Justin and the Knights of Valour (2013)

A young boy grows up as he embarks on a quest to become a knight.

Director:

Manuel Sicilia

Writers:

Manuel Sicilia, Matthew Jacobs

Stars:

Freddie Highmore, Antonio Banderas, James Cosmo

3 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Freddie Highmore	...	Justin (voice)
Antonio Banderas	...	Sir Clorex (voice)
James Cosmo	...	Blucher (voice)
Charles Dance	...	Legantir (voice)
Tamsin Egerton	...	Lara (voice)
Rupert Everett	...	Sota (voice)
Barry Humphries	...	Braulio (voice)
Alfred Molina	...	Reginald (voice)
Mark Strong	...	Heraclio (voice)
David Walliams	...	Melquiades (voice)
Julie Walters	...	Gran (voice)
Olivia Williams	...	Queen (voice)
Saoirse Ronan	...	Talia (voice)
Michael Culkin	...	Sebastian (voice)
Richard O'Brien	...	Innkeeper / Baker (voice)

Storyline

Justin (Freddie Highmore) lives in a kingdom where bureaucrats rule and knights have been ousted. His dream is to be become one of the Knights of Valour, like his grandfather was, but his father Reginald (Alfred Molina), the chief counsel to the Queen (Olivia Williams), wants his son to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer. After an inspiring visit to his beloved Gran (Dame Julie Walters) and bidding farewell to his supposed lady-love Lara (Tamsin Egerton), Justin leaves home and embarks on a quest to become a knight. Along the way, he meets the beautiful, feisty Talia (Saoirse Ronan), a quirky wizard called Melquiades (David Walliams), and the handsome Sir Clorex (Antonio Banderas), and is mentored by three monks; Blucher (James Cosmo), Legantir (Charles Dance), and Braulio (Barry Humphries), who teach and test him in the ancient ways of the Knights of Valour. While an unlikely candidate for knighthood, Justin must rise to the challenge quickly when banished former knight Sir ...

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Plot Keywords:

knight | quest | kingdom | army | wizard | 

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild action and some rude humor.

Did You Know?

Trivia

The character "Sota" is inspired by one card of the Spanish deck, equivalent to the Jack in the international deck, from which Sota is given a very similar look. Also, the name of the villain, Heraclio, matches the best known publisher of card decks in Spain, Heraclio Fournier.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Justin: [voiceover] Welcome to the kingdom of Gabilonia, once home to the bravest knights of all - but not anymore. Ever since knights were forced to leave the kingdom and justice officers took their place, we get a new law every day.

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Connections

Referenced in Evening Urgant: Antonio Banderas/Fedor Bondarchuk/Alphaville (2013)

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Soundtracks

Heroes
Written by James Flannigan, Anders Grabn
Published by B-Unique Publishing (Administred by Kobalt) & Roastinghouse Music (Administred by BMG Chrysalis)
Performed by Rebecca Ferguson & The London Metropolitan Orchestra (as The Metropolitan Orchestra)
Conducted by Andy Brown
Licensed courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment

User Reviews

I feel confident in predicting that this is a film that will have lasting appeal to both young and old for many years to come.

Justin and the Knights of Valour is very well executed and exciting adventure film. In costume and characterisation it has many similarities with 'Tangled', 'How to Train Your Dragon' and 'Brave'. All three last named are films I love by the way. For me Justin and the Knights of Valour is a worthy successor to them all. The artwork is very beautiful and imaginative, the script is intricate (for a children's film) and all the main characters are amusing and likable. They are also nicely voiced. I particularly liked Saoirse Ronan's Irish accented Talia. I'm in my late sixties (male) and saw the film on my own. I wasn't bored for a single second. On the contrary, I found the story to be totally absorbing. I'm also a bit of an unashamed romantic - so I was keen to discover how things would work out between Justin and his (two) young lady friends. There are also a couple of better than average songs I'd like to hear again. As best as I can recall the incidental music is fitting and well performed. (I intend to see the film again soon, so I will pay more attention to the musical score then.) I highly recommend this film and feel confident in predicting that it will have lasting appeal to both young and old for many years to come.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Spain UK Netherlands

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 September 2013 (UK)

Also Known As:

Justin, el caballero valiente

Box Office

Budget:

$24,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$19,799,759

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aliwood Mediterráneo Producciones, Antena 3 Films, Audiovisual Aval SGR

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color