Ten Articles about Monty Python and the Holy Grail
This month marks the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the 1975 comedy that has become a cult favourite and…
New Medieval Books: Cinema Medievalia
This collection of twenty essays examine how the Middle Ages is portrayed in movies. From The Seventh Seal to the The Last Duel, these films reveal much about how today’s society tries to reimagine the medieval past.
New Documentary ‘Knight Life’ Explores the World of Full-Contact Jousting
Vision Films has released Knight Life, a new documentary that delves into the high-impact world of professional jousting. Directed by Matt Poitras, the film follows David W. Schade, a 25-year veteran of the sport, as he navigates the twilight years of his career.
New Medieval Books: El Cid
The original Rodrigo Diaz was a mercenary who fought for Christian and Muslim rulers, and for himself. This book tracks how, over the centuries, this figure becomes El Cid, the Christian and Spanish hero.
The Top 5 Worst Medieval Movies That Are So Bad, They’re Hilarious
Here are five medieval movies so bad, they’ve earned their place in the halls of hilarity.
Logan in Tights: An Open (Love) Letter to Michael Sarnoski, Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer – and Hollywood in General
I’ve heard there’s a new Robin Hood movie in the works, and I am stoked.
The Movie that Created a Medieval Myth
Modern movies rarely depict the Middle Ages accurately, and sometimes they get the period entirely wrong. However, one film managed to create a myth about a battle that persisted for decades.
“The Northman”: ‘Tis But A Scratch: Fact & Fiction About the Middle Ages
In this episode of the podcast ‘Tis But A Scratch: Fact and Fiction About the Middle Ages, Richard Abels and his special guest and co-host Dr. Christine Senecal of Shippensburg University discuss the 2022 Viking movie “The Northman.”
Making a Medieval Movie: Crusading in a Czech quarry
For two days in October 2021 and April 2022 the quarry of Chlumčany in the Czech Republic was transformed into the Holy Land, being used as the filming location for the new movie, Zbojnik (The Outlaw).
Five Things to Love About A Knight’s Tale
Yes, I’m talking about the 2001 movie starring the late Heath Ledger. Was it really just a sports movie set in the past? Yes. Was it edited until the plot seems a little less-than-coherent? Yes. But are there things we can love about it? Absolutely.
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.
