Britain, Dark Ages. Britain consists of several tribes, not united. Ireland is a lot stronger, and the Irish King is more than determined to keep it this way.
British young Tristan (Thomas Sangster – The Last Legion, Love Actually) father is for unison, and he wants Marke (Rufus Sewell) to be a king, as Marke is the strongest of the lords. However a meeting in favor of the unison gets interrupted when the Irish attack. Many are killed, including Tristan’s parents. Marke loses his hand, but manages to save Tristan’s life. Despite the losses, Marke orders that they rebuild. He loves and treats Tristan as he does his own son, Melot.
Years later, Tristan (James Franco) and Melot (Henry Cavill) grow up to be good fighters, soldier and friends; although Melot is upset that Marke seems to favor Tristan when it comes to leadership.
After another Irish attack takes place, Tristan manages to help save many lives but ends up poisoned. The poison makes Tristan appear dead and his “body” is sent out to the sea- ending up on the Irish shore. He is found by Princess Isolde (Sophia Myles) and her maid Bragnae (Bronagh Gallagher) find Tristan. Despite Bragnae’s concerns, Isolde hides Tristan and nurses him back to health. Her time with Tristan is the only time Isolde is happy, as her father the king is forcing her to marry one of his obnoxious soldiers. The only mistake Isolde makes with him is that she hides her real name. The two fall madly in love, but she doesn’t leave with Tristan when he goes back.
Back home, Marke is more than happy to see Tristan alive and well. Complications arise when as Marke’s trusted soldier and in favor peace, Tristan goes to Ireland and wins a tournament, so that Marke can marry the princess. But of course the princess turns out to be Isolde, and both their worlds come crashing down. Despite his love for Marke, can Tristan stay away from Isolde?
**
That wasn’t the entire plot summary, just the first third of the movie. Sorry, I got carried away but I just love Tristan and Isolde. It is a lovely period film with fine actors. I have always been a major Rufus Sewell fan and the movie has an additional bonus that is Mark Strong. I wouldn’t have picked another Tristan or Isolde. Both James Franco and Sophia Myles are pretty, passionate and emotional enough for their roles, although Henry Cavill is fun to have around as well.
The only part I don’t like about this love story is that, well, it turns into a tragedy because how foolishly Tristan and Isolde both act. Isolde should have told him her real name, at least when they parted. Or she could have just gone with him. It is not like her life was happy without him there. Or Tristan could have told Marke in the beginning. Or they could have just run away… Instead, they have to act all stupidly, thinking they are being heroic and self-sacrificing. ..Yes, I am more into happy romance stories but Tristan and Isolde is a good enough story, despite the unnecessary tragedies two of the main characters bring on themselves.
You need to see it, if you like a good period romance with fine acting and a decent story.
Franco is good at portraying different characters. I can’t wait to see his 127 Hours. You might remember Sophia Myles as Beth Turner from Moonlight.
Currently 7 on IMDB. 7 sounds just right. Directed by Kevin Reynolds (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Counte of Monte Cristo.)
Other Posts on Rufus Sewell
The British Actors We Love feat. Rufus Sewell
The Woodlanders: A Gorgeous Rufus Sewell in an Awful Movie
In a Savage Land with Rufus Sewell
The Illusionist with Edward Norton, Rufus Sewell and Jessica Biel
I loveeeeeeeeeeeee Tristan + Isolde, I have this movie
Kevin Reynolds can pump out decent flicks when he wants to so I am just pretending Waterworld never happened:)
So do I:)
Heartbreaking, though remarkable and breathtaking Love Story!!!!
However, if I were Isolde, I would have asked Tristan: “That’s how you repay me for saving your life…offering me as “Trophy” to marry your King?” – although, if I were Isolde, I’d gladly sleep with Rufus Sewell… 😉
If I were Tristan, I’d have ran away with her since the beginning…
A must see movie!!!
Great review, Pinar 🙂
If I were Isolde, I would have left with him. She had absolutely nothing worth staying for. She should have escaped with him. Or she should have at least told him her real name. Or he should have told his uncle. Or she should have told his uncle…It is their actions that turn it into a tragic story, but it is so well-told, we forgive them for being so stupid:)
Yeah, I would sleep with Rufus too.:) The first time I said that while I was watching In a Savage Land. Did you see it? Well, anyway I think that the only reason they gave Sewell that haircut in Tristan and Isolde was that they wanted Tristan to be the hunk. Otherwise, Tristan would have a real rival in the looks department, and Rufus’ character is already awesome:):):)
Glad you liked it. It is one of my favorite love stories, despite the stupidity of their characters:)