5 Films that bring the Middle Ages to life
Some under-appreciated personal favorites
Modern directors portray European history in a style that might be called medieval-miserable. Think of the grey bleakness of The Last Duel (2021) and Napoleon (2023).
But we should love our history, and it must live in our souls. Behold! My favorite films that bring the period to life in all its color and splendor.
I have chosen films that are actually good: wonderfully acted, written, shot - rather than those that simply portray medieval aesthetics but fail to understand the medieval mind and faith. This rules out beautiful but basically unwatchable tripe like Luc Besson’s Joan of Arc.
I found the following five films, several of which have been undeservedly forgotten, exciting and immersive. (I make no promises of historical accuracy). Please enjoy!
HENRY V (1989), Dir. KENNETH BRANAGH
O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention,
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!
Some people subconsciously reject older films, writing them off as likely boring. Do not do so here: how wrong you would be! The performances are thunderous and the score is majestic. The action is cracking and the costumes and sets feel real and worn in a way that films of this era often missed. And, of course, no self-respective Anglo should be unfamiliar with the Battle of Agincourt.
Don’t be intimidated by the (sometimes unintelligible) Shakespearean English, let it wash over you. You’ll understand plenty, and discover many beautiful turns of phrase. Once you get into it, it’s an immersive experience. Watch the energy with which Derek Jacobi delivers the prologue here!
I’d recommend looking over a brief plot synopsis before watching if you’re unfamiliar with the play so you have a basic sense of what’s going on, and then sit back and enjoy the show. Featuring a young Christian Bale in one of his first roles.
Excellent!
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