SnoopyStyle
During the Dark Ages, Briton struggles with its divided tribes after the fall of the Romans. The Irish prospers taking advantage of the divisions. Tristan's father tried to forge an alliance of all the tribes with Marke (Rufus Sewell) as the king. They are surprised and massacred by the Irish. Marke saved Tristan at the cost of his hand. Tristan (James Franco) is raised by Marke. Powerful Irish King Donnchadh (David O'Hara) promises Princess Isolde (Sophia Myles)'s hand in marriage to his best warrior Morholt. Tristan leads a raid on a slaving party and kills Morholt. Tristan is set off on a funeral boat when his men mistakenly believe he died. Tristan's boat drifts to Ireland where he's saved by Isolde.This tries to be a medieval sweeping romance. Franco and Myles are beautiful people who have a beautiful romance. The movie lacks the sweeping nature needed. It's competent but lacking in style. The sets fits the smaller era that is being portrayed. Although, it doesn't have to look small which it does. This romantic story feels limited and stretched out on the screen.
Armand
the grace to present the old story of love, the performances, the music, the shadow of emotions and fights and hope, the sacrifice and the remember of the importance of hero. each of them - pillar for a lovely show, romantic in profound sense, interesting for manner to suggest and for the grace of image. because that is its basic virtue - the grace to replace a Medieval poem in the spirit of present period using the universal virtues of courage, love and need of power. a clear, subtle, seductive story. simple and convincing. tender and powerful. far to be a masterpiece, it is a necessary film for remember and for preserve the flavor of delicate feelings and real courage. Tristan and Isolda. the same from its birth to present. this film could be a proof.
rusoviet
...Tristan. Sadly the plot was very predictable and that is due not so much for pre-knowledge of the text but more the glut of similarly themed films the past 10 years.Rufus Sewell is excellent as 'Mark' as was the villain Marc StrongI will say in an era of 'feminazis' it is good to see strong male roles and their character shown in times of stress which brings me to FrancoJames Franco sadly does not inspire acceptance as anyone who has 'experienced' life. It's not his fault but he looks more like one of the extras for those Ralph Lauren cologne ads shot on Long Island.Isolde was very believable and she acted like a strong but morally corrupted soul. Franco looks like his real skill is soap operas or as a stand in for Joseph Fiennes - a gigolo.
Amy Adler
Tristan (James Franco) was orphaned as a boy. Irish warriors interrupted a dinner in Cornwall, which his parents were attending, and killed many, including the lad's father and mother. Brave Uncle Marke (Rufus Sewell) saved his nephew, losing a hand in the process. Now, Tristan is grown and a fine swordsman himself. Yet, the Irish and the clans of Britain are still at odds. In another skirmish, after a valiant fight, Tristan is wounded by a poisonous sword. Thinking him dead, his grieving uncle and other men put him in a boat and release him to the waves. This is the burial ceremony of the times. But, by a twist of fate, the boat crosses the sea and lands in Ireland. Spying the vessel is beautiful Isolde (Sophia Miles), the daughter of the king. Realizing the man is alive but gravely, sickened, this beautiful princess and her lady in waiting nurse Tristan back to health in a secret cove. Before long, Isolde is deeply in love with her patient, although she gives him a false name for herself, and he is in love with her. But, danger lurks, due to his heritage. Just as the Irish are about to discover the secrets, Isolde releases Tristan in his boat, telling him their love can never be. Both are shattered inside. When Tristan arrives back in Cornwall, his uncle is overjoyed. Before long, the Irish king offers his daughter to the knight who can defeat all others in a tournament. Tristan vows to win a wife for the never married Marke. Sure enough, Tristan wins the contest. But, horror indeed when the lady's veil is lifted and it is his dear love. No matter, Isolde must marry Marke, for all parties are bound by honor. Yet, can Tristan really forget his love for Isolde or can she truly love her husband? In addition, if they give into their past feelings, what will be the consequences in the near future? This timeless tale of a love triangle is a legend that came before King Arthur himself. One could probably say it influenced the later story. As such, it is just as beautiful and tragic. Franco, Sewell, and Miles are a most lovely and talented threesome while the lesser actors are equally well chosen. The sets and costumes, which depict a time long ago, are wonderful to behold while the script and direction fulfill the story's telling well. Yes, there is some violence but it is muted; even so, those who shiver at sword fights and such should be advised accordingly. Nevertheless, this is a stellar two hours of entertainment.
