Watch Star Knight
- PG-13
- 1985
- 1 hr 31 min
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4.0 (774)
Star Knight is a 1985 historical fantasy film directed by Spanish filmmaker Fernando Colomo and produced by Andrés Vicente Gómez. The movie features an international cast of actors including Klaus Kinski, Harvey Keitel, and Fernando Rey. The film is set in medieval Spain and tells the story of a knight's encounter with an extraterrestrial being.
The movie begins with a scene of a mysterious object crashing on Earth in medieval Spain. The locals consider it to be a divine sign, a star that has fallen from the sky. The news of the event reaches the king who sends his men to investigate. Meanwhile, a young knight, Diego (played by Tito Valverde), on his way to be knighted, comes across the crash site and decides to investigate. He discovers an extraterrestrial being (played by Klaus Kinski) who has traveled to Earth to explore the planet.
Diego takes the alien to a nearby monastery, where they are greeted with suspicion and fear. The monk in charge, Fray Lupo (played by Fernando Rey) assumes that the being is a demon and attempts to exorcise him. However, Diego defends the alien and pleads for his life. The alien, in turn, proves his benevolence by healing Fray Lupo's crippled leg. This act of kindness wins the monk's trust, and he agrees to help the alien to repair his spacecraft and return home.
The knight and the monk begin to work together to help the alien. However, the king, suspicious of the alien's intentions, sends his envoys to capture him for interrogation. The envoys' arrival at the monastery coincides with the alien successfully repairing his ship. In a dramatic turn of events, the alien and Diego team up to defend themselves and the monastery against the king's soldiers.
The film's ending is heartwarming and unexpected. It is a tale of kindness, bravery, and friendship that transcends cultural and species boundaries. The film features a great ensemble cast, with standout performances from Klaus Kinski as the alien and Harvey Keitel as the king's envoy. The cinematography is stunning, with the landscape of medieval Spain serving as a beautiful backdrop.
The film's main theme is the conflict between the medieval belief in divine providence and the emerging scientific worldview. The people of medieval Spain see the star's fall as a sign from God, whereas the alien sees it as a cosmic event. The contrast between the monk's right-wing beliefs that demons corrupt the human soul and the alien's unwavering benevolence, irrespective of species, is a reflection of the cultural divide of that era.
Overall, Star Knight is a charming, quirky, and delightful film that challenges the audience's worldview. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate historical fantasy with a twist. The film's mix of comedy and drama, combined with the inter-species friendship, makes it a cinematic treat that will leave the viewer wanting more. Despite the limited commercial success, Star Knight has gained a cult following over the years due to its whimsical and engaging storyline.