Tristan & Isolde is a timeless legend about two star crossed lovers, sound familiar? Although it has been compared to the story of Romeo & Juliet this film can stand on it’s own as a truly extraordinary. The sets are remarkable and the scenery is spectacular taking place in both England and Ireland, the cinematography is nothing short of astounding. Orphaned as a small boy by Irish invaders Tristan is taken under the wing by Lord Marke (Rufus Sewell, A Knight’s Tale and Bless the Child ) a man who is to be a future king of England, who saved Tristan from death. Tristan now a man (James Franco, Spiderman and Annapolis) proves himself a true warrior in a battle with the Irish but is struck by a sword laced with poison and appears to be dead. His friends place his body in a boat to be sent out to sea, Tristan washes up on the shore of Ireland and is found and nursed back to health by Isolde (Sophia Myles) the Princess of Ireland. Tristan is unaware that Isolde is the King’s daughter as she has given him a false name. As they spend time together they fall deeper and deeper in love. The story at this point becomes very complicated and is it is impossible to due this complex story justice, but in order to try and make peace, the Irish the King offers his daughter as a wife to the man who can fight the best in a tournament. Tristan competes and wins, hoping that this unity will make a safe haven for him and his Irish love only to find out he has won Isolde for his King, Lord Marke. Tristan and Isolde are devastated but keep their undying love for each other from the rest of the Brits, meeting only in secret on a bridge. As the story progresses it becomes more and more tragic and I had to reach for tissue a few times. I can honestly say I loved this movie and everything in it. The directing by Kevin Reynolds (Robinhood Prince of Thieves and The Count of Monty Cristo) has proven once again he is a genius in this era. The fight scenes are rhythmically choreographed. Sophia Myles shines and will I’m sure become a brilliant leading lady. James Franco was serviceable I felt his stone like expressions made it difficult to feel what he was feeling. The visually impaired I do think will like this movie, it is available in MoPix and I strongly recommend it so that the fight scenes and scenery can be described to you in detail. This way nothing will be missed as there is a lot going on in this film. Superbly dazzling!
(20th Century Fox)
Starring: James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell and Henry Carill
