Undoubtedly, in our country there will be a huge number of moviegoers who simply adore watching films about the Middle Ages. Bloody wars, palace intrigues, valiant feats of knights and, of course, love afflictions - these are what distinguish cinematic films that illuminate that era.
One should also pay tribute to the skill of directors who dare to make films about the Middle Ages.
The era of feats and heroic deeds
They try to convey the atmosphere of that time as realistically as possible, when kings ruled huge states without leaving the walls of their own castles, and brave knights went on long crusades without a shadow of doubt to prove to their beloved that there are nobler and more courageous people in the whole Universe. Despite this halo of romanticism, the Middle Ages were filled with cruelty, treachery and betrayal.
Directors, as a rule, make a movie about a specific hero who, with his exploits, was able to glorify his homeland. It also happens that, making films about the Middle Ages, the creator adds a fantasy element to the historical picture, for example, a knight battles a dragon. At the same time, fiction gives the picture a certain unusualness and exclusivity.
One way or another, but films about the Middle Ages will for a long time be in the first positions of the ratings of the best films of the adventure genre, and the army of their fans will only increase. What kind of paintings about knights today are popular with the viewer? Let's consider this question in more detail.
Braveheart (1995)
Films about the Middle Ages are, first of all, the film “Braveheart”, shot by the famous Mel Gibson.
He played a major role in it. What is the movie about? In the center of the plot is the story of the great warrior of his time, who is the embodiment of courage, patriotism and courage. His name is William Wallis, and he does everything possible to ensure that his Scotland regained its independence. It is he who organizes the uprising against the British occupiers. He manages to liberate entire cities, but he is betrayed by representatives of the top authorities. Knowing gives Wallis to the invaders, who ultimately execute him. This film is about invincible willpower, a loving heart and unwavering spirit.
Such famous actors as Patrick McGuen, Aengus McFadyen, Sophie Marceau also took part in the film.
“Jeanne Dark” (1999)
And, of course, historical films about the Middle Ages cannot be imagined without the famous painting by Luc Besson "Jeanne Dark." The main role was approved by the popular actress Mila Jovovich. The story of Jeanne Dark does not need detailed comments, it is familiar to everyone. Luke Besson made the film as close as possible to the events of the first half of the 15th century. The fate of the Orleans virgin is terrible and tragic. As a child, she was destined for the mission of the savior of the motherland. It is young Jeanne who wants to free her native land from the British invaders, and she manages to take several settlements at the head of the army. But her successes in military affairs frighten the aristocracy. In this sense, the fate of the Virgin of Orleans is similar to the fate of William Wallis.
The burgundy betray the girl, she is captured by the enemies. Then she is accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake.
In addition to Mila Jovovich, the film starred: Dustin Hoffman, John Malkovich, Vincent Cassel, Andrew Birkin.
The Gladiator (2000)
The best films about the Middle Ages are also the Gladiator movie masterpiece, shot by renowned director Ridley Scott. The main role in the movie was given to the famous actor Russell Crowe. In the center of the plot is the story of the brave and brave warrior of the Roman Empire - Maximus. He is a commander who never lost on the battlefield. His wards never knew the bitterness of defeat and were always ready to die for their general.
But in the film there is another storyline - palace intrigues, where no one obeys the rules of ethics and morality. Maximus was captured by conspiracies and intrigues, because of which he had to lose his life. But the hero was saved by a miracle. He becomes a gladiator, with Maximus winning one victory after another. After some time, the hero meets in a duel with his foe in the arena of the Roman Colosseum. He manages to avenge his grievances ... The film was attended by: Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen.
King Arthur (2004)
According to the majority of film experts, in 2004 the director Antoine Fukua shot a film belonging to the category “Best Movies about Knights of the Middle Ages”. The plot is again about war. In the V century, the once invincible Roman Empire became vulnerable under the yoke of barbarians, who every day strengthen their influence on the European continent. The threat of enslavement is becoming increasingly distinct for England. The Roman Empire is in danger! Is there anyone who can save the country? Yes, there is such a person. The brave and courageous king Arthur is ready to confront the enemy. The actor Clive Owen brilliantly reincarnated as the main character. He consolidates around himself the bravest knights and with them destroys the hordes of the Saxons.
He and his companions helped the Romans, now it is time to return home. But the king will have to accept another challenge. He must deliver the beloved novice of the Pope to the capital of the empire. The film starred: Keira Knightley, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Winstone, Hugh Dancy.
Troy (2004)
And, of course, feature films about love in the Middle Ages deserve special attention. Among them, in particular, is the cult picture "Troy." It was directed by Wolfgang Petersen.
“Troy” is a kind of modern interpretation of the famous Homeric poem, not devoid of discrepancies with the original source. The plot focuses on a love story that caused the death of an entire city. The beautiful Elena was the wife of the formidable ruler of Minelaus. The unearthly beauty of the girl captivated many men, Paris was no exception. He forcibly took Elena to his kingdom. Minelaus learns about this and prepares an army to avenge the offender. Together with the king, Achilles went, to whom death was predicted in the campaign, but he did not refuse to accompany the king because of this. As a result, there was a long-term bloody resistance. The whole nation will be wiped off the face of the earth. The film was attended by: Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Diane Kruger.