least once!!
The Green Knight is available to watch now on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and more.
Sarah here, teaching English around the world. Living life and seeing things.
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