Films about European Middle Ages are a popular genre in the world of cinema. These movies transport viewers back in time to the medieval period, showcasing the rich history, culture, and conflicts of that era. From knights and castles to epic battles and political intrigue, films set in the European Middle Ages offer a captivating glimpse into a bygone era.
Now, let's dive into some existing films that explore the European Middle Ages:
“Braveheart”, 1995
Director: Mel Gibson
Directed by Mel Gibson, this critically acclaimed film follows the story of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against English rule during the 13th century. Filled with epic battle scenes and a compelling narrative, “Braveheart” offers a thrilling depiction of the Middle Ages.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine McCormack, Brian Cox, Gerard McSorley, Martin Murphy, Tommy Flanagan, John Murtagh, James Robinson, Sean Lawlor, Sandy Nelson, James Cosmo, Sean McGinley, Alan Tall, Andrew Weir, Gerda Stevenson, Ralph Riach, Mhairi Calvey, Peter Hanly, Stephen Billington, Barry McGovern, John Kavanagh, Alun Armstrong, Julie Austin, Alex Norton, Joanne Bett, Rupert Vansittart, Michael Byrne, Robert Paterson, Malcolm Tierney, William Scott-Masson, Tam White, Donal Gibson, Jeanne Marine, Martin Dunne, Fred Chiverton, Ian Bannen, Jimmy Chisholm, David O'Hara, David McKay, Peter Mullan, Bernard Horsfall, Richard Leaf, Daniel Coll, Niall O'Brien, Liam Carney;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: history, biography, drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 178 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Braveheart” on the website imdb.com
“The Name of the Rose”, 2018
Director: Giacomo Battiato
Based on the novel by Umberto Eco, this mystery thriller is set in 14th-century Italy. Starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater, the film revolves around a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice as they investigate a series of murders in a secluded monastery. It delves into religious tensions, political intrigue, and the power of knowledge during the Middle Ages.
Starring: John Turturro, Rupert Everett, Damian Hardung, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Greta Scarano, Richard Sammel, Stefano Fresi, Roberto Herlitzka, Fausto Maria Sciarappa, Maurizio Lombardi, Antonia Fotaras, Guglielmo Favilla, Piotr Adamczyk, Tchéky Karyo, Benjamin Stender, Claudio Bigagli, Corrado Invernizzi, Max Malatesta, Alessio Boni, Sebastian Koch, James Cosmo, Michael Emerson, Rinat Khismatouline, Camilla Diana, David Brandon, Peter Davison, Alfredo Pea, Derek Boschi, Federigo Ceci, Gianluigi Fogacci, Antonio Spagnuolo, Nicholas Turturro, Alkis Zanis, Alessandro Giallocosta, Kiara McKormick, Andrea Bruschi, Stefano Scherini, Leonardo Pazzagli, Dave Tinsley, Maxence Dinant, Giuseppe Schillaci, Chiara Bianchino, Nathan Macchioni, Fabio Carfora, Laura Martelli, Maurizio Modesti, Marco Pancrazi, Alessandra Celi, Diego Delpiano, Christian Catanzano;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective, history;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Name of the Rose” on the website imdb.com
“Kingdom of Heaven”, 2005
Director: Ridley Scott
Directed by Ridley Scott, this historical epic takes place during the 12th century and tells the story of a blacksmith named Balian who becomes a knight and finds himself caught in the middle of the Crusades. With its stunning visuals and complex characters, “Kingdom of Heaven” explores the religious conflicts and cultural clashes of the European Middle Ages.
Starring: Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Marton Csokas, David Thewlis, Ghassan Massoud, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Edward Norton, Brendan Gleeson, Alexander Siddig, Michael Sheen, Velibor Topic, Martin Hancock, Nathalie Cox, Eriq Ebouaney, Jouko Ahola, Philip Glenister, Bronson Webb, Kevin McKidd, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Steven Robertson, Michael Shaeffer, Nasser Memarzia, Jon Finch, Lotfi Yahya Jedidi, Samira Draa, Ulrich Thomsen, Matthew Rutherford, Michael Fitzgerald, Khaled El Nabawy, Karim Salah, Shane Attwooll, Giannina Facio, Emilio Doorgasingh, Peter Cant, Angus Wright, Iain Glen, Tim Barlow, Paul Brightwell, Peter Copley, Alex O'Dogherty, Bill Paterson, Robert Pugh, Alfonso Sánchez, Ángel Andrés, Christian Boeving, Alex Revan, Baldvin IV Ringsted, Alex Twidale, Juan José Videgain;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Kingdom of Heaven” on the website imdb.com
“The Lion in Winter”, 1968
Director: Anthony Harvey
Set in the 12th century, this drama portrays the power struggles and political machinations of the royal family of England. Starring Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn, the film focuses on the tumultuous relationship between King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. With its intense performances and sharp dialogue, “The Lion in Winter” offers a compelling glimpse into the dynamics of medieval politics.
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, John Castle, Nigel Terry, Timothy Dalton, Jane Merrow, Nigel Stock, Kenneth Ives, O.Z. Whitehead, Fran Stafford, Ella More, Kenneth Griffith, Henry Woolf, Karol Hagar, David Griffith;
Production year: 1968;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Lion in Winter” on the website imdb.com
“A Knight's Tale”, 2001
Director: Brian Helgeland
This lighthearted adventure film follows the journey of a young peasant named William Thatcher who poses as a knight and competes in jousting tournaments. Set in the 14th century, the movie combines elements of medieval history with modern music and humor, creating a unique and entertaining take on the European Middle Ages.
Starring: Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, Laura Fraser, Mark Addy, Alan Tudyk, Bérénice Bejo, Scott Handy, James Purefoy, Leagh Conwell, Christopher Cazenove, Steve O'Donnell, Jonathan Slinger, Nick Brimble, Karel Dobrý, Philip Lenkowsky, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Petr Meissel, Matthew Mills, Daniel Rous, Vladimir Kulhavy, Miroslav Mokos, Noel le Bon, Scott Bellefeville, David Schneider, Rudolf Kubík, David Fisher, David Sterne, Alice Connor, Alice Bendová, Berwick Kaler, Howard Lotker, Jan Kuzelka, Václav Krejcí, Jan Nemejovsky, Jakob Schwarz;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: action, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “A Knight's Tale” on the website imdb.com
These are just a few examples of films that explore the European Middle Ages. Each film offers a different perspective on this fascinating period in history, showcasing the bravery, romance, and intrigue that defined the era. Whether you're a fan of epic battles or intimate character dramas, there's a film about the European Middle Ages to suit your tastes.
The selection of films about the European Middle Ages offers a captivating journey into a world of knights, castles, and medieval intrigue. These films transport the audience to a time of chivalry, honor, and complex power struggles, portraying the rich tapestry of life in medieval Europe. With stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, and immersive historical detail, these films bring to life the struggles and triumphs of the era, offering a window into a fascinating period of European history. Whether it's the epic battles, courtly romance, or political machinations, these films about the European Middle Ages leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the enduring allure of this captivating historical period.
