Medieval Myth-Busting at the Movies
Here are five of the most common myths about the Middle Ages, busted.
Medieval Movie Review: Catherine Called Birdy
Though plagued with some inaccuracies, and one atrocious plot decision, Lena Dunham’s Catherine Called Birdy is a direction in which films about the Middle Ages ought to go.
Medieval Movie Review: Ironclad
This movie from 2011 gives an extra-bloody version of a somewhat famous English siege.
Medieval Movie Review: The Court Jester
At its core, The Court Jester is a joyous and artfully constructed farce which whips its viewers through its numerous set pieces and shenanigans at an exhilarating pace.
Medieval: The Movie, The Brand
Have we reached a point where “medieval” has become a brand in itself?
Medieval Movie Review: The War Lord
Time to shine a light on the half-forgotten and flawed gem from 1965 that is The War Lord.
Medieval Movie Review: Ivanhoe
Taking a look back at the 1952 classic movie, Ivanhoe.
How the movie Willow got so many things right
It’s an excellent time to revisit one of my all-time favorite ‘80s swords-and-sorcery films: 1988’s Willow, starring Warwick Davis as the titular character.
Disney’s Not-So Wholesome Medievalisms
Disney’s work has never been value-neutral … and some of the messages it conveyed in the past, and of the past, were downright toxic.
The Northman
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle and Peter Konieczny give their takes on Hollywood’s latest foray into medieval movie-making: The Northman.
Medieval Movie Review: The Northman
Robert Eggers’ take on the Norse tale of Prince Amleth may offer movie-goers some impressive visuals and historically-accurate details, but ultimately it is another bleak and bloody view of the Vikings.
Medieval Movie Review: El Cid
El Cid was released in 1961 at the absolute zenith of the historical epics’ reign in Hollywood.
Medieval Movie Review: The Adventures of Robin Hood
The Adventures of Robin Hood’s bold and ambitiously realised aesthetics, iconography, and set pieces have caught the eye and fired the imagination of many imitators.
Medieval Movie Review: The Lion in Winter
Directed by Anthony Harvey and released in 1968, The Lion in Winter is an intimate and visceral depiction of a fictionalized Christmas court held by Henry II following this clash and the death of his heir apparent.
The Last Duel: A Movie Review
The latest medieval movie has just dropped into theatres, and that means that Danièle was first in line with Peter Konieczny to bring you the goods. This week on The Medieval Podcast, they discuss Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, starring Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Adam Driver.
Medieval Movie Review: The Last Duel
I must admit: I was very nervous to see The Last Duel.
Matt, Ben and Myself: From History to Hollywood with The Last Duel
Eric Jager, author of The Last Duel, gives the inside story of how his book was turned into a major Hollywood movie.
The Women in Medieval Armored Combat
A new documentary follows the lives of women who fight in an extreme and full-contact sport, Medieval Armored Combat. This week, Danièle talks with filmmaker Adrian Cicerone about Steel Song.
“Get out of the way, Battal Gazi is Coming!”: Turkish films on Byzantium
A conversation with Buket Bayrı about Turkish films that prominently feature Byzantine characters and settings, especially the films about Battal Gazi.
The Green Knight and Sir Gawain
The Green Knight has just been released in the cinemas. This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about the film and how it compares to the 14th-century story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Medieval Movie Review: The Green Knight
For many years, medievalists have gone to the movies with the expectation that their beloved stories will be given only lip service in favour of directorial changes meant to pander to a modern audience. With The Green Knight, they are in for a surprise.
In Search of the Once and Future King: A Constructed Authenticity
Trying to give the Arthurian legends greater credence and authenticity by locating them in a more accurate historical context.
In Search of the Once and Future King: In Glorious Technicolour
How the story of King Arthur gets told during Hollywood’s Golden Age – the 1950s and 60s.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in the Movies
A look at the movie adaptions of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, along with other media.
The Fountain of Youth in the movies
The legends led to expeditions in the 16th century to find the fabled fountain and their adventures, in turn, have inspired filmmakers to portray them.