Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6625 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-02-25
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Hindi
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 127 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion, but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms, you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You", you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether. Other vintage rock hits will follow, but Helgeland--the Oscar-winning co-writer of LA Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill, in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood. As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough, Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut, Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer, along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden, and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion, Ledger's undeniable charisma, a perfect supporting cast, and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot, and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up, like its hero, to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com

On the DVD: From "The Rock Music Scene in 1370" to "You Never Know What You'll Find in a Czech Prop House", this disc doesn't scrimp on the special features. Offering a wealth of information regarding the making of this $41million film, from the jousting (which many of the actors actually performed) to justification for the rock soundtrack and Audrey Hepburn-esque dresses in Medieval Europe. Along with these mini-documentaries, (most lasting for only five minutes) there's a mini interview with the new heartthrob of Hollywood, Heath Ledger and a great selection of deleted scenes. The commentary--by director Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany (who plays Chaucer in the film)--is a lively and enjoyable romp that makes it clear that the cast and crew bonded on set. The disc comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack to improve the "raucous rock" and an anamorphic 2.35:1 aspect ratio to bring the "modernised medieval mood" to life. --Nikki Disney

DVD Description
DVD Special Features:

Commentary by Brian Helgeland and Paul Bettany
Making Of Featurette
Behind The Scenes Featurette
Deleted Scenes
Robbie Williams and Queen Music Video
Theatrical Trailer
Screensaver
Weblink
Filmographies

Languages in Dolby Digital 5.1: English
Subtitles: English, English Hard of Hearing, Hindi
1.2:35 Aspect Ratio
Enhanced for 16:9 Widescreen TVs

Synopsis
In the Middle Ages, before television or professional sports, there's only one form of competition to separate the men from the boys--jousting tournaments. William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a poor and humble squire, has always dreamed of proving himself worthy as a knight in a jousting match. When he gets a lucky chance--seeing an opportunity to disguise himself in the identity of a knight--William decides to maintain the illusion for as long as possible. He is aided by his friends Wat (Alan Tudyk), Roland (Mark Addy), and Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany, in a role loosely based on the real storyteller)--a writer with a knack for forging official papers. Under his new title, Sir Ulrich of Liechtenstein, William wins tournaments and receives monetary awards. However, the only way for William to prove himself as truly noble--and win the heart of the beautiful Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon)--is to beat out all of his enemies, including the arrogant and undefeated Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell), in a series of jousts. Writer-director Brian Helgeland creates a unique blend of rousing adventure, comedy, and modern sensibility in A KNIGHT'S TALE, giving a contemporary make-over to the medieval genre with a soundtrack that includes hit songs from Queen, David Bowie, Sly & the Family Stone, and Thin Lizzy.

Customer Reviews

A Knight's Tale
A Knight's Tale is the story of a peasant's son who is able to "change his stars" after becoming a knight's page. This entertaining film is set in Europe in the Middle Ages, and keeps our attention with good acting, humor, and without the help of super special effects. The dialog and soundtrack of mainly rock music takes us outside the usual costumed theme.

The "knight" (Heath Ledger) earns the love, respect, and loyalty of his peers and others with his bravery, sense of honor, and strength of character. Although the plot is simple, the interaction of the characters keeps your interest, and I came away with a better understanding of tilting contests and the sports or jousting. The opening scene gives you a promise of what to expect, and I was not disappointed as the movie continued. I thoroughly enjoyed this flick the first time and continue to enjoy it every time I watch it.

Its meant to be FUNNY
This is a film with something for everyone (except for those reviewers below who gave this film a verbal bashing - they have absolutely no sense of humour).
There's a dashing hero; a sultry heroine; the comedy duo; rotten baddie and my favourite who completely steels the show: Bettany as Chaucer.
It has slapstick for the kids, swashbuckling action, jokes just for the `grown-ups' and a mean soundtrack that adds both to the atmosphere and the tongue in cheek element that has be alluded to below.
It's a little like the first Shrek film, in that you can all sit down as a family, and you're all going to enjoy it, from toddler to grannies (everyone except for those reviewers below may have had a humour lobotomy).

IT WILL ROCK YOU.
I find some of the reviews for this film far too serious in their content considering that the movie was made with tongue firmly stuffed into cheek. The whole idea is nothing more than pure fun and should be viewed that way. It is not a history lesson or a documentary on jousting, the addition of the modern (and superb) music only enhances the fun aspect and fits into the story perfectly. A brilliant performance all round from the entire cast and very well directed. The farting competition at the end proves it was all just fun.