The Green Knight

10

BeastJ18Aug 11, 2021

So dense with theme and growth, and uses extraordinary, beautiful film language. What a treat for the mind and senses. Best film of the year so far, surpassing Pig. Can't wait to see films such as Memoria, After Yang, Titane, House of Gucci,So dense with theme and growth, and uses extraordinary, beautiful film language. What a treat for the mind and senses. Best film of the year so far, surpassing Pig. Can't wait to see films such as Memoria, After Yang, Titane, House of Gucci, The Last Duel, Dune, Th French Dispatch, The Worst Person in the World, Drive My Car, etc... But The Green Knight takes the number 1 spot for now.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

10

MikeMortAug 11, 2021

A stunning, visionary work of art. Challenging, surreal, and scary, with an excellent performance from Patel.

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

10

efechanAug 11, 2021

Great movie. You should used to arthouse movies before watching this masterpiece, its not a blockbuster movie.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

5

TheAwesomerAug 8, 2021

I saw this movie within a group of six, my own round table of movie chewing knights. We went in with high expectations of a artistic slow character driven movie. Beautiful vistas and locations only to be dragged down by pointless dialogue andI saw this movie within a group of six, my own round table of movie chewing knights. We went in with high expectations of a artistic slow character driven movie. Beautiful vistas and locations only to be dragged down by pointless dialogue and long artsy scenes. And in the end All I got was a green belt covered in white.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

0

shout_explainJul 30, 2021

This movie has completly no sence. It's just one big mix of many plots which brings only a chaos here. Music and scenery are very sleppy Dialogues are boring and actors look like they're out of emotions. Don't go to the cinema to see thisThis movie has completly no sence. It's just one big mix of many plots which brings only a chaos here. Music and scenery are very sleppy Dialogues are boring and actors look like they're out of emotions. Don't go to the cinema to see this movie, it's worthless… Expand

7 of 21 users found this helpful714

All this user's reviews

9

Nomme_Du_PleumeAug 8, 2021

This will be a spoiler-free review.

That might seem like a silly precaution for a film based on a medieval story from the 14th century, but The Green Knight by David Lowery takes enough divergence from the source material that it may beThis will be a spoiler-free review.

That might seem like a silly precaution for a film based on a medieval story from the 14th century, but The Green Knight by David Lowery takes enough divergence from the source material that it may be best to watch the film with eyes as fresh as possible. On the other hand, the marketing of the film seems to have set audience expectations for disappointment. On my viewing, several people walked out of the film in frustration, and a couple to the right scoffed in disgust when the film ended. Although the trailer for the film does betrays some weirdness, audiences might be forgiven for expecting more action and whimsy akin to Terry Gilliam’s ‘The Brothers Grimm’, but this is not an action film, nor is the weirdness and surreal imagery of the film intended to suck the viewer into a fantastical setting and story. |
|
Instead, the components of the film are intended as an exploration of morality and masculinity. Coupled with the casting of Dev Patel as Gawain, this has been ‘divisive’ among some moviegoers; a certain type of person views ‘revision’ of the knight-errant as an attack on masculinity and Western Culture. However, in advance of viewing The Green Knight I did read Tolkien’s translation of the original poem. |
|
Although there are some narrative alterations, the major changes were in expanding the original tale, itself not exactly short. The original story has many interpretations, but to preserve some of the surprises of the film I will not get into detail on this beyond mentioning one aspect of both the story and the film. Scholars have discussed whether the Green Knight might not have ties to the Green Man of ancient, pagan times, and the time period of the story and the film is firmly centered around Christmas as well. Both pagan and religious iconography and virtue intertwine in the story, as both stories are about humility and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” principles. Where The Green Knight (2021) diverges from the source material is in characterizing the struggle towards this virtue, showing the inner conflict, the duplicity with oneself and others, and the anxiety produced when striving towards a greatness that we know internally is ephemeral even when achieved. |
|
The changes from the original tale are inspired and interesting, and usually character focused. There are some other weak points in the retelling, however, namely with the CGI, which is not seamless and breaks immersion several times through weak animation. We accept that a duck fighting a goat has to be CGI, but it would be good if that wasn’t our only thought during a scene. Additionally, I found the scoring a bit unremarkable. |
|
A great deal of the movie is without dialogue, so careful editing and performance does heavy lifting throughout much of the film. Dev Patel plays Gawain like a college freshman on his first unsupervised visit out of town, which is to say, perfectly. Sean Harris plays King Arthur with the wisdom of his years in his voice and body language, and the affection he shows in the film is immediately believable. Anais Rizzo has a powerful monologue in the third act which also serves as it’s own commentary on the original story. There is substance here, something to reflect on and question, if you don’t reject the invitation to do so completely. I highly recommend the film.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

0

thedaarkbattyAug 8, 2021

Insanely boring movie that makes absolutely no sense. Only watch this if you have insomnia and need to fall asleep.

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

All this user's reviews

10

veshchesAug 8, 2021

I feel like this is a movie that needs your complete attention and needs to be seen in a theater. If you are in the mode for that kind of film it really pays off. Beautiful production and a nice morality tale.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

3

Danny1234567Aug 7, 2021

I was expecting excellent cinematography that revolved around a plot that carries the main character through adversity across a world full of mythical creatures and spirits. What I received was excellent cinematography and a series ofI was expecting excellent cinematography that revolved around a plot that carries the main character through adversity across a world full of mythical creatures and spirits. What I received was excellent cinematography and a series of irrelevant events. I constantly had to ask myself what I was watching but there was never a real answer. The world has so much potential, opportunities for plot and development, but there is none. It was somehow far more important to include a three-minute scene of the protagonist riding a horse at a walking pace than to create a scene throwing the viewer a bone regarding the direction of the seemingly nonexistent plot. I suppose this scene was the queue to get up and leave. It's like spending two hours on a one-hundred-piece jigsaw puzzle that has fifty missing pieces just because it's a copy of the Mona Lisa. The most exciting piece of the movie took place on (literally) fast-forward. There are dozens of movies that provide more immersive environments and equally profound cinematography while maintaining incredible plots. The Green Knight falls far below the mark.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

All this user's reviews

0

sittingbullfrogAug 7, 2021

I wonder why Hollywood would rather make European fairytales diverse than tell produce films about Hindu fairytales or African fairytales. Its almost as if they have some sort of agenda. . .

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

All this user's reviews

1

MalamutorAug 7, 2021

I absolutely hated this movie. Completely wastes all the great acting, cinematography, and setting. I loved the new Blade Runner, have been to England multiple times, love Arthurian lore, and think this movie absolutely destroyed itself byI absolutely hated this movie. Completely wastes all the great acting, cinematography, and setting. I loved the new Blade Runner, have been to England multiple times, love Arthurian lore, and think this movie absolutely destroyed itself by trying to put its own spin on things. Horrible directing, horrible story, absolute nonsense at times, and their own movie didn't even make sense. They also blatently contradicted their own story universe at times. The pacing could have been fine... but they just ruined the entire ending third of the movie. This is an "adaptation" and the things they strayed from the original poem were absolutely terrible. Unforgivable.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

All this user's reviews

0

Evaperry04Aug 7, 2021

The worst movie I have seen EVER. It starts off dull and boring with little to no interesting investment in any of the characters. Then half way through the movie it turns into someone’s fetishist fever dream. The move ends with no moral toThe worst movie I have seen EVER. It starts off dull and boring with little to no interesting investment in any of the characters. Then half way through the movie it turns into someone’s fetishist fever dream. The move ends with no moral to the story, no excitement and no significant imprint on the viewer. If you are a fan of fantasy save your money and watch lord of the rings for the 100th time. The only redeemable quality of this movie was the refund we got after the projector broke and has to be repaired.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

All this user's reviews

8

85scenesAug 7, 2021

WHOOO Boy this movie. The Green Knight is one of the trippiest, most artsy farsty, balls to the wall insane, self indulgent movies I’ve ever seen. The Green Knight is a movie you will not finish if you don’t watch in theaters or completelyWHOOO Boy this movie. The Green Knight is one of the trippiest, most artsy farsty, balls to the wall insane, self indulgent movies I’ve ever seen. The Green Knight is a movie you will not finish if you don’t watch in theaters or completely stoned. It’s a stunning **** of a film, and you will absolutely feel guilty if you convince your friends to come to see it with you.

Visually Aesthetic Self-Indulgent Pornography:

Simply put, the movie is art. It’s cinematic art. Aesthetically stunning, splashed with brave, vivid colors throughout. The use of stark, solid lighting is almost auteur, but it’s an excellent example of when to have a solid colored backlight to indicate some sort of theme or magic.

Over and over, we’re presented with gorgeous environments and sets, and downright jaw-dropping moments of pure imagination brought to life. The film is visually incredible, and it’s going to be a complete trip if you see it in any form of inebriation.

Narrative Innovation

The film doesn’t follow a traditional narrative structure. I didn’t know this until after, but it’s based on a poem, depicting a legend from the King Arthur pantheon of stories. The film is dreamy, floating the journey from one event to another, growing and shaping our Sir Gawain. Each event is entrancing and magical, a tale in of itself. It’s a weary traveler’s tale that he tells on each stop to his final destination. An anthology of magic and absurdity.

However, this aloof, slow, airy sort of story telling draws long and difficult, to the point that it’s nearly insufferable by the end. The slow, misty acting gets old, and at one point you’ll think, **** I get it. Hurry up and finish it already. The film has style, but this haze gets too thick and becomes detrimental, and the film shoots itself in the foot.

Slow Motion Wailing

This hoity-toity sort of storytelling is present in its dialogue as well, and you’re forced to strain for each line. The film takes place in a medieval era, and they commit to it- hard. It’s difficult to understand many times, and some of the narrative or supernatural exposition becomes nearly impossible to understand.

The film separates its chapters with visual cue text, and at one point, the font becomes so authentic it’s illegible. When the text presented itself, there was an audible, simultaneous ‘What?’ from nearly the entire theater. We forgot ourselves, and in one go, the film confused everyone. The film forces you to force your attention to be at its peak the entire two hour run, which is nigh impossible ere the modern era.

Playing Now in Ye Olde Coliseum

Despite all of this, The Green Knight is worth seeing in theaters- and possibly only in theaters. The film is magnificent. The score is pervasive and reverbarative. There’s a weight to the audio, and combined with the incredible aesthetics, you’ll be depriving yourself of a true experience if you miss this film in theaters. Again, it’s a ridiculous movie that will embarrass you with its insanity, and leave you scratching your head in frustration on your way out of the playhouse. 8/10. Dev Patel creams himself.

I highly recommend you see it in theaters if you plan on seeing it at all.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

1

elecsilverAug 7, 2021

This movie is absolutely awful. It is slow, tedious, and full of nonsensical plot points that are possibly supposed to be the directors take at humor. If you want something to put you to sleep this is it. There were numerous points where IThis movie is absolutely awful. It is slow, tedious, and full of nonsensical plot points that are possibly supposed to be the directors take at humor. If you want something to put you to sleep this is it. There were numerous points where I cringed just in awe of how they let some of the scenes into the movie. All bad reviews were blocked from being posted for the first week of it's release so obviously someone paid to have it fluffed up.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

All this user's reviews

1

CinemaBoiAug 7, 2021

I've never written this before: I am actively discouraging you from seeing this. The high-pitched women's wailing is still ringing in my head.

Most negative reviews here say this movie is boring. They're not wrong. But they're missing theI've never written this before: I am actively discouraging you from seeing this. The high-pitched women's wailing is still ringing in my head.

Most negative reviews here say this movie is boring. They're not wrong. But they're missing the point. It's boring because this is a horribly, horribly told story. It's a knight's quest. A journey toward manhood and responsibility. But we don't track with the main character in that process at all. You just don't feel it.

Amazing how critics always fall for style. They actively ignore how crappy the storytelling is because they're so hypnotized by all the costumes and dissolves. WTF were those giants about?… Expand

11 of 22 users found this helpful1111

All this user's reviews

0

DJKeviKevAug 5, 2021

Make sure you know what you are getting into. The trailer sold this as a LoTR type action film but it’s actually a long boring artistic slog that you will only understand if you read the 700 year old poem that the film is based on.

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

All this user's reviews

0

tbharkerAug 5, 2021

This film had the cinematic and artistic intrigue that was alluring after so many poorly produced COVID films. The critic’s ratings seems great, so three of us went to see it. It was, in a word, TERRIBLE.

First, it starts with an introThis film had the cinematic and artistic intrigue that was alluring after so many poorly produced COVID films. The critic’s ratings seems great, so three of us went to see it. It was, in a word, TERRIBLE.

First, it starts with an intro narration that’s near-impossible to understand. This mumbling is interspersed throughout the show, coupled with onscreen text that is flashed onscreen, in illegible text, so as to just be frustrating.

Then there are long, drawn out scenes of… well, nothing. Guy riding on his horse, or walking, for what is clearly too long in an already far too long film.

During the film, audience members periodically spoke out criticisms of, “what the hell is happening,” or, “movie it along already!”

There were scenes that, frankly, made no sense. Many of them.

After it ended, we stood outside and listened as other viewers left. It appeared there was unanimous discontent and confusion. I cannot fathom why the critics are rating this so highly. I feel cheated. This film is not entertaining or engaging.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

All this user's reviews

9

zembowerboyAug 4, 2021

The Green Knight both deconstructs and compiliments its source material, making it feel at once modern and a classic in the making. Filled with scene after scene of overwhelmingly gorgeous visuals and sensual overload. The costumes,The Green Knight both deconstructs and compiliments its source material, making it feel at once modern and a classic in the making. Filled with scene after scene of overwhelmingly gorgeous visuals and sensual overload. The costumes, cinematography, set/art direction, original score, visuals, atmosphere, pacing, and a handful of Oscar worthy performances (Patel, Vikander, and Ineson especially) make for an intoxicating and hypnotic fever dream that wont be for everyone looking for a more fast paced, action packed, epic. But if you want a film experience that will wash over you and mesmerize you while never quite sure where the story is taking you, you wont be disappointed. This is definitely David Lowerey's crowning achievement, and unlike anything else on screen right now. Dav Patel though, god, such a gorgeous man.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

All this user's reviews

6

saucyninja007Jul 30, 2021

This movie will be divisive and its misleading marketing will do it no favors. I did not love it or hate it but I still think you should see it because it is unique. This is a spoiler free review. Starting with the positives. This movieThis movie will be divisive and its misleading marketing will do it no favors. I did not love it or hate it but I still think you should see it because it is unique. This is a spoiler free review. Starting with the positives. This movie captures the grit of the medieval period but is at the same time very mysterious and otherworldly. The storytelling is predominately visual and creative in its approach. Believable acting throughout and nothing is spoon-fed to the audience. The dialogue is delivered perfectly and authentically and I loved the color palette that was used. There is an incredible sequence near the end of the movie that I will not spoil. Now the negatives. At times I felt the film was too abstract or too moody for its own good. The pace of the film is slow and stays that way throughout. People expecting a lot of action will be disappointed (the trailer shows basically all of the "action" highlights). There are some fairly significant changes from the source material that I feel undermine the core message of the film and lead to a somewhat unsatisying ending. If you are unfamiliar with the source material you may be confused at times.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

All this user's reviews

8

theredskyAug 4, 2021

The Green Knight is a perfect example of A24’s consistent quality. This is one of the lowest 3 films on my A24 ranking list yet it’s still a great film and one of the best films of 2021. Dev Patel gives his best performance here and one ofThe Green Knight is a perfect example of A24’s consistent quality. This is one of the lowest 3 films on my A24 ranking list yet it’s still a great film and one of the best films of 2021. Dev Patel gives his best performance here and one of the best performances of the year. His character is an engaging look to see what it means like to be worthy to the eyes of others. His interactions with other characters is great due to the stellar supporting performances and writing. The sequence with Joel Edgerton is fantastic as it shows Patel’s vulnerability and shows that he is only human too. Sean Harris also gives a great supporting performance as the King. The best supporting performance by far though as Ralph Ineson as The Green Knight. His initial presence is mysterious and creepy as we see he can’t die but his appearance at the end of the film is more friendly like. They are respectful to each other and act like they have known each other for a long time which is an interesting dynamic. The film really excels in its technical category. Every aspect of the production from the cinematography, editing, makeup, and costumes is absolutely phenomenal. The camerawork is outstanding and has the best location filming and cinematography of the entire year along with some amazing make up and costumes that feel authentic to the time period. The visual effects for the most part are pretty great with some sketchy moments here and there. The reason this isn’t very high on my A24 Ranking is because the pacing can feel a little awkward sometimes and it doesn’t have a major thought provoking attitude that the best A24 films like The Lighthouse and Midsommar have. I would definitely recommend checking this film out if you want something more experimental and slow.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

9

VohnkarAug 4, 2021

This is art house at its finest. A movie for film buffs and critics, admittedly not so much for general audiences. The script isn't "a mess" or "incoherent" as some have noted. It's abstract, open ended, laden with foreshadowing, crypticThis is art house at its finest. A movie for film buffs and critics, admittedly not so much for general audiences. The script isn't "a mess" or "incoherent" as some have noted. It's abstract, open ended, laden with foreshadowing, cryptic iconography and symbolism, but I can assure you that it was constructed with some serious intention. "How does a movie like this get made?" whimpers one reviewer. And I agree, but for different reasons entirely: HOW does a fantastic piece of art like this even get made in a multiverse of generic filmgoers endlessly pushing future bargain bin superhero flicks in order to sustain - perhaps subconsciously - our current collective state of arrested development in an era of never-ending crises? Is it because we feel so impotent in the face of it all? Because we need to believe in heroes THAT badly? Is there no room for art/media that leans into our fears, that confronts our weaknesses and shortcomings in an honest but noble way? We could analyze this for days, but the answer is easy: I do not know. I also do not know how to critique this film without critiquing audiences. But that's the real fun in movies like these, isn't it ;) Alas, I don't care if loving this film for the above-noted reasons makes me and others like me pretentious. I'm glad it got made and I'm glad it pissed some people off.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

9

BunkdAug 3, 2021

Thought provoking and beautiful. The low scores are from Marvel fans who were expecting action, not a historical-fantasy look at being human and dealing with mortality

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

All this user's reviews

9

jsnowellAug 3, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A fantastic imagining of a story that deserved to be told. With a track record of epic violence and devastating endings, A24 gave me what I was NOT expecting. The Green Knight is pure adventure with a splash of those staples A24 is known for. It’s wonderful. And… while it’s 2 hours, it truly doesn’t feel like it.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

2

TVJerryAug 3, 2021

Dev Patel stars as Sir Gawain, who’s sent on a quest by his uncle King Arthur to confront the ominous titular character. His mystical journey includes encounters with creatures, otherworldly and otherwise. While the film is full of lusciousDev Patel stars as Sir Gawain, who’s sent on a quest by his uncle King Arthur to confront the ominous titular character. His mystical journey includes encounters with creatures, otherworldly and otherwise. While the film is full of luscious visual beauty, the pacing is painfully slow. It could have easily lost 30 minutes and been more effective. On top of the disastrous tempo (or lack thereof) the story is cluttered by ominious statements that make no sense. If I’d studied the 14th century poem on which it’s based, I might understand it better, but that’s not excuse for obtuse storytelling. Writer/director David Lowery must get all the blame for this tedious, pretentious slog.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

All this user's reviews

0

retard3000Aug 3, 2021

Movie dragged like hell it felt like the audience should have known of the story before hand a bunch of subtle lines a scenes that dint quite add up, some big ass giants walking around with a baby he asks for a ride they squeal at him. ThisMovie dragged like hell it felt like the audience should have known of the story before hand a bunch of subtle lines a scenes that dint quite add up, some big ass giants walking around with a baby he asks for a ride they squeal at him. This movie either you hate it or love it… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

All this user's reviews

10

TecneekAug 2, 2021

Truly stunning. To say this film is beautiful to look at is an understatement. It’s a story of honor, of how one knight is faced with different tests that challenge that, and you see him fail and succeed throughout his journey. I absolutelyTruly stunning. To say this film is beautiful to look at is an understatement. It’s a story of honor, of how one knight is faced with different tests that challenge that, and you see him fail and succeed throughout his journey. I absolutely loved the ending. What incredible performances too from all the major cast members. This is NOT a film for everyone. I can’t wait to see it again at home on the big screen with subtitles to fully take in every bit of dialogue. I’m still thinking about it 48 hours after watching it. 9.5/10.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

0

patika27Aug 2, 2021

Horrible movie! Save your soul and your money and don't go see this! Lacked everything it was a flat line all the way through. Did nothing for me instead it took my time, my money and left me feeling empty and messed up in the end. QuietHorrible movie! Save your soul and your money and don't go see this! Lacked everything it was a flat line all the way through. Did nothing for me instead it took my time, my money and left me feeling empty and messed up in the end. Quiet possibly the worst movie I have ever seen or one of them.… Expand

8 of 19 users found this helpful811

All this user's reviews

4

dembrewskiAug 2, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have not read the source material and have only seen this once. So take this review as an initial reaction to the movie on its own merits.

First the positives, the film was a gorgeous piece of imagery with some excellent music and sound design that really conveyed the mood at any given moment. The final flash forward sequence of him aging was a great piece of story telling that required absolutely no dialogue and yet you knew what was happening and what the characters were feeling. Green knight character design was fantastic.

Now the confusing:
There were so many things in this movie that were introduced and then produced no pay off. They felt random and unmotivated and as far as I can tell had no impact on the story.
-the fire at the beginning
-the giants in the valley (gotta get that boob shot in somehow I guess)
-the fox
-the thief stealing the axe
-the blind folded woman
-the warning from the severed head stating "the green knight is someone you know" even though we had not met the lord at the castle yet.
All of these things and more were put in the film intentionally and yet seemed to be pointless additions.

Disconnected:
The flow of this film felt hindered by a lack of connection between scenes or motivation leading from one scene to the next. Now he's wandering and he finds mushrooms, now he starts seeing things, now it's day again and he's wandering, and now there are giants...just because, and now the giants are gone, and now he's wandering upside down some more. Beautiful imagery that feels hollow.

Clarity:
By the end of the film you're supposed to realize the fox (in its one piece of dialogue) has the voice of his mother, and the green knight has the voice of the lord from the castle. I found this out only once I looked up more info after finishing the movie, during the film it was not clear, I think mainly because of the sound design distorting the voices enough to keep me from placing them. Also, I did not recognize that the brothel girl and the lords wife were the same person, but I think that's more due to me being the type of person that would be fooled by Clark Kent's glasses.

Overall, my initial reaction was one of disappointment. In another viewing I may enjoy this more, but the marketing had me expecting a dark fantastical epic about the journey and growth of a young knight on a quest. Instead I think they should've marketed this as the abstract fever dream that it was, and I think in that situation my disappointment would be lesser.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

All this user's reviews

6

StrumboreAug 2, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was looking forward to this, but much like the protagonist, the closer the date came, the more dread I felt. Some people are saying the movie was hard to understand...it isn't. Remember "Excalibur"? How Arthur *literally* was the land? Well, in this movie, Gawain *figuratively* is mankind. I dare anyone to say that doesn't make sense. The problem for me is where the director sees mankind headed--or rather, his sloppy indecision about whether or not Gawain will be headed.

I like cynical movies, cynical games...big Souls-like fan, here. But what this movie did was take what was arguably a hopeful allegory for humankind's potential for redemption and turn it into a prophecy of humankind's self-annihilation. This isn't exactly a twist in the movie; it's obvious where the film is headed, so you're really just wondering if our hero can turn it around before he reaches the end of his journey. The fact that he doesn't is foreshadowed before he gets there: The book-transcribing wife of the wealthy lord near the end of the movie 'confesses' to our hero that where she sees possible improvements in a book she is duplicating for her collection, she 'makes them'. This is just what the writer/director has attempted to do. And the cynical side of me says this was the only 'modern', 'intellectual' interpretation that makes sense. There is a fitting symmetry between this movie's prophecy and the hopelessness we feel about society. Edgar Allen Poe should be jealous.

That would have been enough to get the film 7 stars, for being smart but predictable. What knocks it down to 6 is that this ending is revealed to be the miserable outlook of our hero torn between honorably meeting his end and running back home. It seems as though a test audience secured an honorable (and abrupt) end for Gawain's journey after all. So, facing his inevitable destruction with no tricks up our hero's sleeve, this miserable movie ends...on a joke. Like an episode of Seinfeld. I'm very sure that in the coming weeks we will hear that there was some indecision about how to end the movie and this ending is basically the equivalent of Harrison Ford mumbling his voice over through Blade Runner.

"Support the arts" and all that **** but you should just see this movie at home, through a streaming service with a diverse production portfolio, and probably not right before bed or bath, in case the ugliness of the 'true ending' moves you to suicide.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

1

MordhausAug 1, 2021

If you expect a grand Arthurian tale that follows the myth, don't watch this. It is a horrid take on the legend. Sorry, but I was conned by the critic reviews. This is a terrible movie.

6 of 21 users found this helpful615

All this user's reviews

0

YoggyBoiAug 1, 2021

I had to have my eyes shut for half of the movie due to how much 'special effects' they did with spinning the camera. I came out of the theatre with a loss of appetite due to feeling the worst motion sickness I have ever felt. Literally hadI had to have my eyes shut for half of the movie due to how much 'special effects' they did with spinning the camera. I came out of the theatre with a loss of appetite due to feeling the worst motion sickness I have ever felt. Literally had to take a nap when I got home. 100% would not recommend to any of my friends who experience motion sickness.

There was literally NO reason to do what they did with the cameras and it subtracted from the film so much that it became an outright disgrace for the story being told.… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

All this user's reviews

3

BigDingusAug 1, 2021

I'm usually fairly generous and forgiving, able to find good and see the best in a lot of films, but this one was incredibly difficult. I wouldn't say it's "bad," but it's definitely not entertaining. If you go to see movies for reasons otherI'm usually fairly generous and forgiving, able to find good and see the best in a lot of films, but this one was incredibly difficult. I wouldn't say it's "bad," but it's definitely not entertaining. If you go to see movies for reasons other than entertainment, there's a chance you may appreciate it. If you're a fan of movies that offer little to no answers to anything, lack any real conflict, and just want to watch a guy walk from point A to point B, this movie will be tolerable. There's barely any dialogue, it moves slowly, the characters are mostly expressionless, and the plot is based entirely on whether or not a guy will commit to following through on one choice.

Is he brave enough, or will he chicken out? You at least find that out, but then that's it. Nothing more to it. But hey, if you like to find deeper meaning in the allegory or the themes sprinkled around, have at it. It was a disappointment to me, but to each their own.… Expand

10 of 21 users found this helpful1011

All this user's reviews

0

AgentoftheBatAug 1, 2021

Boring arthouse nonsense with no excitement to speak of and a completely forgettable cast.

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

All this user's reviews

0

powermaxlevelAug 1, 2021

Worst than going to the dentist and more boring than watching paint dry. First movie I have ever walked out of. Absolutely wretched. What the hell is wrong with these Hollywood big wigs? How do you F up an Arthurian fable this bad? Was thisWorst than going to the dentist and more boring than watching paint dry. First movie I have ever walked out of. Absolutely wretched. What the hell is wrong with these Hollywood big wigs? How do you F up an Arthurian fable this bad? Was this made by the Game of Throne rejects? Questions I don't care to know.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

All this user's reviews

10

DyeusAug 1, 2021

A truly surreal and gripping movie about personal introspection. The acting and writing are almost flawless and the dialogues well accompanies the mood and pace of the film. Don't bring your personal baggage into the theatre and Enjoy theA truly surreal and gripping movie about personal introspection. The acting and writing are almost flawless and the dialogues well accompanies the mood and pace of the film. Don't bring your personal baggage into the theatre and Enjoy the movie on it's own terms.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

9

dtdadrockAug 1, 2021

A stunning Arthurian allegory. Do a little reading and your joy from this film will be truly enhanced!

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

All this user's reviews

1

OleGeinAug 1, 2021

It's a very beautifully shot movie with solid acting, but doesn't make up for the incoherent mess of a script. Similar style movies like Lighthouse will leave the ending to interpretation, but The Green Knight leave entire movie/plot toIt's a very beautifully shot movie with solid acting, but doesn't make up for the incoherent mess of a script. Similar style movies like Lighthouse will leave the ending to interpretation, but The Green Knight leave entire movie/plot to interpretation, never giving the audience a solid answer to the simplest questions. There is no conflict or climax worth getting excited about. Once the movie was over, there was a large collective sigh of relief from the entire audience that the film was finally over.… Expand

5 of 16 users found this helpful511

All this user's reviews

9

chris74Aug 1, 2021

Great movie! Best I have seen this year! Great lead, fantastic camera and music!

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

0

lexi0125Aug 1, 2021

10 out of 20 people audiance members walked out before we did. Absolutely boring, zero plot & zero entertainment. We stayed for an hour and 40 minutes before leaving. It was horrible. Between working full time, raising kids, and life we10 out of 20 people audiance members walked out before we did. Absolutely boring, zero plot & zero entertainment. We stayed for an hour and 40 minutes before leaving. It was horrible. Between working full time, raising kids, and life we thought we'd have a great date night with a highly reviewed movie by critics. Absolute waste of precious time and money. Pure garbage. If you want to pay for a movie ticket, eat overpriced food, to watch somebody walk and other people stare at him, then this movie is for you. If you're looking for entertainment do not see this movie.… Expand

9 of 22 users found this helpful913

All this user's reviews

10

avictoraoAug 1, 2021

I freakin' loved it. I'm pretty sure this is one of those that make it into the list of films that I watch once a year.

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

All this user's reviews

6

Matthew360Jul 31, 2021

It's truly odd to say that a movie has absolutely gorgeous cinematography, superb acting and a beautiful score, yet still was a mediocre piece. The scenes draw you in like a vivid dream that enchants you, only to leave you wondering why theIt's truly odd to say that a movie has absolutely gorgeous cinematography, superb acting and a beautiful score, yet still was a mediocre piece. The scenes draw you in like a vivid dream that enchants you, only to leave you wondering why the scene is created in the first place. The movie is full of beautiful slow motion stare offs, real-time walking journeys and a dialog that runs about twelve minutes long in totality. The Green Knight is by no means a bad movie, just one that should've been marketed as a very slow burning, Arthurian psychedelic trip.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

3

Locnes90Jul 31, 2021

What I was hoping for was an Arthurian fantasy with the driving narrative focus and action of 'Gravity', the dreamlike illustrative visuals of '12 Years a Slave', and the sensory, nightmarish editing, sound, and post-production ofWhat I was hoping for was an Arthurian fantasy with the driving narrative focus and action of 'Gravity', the dreamlike illustrative visuals of '12 Years a Slave', and the sensory, nightmarish editing, sound, and post-production of 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar'. For good measure, add in a splash of the emotional humanism of Ang Lee's best work (I would totally get excited for any kind of Arthurian fantasy by Ang Lee). This is not that movie. This movie is equivalent to a series of iconic minimalist paintings tied together by intellectual explanation and hidden references or symbols that barely fit into a "narrative". It feels as if the sound design and abstract editing are a last-ditch effort to give it any real sense of life. Even so, the score is primarily "spooky" and there are no real melodic motifs that help us feel the soul of our main character or the weight of his journey. Unfortunately, I found this to be boring, ponderous, and a huge let-down. I thought the combination of Arthurian revisionism, surrealism, hypnotic editing and post-production (it's A24 after all) would be wonderous to behold and I could not have been more hyped. Instead, I felt literally sick at the lack of plot momentum or clear character development. This is exactly the kind of art film that I hoped it would not be. It is so vague and overladen with "symbolism" that it ceases to be a story at all. The ending is nihilistic and cynical to top it all off. My wife and I agreed that this felt like a film student's attempt to confuse his fellow students so that they could brag about how everyone just "isn't smart enough to get it". Dev Patel looks very cool and the cinematography and production design will be front-runners at next year's Oscars. Hopefully, if this does well at the box office (even for an R-rated art film) it will open the door for more "surrealist fantasy" and another filmmaker will be able to make something like this, but more exciting and with greater stakes. I watched all of the youtube videos and read all the articles explaining what the ending was meant to convey. Even after gaining a greater understanding of what I was meant to perceive, I still firmly believe that this was a huge missed opportunity to create a truly masterful work. It frustrates me that it is being applauded by so many critics. If you were to tell me that this film just wasn't for me, or that I "don't appreciate what the movie was trying to do", I would say that this was simply a case of style over substance. I was just as harsh on Gareth Edwards' 'Godzilla' when it came out due to an overall lack of kaiju action, but eventually, I grew to like that film more. Perhaps 'Green Knight' will also grow on me, but for now, I am in more agreement with those in my audience who were laughing and throwing their hands up at the end of this. This movie itself seems to be on drugs, and unfortunately, it is made dumb by them.… Expand

5 of 16 users found this helpful511

All this user's reviews

9

flawedxJul 31, 2021

Beautifully shot movie. Seems like a simple tale, but has a lot goin on. Slow, yet worth the time invested.

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

All this user's reviews

3

whocares4321Jul 31, 2021

I can confidently say 95% of people are going to hate this movie. How it ever got this many positive reviews is honestly beyond me. My TLDR summary would be: great story, terrible movie. Truly pretentious, needlessly unenjoyable, overlyI can confidently say 95% of people are going to hate this movie. How it ever got this many positive reviews is honestly beyond me. My TLDR summary would be: great story, terrible movie. Truly pretentious, needlessly unenjoyable, overly cryptic and vague, a mostly dreadful original score, and an ending with as much impact as a fart in the wind. Also going into this movie, there are some things you should know about the original story, the 5 virtues of knighthood, and the chivalrous code. The fact that this movie makes no attempt to make sure the audience is aware of this knowledge is a critical failure of the film. Now I will say, I thought the points/messages the story was getting across were pretty brilliant. I did have fun talking about my family about the significance of certain scenes, and what they were trying to get across. And I'm also having fun hearing different people's theories and interpretations of the film online. But aside from that it was a totally unenjoyable experience, with zero emotional impact, charm, or memorability. This movie simply isn't worth paying to see, or even watching period. The source material will do a far better job at telling the tale of Gawain than this steaming pile.… Expand

5 of 20 users found this helpful515

All this user's reviews

1

JauburnJul 31, 2021

An absolute waste of time and money. This really could have been an epic, but instead everyone in the theater was scoffing at the ridiculousness of almost every scene. What a horrible film.

5 of 19 users found this helpful514

All this user's reviews

6

derekwoodsJul 31, 2021

Unfortunately style over substance. Clearly made with love, but there’s more passion in the crafting of the film than the characters seem to have being in the story. Better at posing questions than answering them, not that one expected toUnfortunately style over substance. Clearly made with love, but there’s more passion in the crafting of the film than the characters seem to have being in the story. Better at posing questions than answering them, not that one expected to leave with a fully clear picture, but the story itself feels unclear on what it’s trying to achieve, leaving us even less certain.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

2

Mammoth731Jul 31, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A obscenely bastardized version of an Arthurian legend. Gawain was turned into an unlikable heel made to have no redeeming qualities. The entire film was pretentious and meant to be "artsy" without any depth. This movie will be a flop.… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

All this user's reviews

10

Glic2003Jul 31, 2021

Wonderful Christmas movie. Going to go see it again next year. Beautiful cinematography and captivating performances.

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

All this user's reviews

9

AXidenTJul 31, 2021

I feel this film is far more compelling to those who are familiar with the source material as many of the deviations from the poem work as a response or commentary on it. I find this choice quite surprising given how unknown the originalI feel this film is far more compelling to those who are familiar with the source material as many of the deviations from the poem work as a response or commentary on it. I find this choice quite surprising given how unknown the original story would be to the vast majority of the audience, but I admire the filmmakers for doing this.

It's difficult for me to imagine how I'd have found this movie if I hadn't read the poem first, but I think a lot of the themes and plot elements certainly would have gone over my head. Despite this there's was a lot to like here for those unfamiliar with the story and it is certainly one of the best medieval fantasy films I've seen.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

All this user's reviews

7

WesleyTomskyJul 31, 2021

Definitely an A24 movie, (cue spooky female witch soundtrack).
A fairly straightforward movie, looks good, sounds good, neat little mythic fantasy quest. The Green Knight himself is awesome, wish he was in it more. A tad long, and not tooDefinitely an A24 movie, (cue spooky female witch soundtrack).
A fairly straightforward movie, looks good, sounds good, neat little mythic fantasy quest. The Green Knight himself is awesome, wish he was in it more. A tad long, and not too much going on between the lines, but the simple morals of piety, honoring the promise you made, and honor in the face of death work super well. "What else ought there be?"… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

All this user's reviews

8

DaveyBoySmithJul 31, 2021

I actually signed up to show this movie some love as I'd rightly assumed that a lot of viewers would be thrashing it.

'The Green Knight' is essentially a coming-of-age tale, its plot restructured and themes re-emphasized to serve as anI actually signed up to show this movie some love as I'd rightly assumed that a lot of viewers would be thrashing it.

'The Green Knight' is essentially a coming-of-age tale, its plot restructured and themes re-emphasized to serve as an allegory for the anxiety of impending adulthood (or manhood) - that phase of life when we are expected to assume responsibility and to carve out a path for ourselves. While the production values are beguiling the movie cannot, due to the opaqueness of its plot, its contemplativeness and reliance on symbolism, be judged and appreciated solely on the merits of high-fantasy. As an (imo) unsuccessful attempt at enhancing the already considerable moodiness many scenes aren't adequately lit, whilst many events are frustratingly hazy. An air of melancholy surrounds the entire enterprise.

The Green Knight is auteur cinema in the truest and best sense, and an assurance that the Hollywood studio system still allows for personal movie-making in big-budget genre cinema. It is a lovely counterpoint to Peter Jackson's bombastic, but kitschy Lord of the Rings trilogy.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

All this user's reviews

10

WaffleManRGJul 31, 2021

The people who gave this movie a bad review were mad that they had to use their brains for once. This is the irony of moviegoers today; everyone says they want something deeper and more dark than the mainstream, but when they react like thisThe people who gave this movie a bad review were mad that they had to use their brains for once. This is the irony of moviegoers today; everyone says they want something deeper and more dark than the mainstream, but when they react like this every time they get it, it's easy to see why films like this one simply aren't made anymore. For those who like to be intellectually challenged and aren't looking for quips and action scenes, this is a fantastic film with stunning cinematography, brilliant music and editing, and a great lead performance from Dev Patel. I honestly don't know what more you can ask for from an A24 movie, and yet the whiners will have a field day with this one as they always do.… Expand

18 of 58 users found this helpful1840

All this user's reviews

9

spacerboiJul 31, 2021

I‘ve seen this film twice now and I absolutely adore it. The movie is slow, hasn’t got a clear tension arc and doesn’t lay out all the puzzle pieces for the audience. The Green Night expects you to have patience, is told in a fairytale kindI‘ve seen this film twice now and I absolutely adore it. The movie is slow, hasn’t got a clear tension arc and doesn’t lay out all the puzzle pieces for the audience. The Green Night expects you to have patience, is told in a fairytale kind of way as there are many crossroads that the hero has to encounter and shows a world that is full of wonder and a subtle but deep lore.

I recommend this movie to anyone who is not afraid to come out of its comfort zone and is willing to show patience in order to see what’s so special about this gem. 9/10… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

All this user's reviews

6

Stream2BigScreeJul 31, 2021

Hear ye, hear ye! Let all come to the front to view this weekend's review of The Green Knight. This movie is directed and written by David Lowery who has been around for a while but hasn't directed anything I would say was "good". Titles likeHear ye, hear ye! Let all come to the front to view this weekend's review of The Green Knight. This movie is directed and written by David Lowery who has been around for a while but hasn't directed anything I would say was "good". Titles like A Ghost Story, Pete's Dragon, Peter Pan and Wendy are on his credits and we shall see where his current offering fits. Here, The Green Knight is pegged as an fantasy adventure based on Arthurian legend, "The Green Knight". The story follows Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur's party boy nephew, who embarks on a redeeming and daring quest to confront a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger, the Green Knight. Gawain contends with bunches of mysterious strangers along his long journey to redefine his character and worth to his family and kingdom. Let's see if Lowery could turn his career around with The Green Knight.

I'm going to be blunt with this one. This movie is weird. End of review. Ok, ok, I'll say a bit more. This movie is really weird to review. Parts of me want to say it was good, but I'd likely never watch it again. But then I say to myself, "Does that really mean the movie isn't good?" I judge it against a movie like V For Vendetta that I love but won't watch again on purpose because it's just too long. The Green Knight has that super long element. Then, I judge it against the likes of A24's Midsommar and Orion Pictures' Gretel and Hansel where stylistically the movies are so similar. The Green Knight has some of the same cool, flowy shots and smoky elements of Midsommar but also some of the super dark and hard to view elements of Gretel and Hansel, to make it visually appealing and unappealing at the same time. Also, there's a weird feeling similar to Midsommar or Game of Thrones, like is this a dream, drugs, or am I supposed to take this world just as it is? Just so many questions. I think that's the main thing about the movie that may make it off-putting. There are a couple scenes where I just found myself questioning life. Why is this happening? Is this really happening? And have they given me a reason to care in the end? I'm just not sure but it makes the movie on the fence.

Overall, the acting in the movie is pretty good. A24 and BRON Studios both have begun to produce some really quality and original films. They don't always pan out well, but they do know how to cast a movie well. My guy, Dev Patel, does a pretty good job as Gawain but is still overshadowed by the weirdness and eeriness of the side characters who all find a way to shine in their own right. I'll admit I was intrigue by the promos for the movie but I don't know if the source material truly shined through in this interpretation.

Confusing enough but so is this movie. The Green Knight is artistically pretty well done but the storyline and fantasy elements at times are just too weird. A24 and Bron Studios have produced some quality fantasy/horror/original stories and The Green Knight falls into that but they might have gone a bit too far and that's hard to say after Midsommar and Hereditary. Due to the length of the film and randomness of the flick, The Green Knight is best suited for a nice streaming in whether Redbox or Netflix with a handful of popcorn. Save your money from the theater and check this out at a later time.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

All this user's reviews

9

BeardedYodaJul 31, 2021

The Green Knight will almost certainly be a divisive topic for film buffs and movie-goers for a period of time. The film is very different from most movies, even including A24 films. However, it is of my opinion that The Green Knight is aThe Green Knight will almost certainly be a divisive topic for film buffs and movie-goers for a period of time. The film is very different from most movies, even including A24 films. However, it is of my opinion that The Green Knight is a beautiful work of art that not only looks gorgeous, but also has a well written main character and meaningful themes that have been woven through out the films two hour run time. This film is definitely meant for a niche audience, but if you have heard about The Green Knight and want to check it out, I absolutely recommend you do so and form your own opinion of it. Words of warning though, much like the types of ancient medieval literature the film was based on, there is more of an emphasis on the main character and themes in the story, rather than a focus on why and how things happen in the story. This is a change in direction that is sure to turn some people off of the film, but I grew to appreciate it and hope you will too.… Expand

9 of 16 users found this helpful97

All this user's reviews

0

marco34laJul 31, 2021

What a pretentious worthless film this was. The studio must have paid a lot of money to the critics to get them to give this a favorable review. It is nonsensical garbage that goes NOWHERE. This was 2 hours of my life I cannot get back.What a pretentious worthless film this was. The studio must have paid a lot of money to the critics to get them to give this a favorable review. It is nonsensical garbage that goes NOWHERE. This was 2 hours of my life I cannot get back. Please save your money and wait for it on neflix is you must see it at all.… Expand

7 of 27 users found this helpful720

All this user's reviews

9

OriginateJul 30, 2021

This film is a triumph of cinema. I can't think of a movie I walked away from feeling more impressed with within the past three years as a minimum. It certainly wasn't a perfect 100, but my quibbles were so minimal they're barely worthThis film is a triumph of cinema. I can't think of a movie I walked away from feeling more impressed with within the past three years as a minimum. It certainly wasn't a perfect 100, but my quibbles were so minimal they're barely worth mentioning. This movie balances somewhere between The Seventh Seal and Willow. A wildly ambitious, epic adventure with the spirit and playfulness of willow tempered by the thoughtful and meditative nature of siloed encounters found in The Seventh Seal. Each encounter within his journey is a trial to overcome and a virtue with which to imbue himself. Some are overcame and some are succumbed to mixed with a little accidental psychedelic trip. The acting is fantastic. The use of visual texture and impeccable lighting deserves special attention. Not only should this film be watched a second time, it should be studied and aspired to by film makers for decades or longer.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

All this user's reviews

0

RowlanddavidJul 30, 2021

I just created an account to write this. please, do not go to see this film, what a DULL experience. It's been a while since I feel like just stepping out of the cinema before the movie ends.

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

All this user's reviews

2

snorkissJul 30, 2021

The idiotic casting choice for Sir Gawain aside, The Green Knight is an overindulgent, anal gazing medieval bore - 2 stars

9 of 26 users found this helpful917

All this user's reviews

6

BigEggsKitchenJul 30, 2021

I would give it a 6.5/10 I was disappointed in it - there’s some really really bad CGI in the background shots; they have an entire animal CGI that is with him for a while and it just took me out of it. There are some amazing shots andI would give it a 6.5/10 I was disappointed in it - there’s some really really bad CGI in the background shots; they have an entire animal CGI that is with him for a while and it just took me out of it. There are some amazing shots and costuming but it was more along the lines of like a Harry Potter or lord of the rings in tone- it wasn’t anything like I thought it was gonna be. I’m glad I saw it but it didn’t knock me off my feet like I thought it would… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

All this user's reviews

10

JayQuirozJul 30, 2021

A powerful and timely epic that will stand the test of time. The long journey of Sir Gawain is not only worth it but has a message that is applicable to all generations in the past and all going forward. The performances by the actors are allA powerful and timely epic that will stand the test of time. The long journey of Sir Gawain is not only worth it but has a message that is applicable to all generations in the past and all going forward. The performances by the actors are all Oscar worthy but of course the standout is Dev Patel himself who perfectly captures the unassured yet brave mentality of a man who simply wants greatness and would travel away from comfort to achieve it. The Green Knight is a mesmerizing film that has imagery that will stay with you for a very long time, it is by no means a action film, it is a character study of one of the most obscure heroes in legend. The journey of Sir Gawain is one of beauty, loss, and triumph and is one of the best movies I personally have ever seen and is one of the greatest achievements ever put to film.… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

All this user's reviews

0

HoplitexJul 30, 2021

A film is either made to win awards or make the big box office. This was the former. Super slow burn, visually pleasing, and I’m sure fans of the arts will love it. But this isn’t for your casual medieval adventure fan. Plot is so crazy slowA film is either made to win awards or make the big box office. This was the former. Super slow burn, visually pleasing, and I’m sure fans of the arts will love it. But this isn’t for your casual medieval adventure fan. Plot is so crazy slow and unclear.… Expand

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

All this user's reviews

3

TerminatorFanJul 30, 2021

While this film was gorgeously shot and wonderfully acted, it ultimately felt ridiculous, pretentious, and like a complete waste of my time.

12 of 28 users found this helpful1216

All this user's reviews

3

ascreamingJul 30, 2021

High hopes, massive disappointment. This film takes a lot of effort to watch, but it's pretentious and dense and feels like it doesn't want to be understood. Almost like there is actually very little of interest going on beneath its overblownHigh hopes, massive disappointment. This film takes a lot of effort to watch, but it's pretentious and dense and feels like it doesn't want to be understood. Almost like there is actually very little of interest going on beneath its overblown exterior...

Production design for some parts is very nice (love those crowns!), but frustrating in others (in trying to create a 'gritty' medieval world must we take the 'dark ages' so literally? Why does nobody own any interior lighting?). There is some very inventive cinematography, as any trailer will quickly demonstrate. Sean Harris and Joel Edgerton give enjoyable performances, but the screenplay does Dev Patel no favors and offers a thoroughly drippy, dumb, and unlikeable Gawain. Alicia Vikander produces a strange medieval English accent which wobbles between Geordie and Scouse—it's bizarre, and perhaps accidental, but actually quite compelling.

The mood is pretty grim, and it's the same all the way through, with all the joy and fun and humour of the source material sucked out and nothing compelling or interesting added in its place. This is not a fun film, but it's also not an action film or a thoughtful film. It has one note and you are bludgeoned with it throughout. Fundamental changes to the plot and identity of the characters subtract far more than they contribute and produce a confusing overall picture where motivation and meaning feel pretty distant. It's just a bunch of boring stuff happening quite slowly in the dark. The screenplay and direction don't seem to have any patience—nothing is allowed to build slowly or gradually. Every scene attempts to be a knockout of great depth and of solemn, weighty significance. The only way in which the film attempts to earn or justify that kind of impact is with screeching music and visual tricks, rather than with plot or character. There is nothing to hold on to, and no reason to care about our characters. Style is cool, but here it totally suffocates substance.

The score is melodramatic and bland, but worse than that is the fact that it's inescapeable. High-pitched acappella hooting is the recourse for every scene where the events and character of the film have failed to create any sort of interest or engagement.

A deeply frustrating watch. Since learning about the film I was excited and eager to like it, and I was ready to fight for it if it turned out to be a middling or misguided adaptation. But it really is a turkey. The CGI fox is one of the most agonizing failures I have seen on screen for a long time.… Expand

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

All this user's reviews

8

moviemitch96Jul 30, 2021

In this medieval fantasy adventure, young knight Sir Gawain must undertake a quest of honor against the titular Green Knight after accepting a dangerous challenge from him. He journeys out to find and face him, all while encountering variousIn this medieval fantasy adventure, young knight Sir Gawain must undertake a quest of honor against the titular Green Knight after accepting a dangerous challenge from him. He journeys out to find and face him, all while encountering various other dangers and obstacles before him. First off, this film is epic in almost every respect. From the breathtaking cinematography to the musical score, this film really is something to behold. What's more, leading man Dev Patel (best known as the breakout star of Oscar darling 'Slumdog Millionaire') gives a bold, career-defining performance here. Storywise, it really does feel rooted in medieval folklore with many of the tropes you'd expect from a story like this, but also enough unique style and creative choices to help it stand out among the rest in the best way possible. And granted, while the pacing may be a bit slow at times and the final 10 minutes or so feeling a little stretched out, the film definitely left me pretty satisfied and entertained with quite the epic adventure. So overall, it's a must-see for all the dungeons and dragons/medieval fans and nerds at heart, but this is one epic quest that's certain to leave almost anyone wowed and breathless.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

3

BulkingbadJul 30, 2021

The cinematography here was excellent. The acting was superb…but my god wtf was that? A24 missed the mark. Hard. Slow burns do not equal bad movie. Tension and atmosphere over action do not equal bad movie. Every second of screen time usedThe cinematography here was excellent. The acting was superb…but my god wtf was that? A24 missed the mark. Hard. Slow burns do not equal bad movie. Tension and atmosphere over action do not equal bad movie. Every second of screen time used here was slow and methodical and meant to be thought provoking but instead you’re left scratching your head after every sequence. It all adds up to the most lackluster climax I’ve ever seen. I’m so disappointed.… Expand

13 of 24 users found this helpful1311

All this user's reviews

10

fra92Jul 30, 2021

David Lowery is always a surprise. His movies are full of emotional moments, but also deep explorations of what it means to be human. I loved this movie, and I can't wait to see his next one

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

All this user's reviews

8

Xenomorph_killsJul 30, 2021

This movie is presented as a mystical folk tale. An odd tale full of metaphors that may or may not be taken literally when you watch it. That being said, it is a powerful tale with emotion and complexity in a Chivalrous Knight that hasn'tThis movie is presented as a mystical folk tale. An odd tale full of metaphors that may or may not be taken literally when you watch it. That being said, it is a powerful tale with emotion and complexity in a Chivalrous Knight that hasn't been seen before. The idea of honor that we see in all knights is looked at with a magnifying glass. Dev Patel is amazing in this as he shows a wide range of emotions through the characters journey. This movie is not straight forward and a lot will be left up to interpretation.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

5

NotablecookieJul 30, 2021

A very visually pretty movie with some of the best shot scenes in any film that I've seen. However I found myself struggling to enjoy the film. Many of the changes from the classic poem acted as a deconstruction of the ideas of honor andA very visually pretty movie with some of the best shot scenes in any film that I've seen. However I found myself struggling to enjoy the film. Many of the changes from the classic poem acted as a deconstruction of the ideas of honor and knightly virtue bit failed to provide any alternative message with any depth.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

All this user's reviews

The Green Knight

User Reviews