Tristan and Isolde (2006)

Tristan, an English warrior from the Dark Ages is wounded and near death. He is saved by Isolde, an Irish princess, at a time when Ireland routinely ravaged the English who at this time had not united and were nothing but scattered clans. Their love should have never been, but it had gripped them firmly. This is a story of manly men and fervent women. This is a story of legend and of dreams.

This movie telling of the Dark Ages legend of Tristan and Isolde is a timeless love story. People have been fascinated by the legends of Tristan and Isolde and their star-crossed passion that defied the world around them. Tristan loves Isolde. Isolde loves Tristan. But duty and honor would not let them have it so easy. Bound by his duty, Tristan must allow Isolde to marry his lord, the man that raised him when he was orphaned. With honor and duty and love so intertwined, their love nearly destroyed an entire people.

I give Tristan and Isolde a solid 82%

My wife and daughter talked me into going to this movie and I must admit, I really liked it. I think that somewhere in all of us the appeal of ages past where chivalry, bravery, honor, and duty are counted more valuable than power and riches. Well, maybe not everyone, but certainly me.

I have to play catch up with this review so it is well past my seeing the movie. However, the images remain quite well defined in my mind. And I can say that I would very much like to see it again.

I think the best part of the movie for me was actually the historical nature of the story. While there were many liberties taken with the legend, and this is but one telling, some things are common. One of the most interesting was the political intrigue associated with the foundation of a unified England. And yet another was the role the Irish had in helping that along, though not their intent to be sure.

Still, I like the portrait of the Dark Ages that is painted in this view into the past. I don't worry if it is entirely accurate or not, it is just a very stirring view.

When it comes to casting, I think Rufus Sewell was an excellent choice for Lord Marke (remember him from A Knight's Tale?).

Anyway, my favorite quote:

Isolde : Love is as strong as death. Why be capable of feelings if we're not to have them? Why long for things if they're not meant to be ours?
Tristan: There are other things to live for; duty, honor.  
Isolde: They are not life Tristan. They are shells of life. Love is made by God. Ignore it and you suffer as you cannot imagine.  
Tristan: Then I will no longer live without it.