The story of the forbidden love between Tristan (James Franco) and Isolde (Sophia Myles), which leads to possibly deadly consequences for both, as well as for the fragile political landscape in which the two are active players, he as successor to the throne and she as daughter of the enemy king.
Kevin Reynolds is an experienced director and delivers a well-produced film with all the ingredients to be an unforgettable epic. It has romance with two attractive main actors, it has political and palace intrigue that directly interferes with the romance, it has battles and duels, beautiful landscapes and some stunning sets and wardrobe.
Despite containing all these elements to form a grand epic, I feel like it's missing something. Some viewers say that the film is boring, and I agree, but not 100%. Although it has some slow parts, I think the problem lies in the artistic style of the production, as it wants so much to be a calm romance that it lacks more emotion and rawness in acting, drama and action.
A very important element that often goes unnoticed in this visual medium that is cinema, is sound. And good sound production can change a film. In this case, the film's sound seems completely equalized, without many highs or lows between the background and the front. When a sword hits a shield in front of the camera, the sound of metal seems at the same level as the voices in the background, lacking depth as to create more impact on the viewer. That's a shame, as it detracts my enjoyment of an otherwise good movie.
Considering all this, the best word that comes to mind to describe what I feel about the film is that it is somewhat 'restrained', shy even in giving itself body and soul to both violence and love. Despite these setbacks, it is a well-structured and enjoyable story to watch that I recommend to lovers of historical epics.
Kevin Reynolds is an experienced director and delivers a well-produced film with all the ingredients to be an unforgettable epic. It has romance with two attractive main actors, it has political and palace intrigue that directly interferes with the romance, it has battles and duels, beautiful landscapes and some stunning sets and wardrobe.
Despite containing all these elements to form a grand epic, I feel like it's missing something. Some viewers say that the film is boring, and I agree, but not 100%. Although it has some slow parts, I think the problem lies in the artistic style of the production, as it wants so much to be a calm romance that it lacks more emotion and rawness in acting, drama and action.
A very important element that often goes unnoticed in this visual medium that is cinema, is sound. And good sound production can change a film. In this case, the film's sound seems completely equalized, without many highs or lows between the background and the front. When a sword hits a shield in front of the camera, the sound of metal seems at the same level as the voices in the background, lacking depth as to create more impact on the viewer. That's a shame, as it detracts my enjoyment of an otherwise good movie.
Considering all this, the best word that comes to mind to describe what I feel about the film is that it is somewhat 'restrained', shy even in giving itself body and soul to both violence and love. Despite these setbacks, it is a well-structured and enjoyable story to watch that I recommend to lovers of historical epics.