Watch A Knight's Tale

A Knight's Tale, directed by Brian Helgeland and released in 2001, is a fun action-comedy set in medieval Europe that tells the story of William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a young squire from a poor village who has always dreamed of becoming a knight. After his master dies just before a jousting tournament, William takes his armor and enters the competition himself, posing as a nobleman named Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland. With the help of his loyal friends Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), William sets out to win the tournament and become a true knight.

The movie is packed with exciting jousting scenes, as well as charming moments of camaraderie and romance. William falls in love with Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), a noblewoman who initially thinks he is a real knight. Rufus Sewell plays Count Adhemar, a rival jouster who will stop at nothing to win the tournament and discredit William. Along the way, William learns valuable lessons about honor, friendship, and being true to oneself.

One of the most unique aspects of A Knight's Tale is its use of modern music in a historical setting. The film features anachronistic covers of songs like "We Will Rock You" by Queen, "The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy, and "Golden Years" by David Bowie, which adds an unexpected and entertaining pop culture twist to the story. The film's soundtrack also includes original songs by composer and producer Carter Burwell.

Heath Ledger gives a charismatic and energetic performance as William, a character that is both relatable and inspiring. The Australian actor trained extensively for the role, learning how to joust, ride horses, and perform other stunts. Mark Addy is also great as William's friend and fellow squire, Roland, who provides a lot of the film's comic relief. Rufus Sewell delivers a convincing and intimidating performance as Count Adhemar, who serves as a formidable antagonist for William.

A Knight's Tale received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising its humor and inventive approach to the genre, while others criticized its historical inaccuracies and lack of depth. However, the film has since gained a cult following and is widely recognized as a fun and entertaining adventure movie.

Overall, A Knight's Tale is a lighthearted and enjoyable film that combines the excitement of medieval tournaments with a modern twist. Its cast of talented actors, memorable soundtrack, and timeless themes make it a movie that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

A Knight's Tale is a 2001 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 56.