2 reviews
This movie is full of action and history. Set in 1300's the scenery and costumes are fabulous in their authenticity. Nail biting fights (especially on the ship) - some violent. Really felt that Connor Swindells and Ellie Bamber were standout. Great to see strong female characters portayed. I wasn't aware of the fable surrounding William Tell but the interpretation seems to have been well thought out and written. Amazing cast that really brings the story to life. Maybe would have loved to see a bit of humour added in, but then maybe would have made it too similar to Robin Hood. Would definitely recommend seeing on the big screen.
I watched the world premiere of William Tell at the Toronto International Film Festival (2024).
The presenter of the festival had said before the movie, "they don't make movies like this anymore". I assumed that was a positive thing.
Unfortunately, it really wasn't. The biggest issue of the movie was the language used.
This is a 14th-century period piece that involved the Swiss and Austrians. But for whatever reason the dialogue was written in something that sounded like a high-schooler's approximation of Victorian English.
According to the director, he wrote the dialogue to have language unique to the film. Maybe to assist in some sense of believability within this world. Instead the film was often hard to follow. Character motivations were lost in the flowery, disjointed language.
That being said - the cast did their absolute best with the film. Golshifteh Farahani, Connor Swindells, Rafe Spall, and Ellie Bamber were standouts.
Don't go to see the film for Ben Kingsley - he was barely in it and his performance felt completely phoned in.
If you're okay with 2-hours of mindlessness as you watch beautiful scenery and cool fight scenes - I think there is enough to enjoy.
The movie set up a sequel. I do hope it can be made, and some changes to how dialogue and character interactions are done will be made.
The presenter of the festival had said before the movie, "they don't make movies like this anymore". I assumed that was a positive thing.
Unfortunately, it really wasn't. The biggest issue of the movie was the language used.
This is a 14th-century period piece that involved the Swiss and Austrians. But for whatever reason the dialogue was written in something that sounded like a high-schooler's approximation of Victorian English.
According to the director, he wrote the dialogue to have language unique to the film. Maybe to assist in some sense of believability within this world. Instead the film was often hard to follow. Character motivations were lost in the flowery, disjointed language.
That being said - the cast did their absolute best with the film. Golshifteh Farahani, Connor Swindells, Rafe Spall, and Ellie Bamber were standouts.
Don't go to see the film for Ben Kingsley - he was barely in it and his performance felt completely phoned in.
If you're okay with 2-hours of mindlessness as you watch beautiful scenery and cool fight scenes - I think there is enough to enjoy.
The movie set up a sequel. I do hope it can be made, and some changes to how dialogue and character interactions are done will be made.