Directed by: Brian Helgeland
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
Written by Livvy O’Brien
80/100
When you press play on “A Knight’s Tale” and hear Queen’s “We Will Rock You” blaring over the opening scene, it’s natural to feel a little thrown off. But I can assure you that the film is well worth the watch.
William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) is at its heart, a peasant with an impossible dream: to “change his stars” and become a knight. The problem? In a society where birth determines everything, William’s lack of noble lineage makes his dream seem hopeless. Refusing to accept his lot in life, William crafts a daring plan. He assumes a noble identity, adopting the name Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein—a real knight from the Middle Ages, though the film doesn’t seem to draw any connection—and enters the high-stakes world of jousting. Armed with a suit of armour swiped from his deceased liege and a burning determination, William discovers he’s a natural on the tournament circuit. Convenient? Maybe. But it’s hard not to root for him as he begins his quest for glory. Of course, William doesn’t chase his dreams alone. What kind of adventure film would it be without his trusty sidekicks? His loyal band of friends brings heart, humour, and heaps of chaos to the journey. With the likes of Roland (Mark Addy), Wat (Alan Tudyk), Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany), and Kate (Laura Fraser), they arguably steal the show as they rally behind William every step of the way. Together, they’re the true soul of the film, making his quest for glory as hilarious as it is heartfelt.
With a runtime of just over two hours, “A Knight’s Tale” flies by, feeling like a breezy and thoroughly engaging ride from start to finish. Its opening scene hooks you instantly, setting the tone for an energetic and delightfully entertaining watch. One of the most brilliant choices by director Brian Helgeland is the unconventional soundtrack. Sure, the inclusion of modern stadium anthems like Queen’s “We Will Rock You” in a medieval setting might initially seem perplexing, but it’s a stroke of genius once you understand its purpose. Helgeland uses the music not just to entertain but to create a bridge between the medieval world on screen and the modern audience watching it. The soundtrack infuses the jousting tournaments with the electric atmosphere of today’s sporting events, where the crowd’s energy amplifies the experience. He captured the thrill of the fanatic—rooting for your favourite competitor, feeling the sense of community, and reveling in the excitement of the arena. The same concept applies to the dancing scene. It begins with a traditional and formal routine that feels a bit dull, only to suddenly shift from medieval music to David Bowie’s “Golden Years.” Once again, Helgeland brilliantly taps into a relatable, universal feeling, and it works perfectly. It reminds me a lot of the nutbush, you know, the dance that every Australian knows and has to perform at every event. It’s a bold move, but I think it’s why this film holds up so brilliantly more than 20 years later.
Another thing that “A Knight’s Tale” does right is its unapologetic embrace of whimsy. Other medieval films, I’ve noticed, focus on the era’s grit and grime, with characters draped in brown and beige and weighed down by seriousness. I suppose that “A Knight’s Tale” does wear similar, era-appropriate clothes (nobles excluded), but there’s a lively playfulness that Helgeland injects into every scene. Even the mundane feels fantastical, and the film’s spirited tone transforms what could have been just another medieval drama into something refreshingly lighthearted and charming.
“A Knight’s Tale” Trailer
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