If you’re looking for historical accuracy, this might not be the right
movie for you. But if you’ve ever mused about whimsical subjects like what
the medieval sport of jousting would have been like if it had the following
of World Cup Soccer in Europe, you may be interested in A Knight’s Tale.
This lighthearted film melds the story of a twelfth-century English peasant
(Heath Ledger) breaking through into an aristocratic sport (jousting) with modern
rock music (fans chanting “We Will Rock You” and other typical modern-day
sporting-event songs). A young gambling-addicted Geoffrey Chaucer is along for
the ride, and, of course, there’s a love story with thoroughly modern views
on love and gender roles.
Perhaps it’s not a great film, but it’s pretty amazing that the integration
of such different time periods and themes could feel so effortless. And it does
feel effortless. It’s a good film for those who want a night off heavy
thinking to watch some jousting.