Even though I did like this movie I do have to sympathize with those people who thought the film a bit long and boring. The shooting style is fairly straight forward, and there really aren't too many memorable dramatic shots, but overall it's technically a respectable film.
I think one of the things that holds back a better film, and I really hate myself for saying this because I usually say the opposite, is that the leads needed younger actors for the parts they were playing, and the narrative needed to be tightened up a bit.
The look of the film is okay, but I think a selection of longer lenses and a more static shooting style might have better sold the artistic period quality of the film. There's a couple of hand held shots that seem somewhat awkward and clumsy, and I didn't get too much romantic tension between the two leads.
Otherwise it's a very fine looking film, but it lacks a certain energy largely because of the kind of story that it is. Medieval romances typically conjure knights wining the hands of fair ladies with deeds brave and bold; read that as killing a few other knights in combat. But there isn't a whole lot of derring do on anybodies part. Oh well.
It's not a film I'd recommend unless you're into the medieval genre. And even then don't expect any sword play, nor much in the way of any plot as it's essentially the reflections of single woman up until her "big moments".
Still, there's a certain charm and a lot of production value in terms of sets, costumes and even locations went into the creation of this film. Again, if you're into the medieval genre, then maybe give it a glance for those qualities alone, but again it is a slower film.
See it once, and see what you think.
I think one of the things that holds back a better film, and I really hate myself for saying this because I usually say the opposite, is that the leads needed younger actors for the parts they were playing, and the narrative needed to be tightened up a bit.
The look of the film is okay, but I think a selection of longer lenses and a more static shooting style might have better sold the artistic period quality of the film. There's a couple of hand held shots that seem somewhat awkward and clumsy, and I didn't get too much romantic tension between the two leads.
Otherwise it's a very fine looking film, but it lacks a certain energy largely because of the kind of story that it is. Medieval romances typically conjure knights wining the hands of fair ladies with deeds brave and bold; read that as killing a few other knights in combat. But there isn't a whole lot of derring do on anybodies part. Oh well.
It's not a film I'd recommend unless you're into the medieval genre. And even then don't expect any sword play, nor much in the way of any plot as it's essentially the reflections of single woman up until her "big moments".
Still, there's a certain charm and a lot of production value in terms of sets, costumes and even locations went into the creation of this film. Again, if you're into the medieval genre, then maybe give it a glance for those qualities alone, but again it is a slower film.
See it once, and see what you think.