REVIEW: The Green Knight (2021): An interesting variation on a classic tale.

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This film was one of the casualties of the pandemic. Originally slated for release in 2020 it was released near the end of July, 2021.

Written, edited and directed by David Lowery and released by A24. This entertainment company has built a solid reputation taking chances and greenlighting films that mostly do not fit the mainstream mold. I'll always watch whatever they decide to release. The director name didn't ring a bell until I looked up his previous films. A Ghost Story, The Old Man & the Gun and this. I'll need to deep deeper into his earlier work.

This film is based upon the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

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The story quickly starts out when Gawain played by Dev Patel accepts a challenge from the Green Knight who is in humanoid form but is truly a tree/human hybrid. Christmas day is the setting. The challenge is to strike him with the reward being his axe. The catch is that the person landing this blow must travel to his domain in one years time and accept the same striking blow that has been dealt.

The accepted challenge begins and the Green Knight kneels with his head facing the ground. Taken aback Gawain is utterly confused. The Green Knight further extends his neck outward. Gawain decapitates him.
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Very soon the Green Knight's decapitated body rises, grabs his own decapitated head and rides off laughing. The reputation and tales of Gawain grow over the next year and he must make the journey to greet the Green Knight.

The story unfolds running into numerous characters, spirits, scoundrels, giants and spirits. This is a fantasy film set in an art film. Long camera pans, characters that appear in different forms and interesting imagery are present throughout.

Life being lived during a one year time period could be one interpretation. Discovery of life and more importantly self-discovery are the themes I see. The cycle of life come full circle.

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Another one of those films that make you think, definitely not overly abstract and quite accessible for those willing to watch it. For those seeking something modern and different, this is worth your time.

Good old Rotten Tomatoes is polarizing on this one as expected. 87% critic rating and a 50% audience rating. I'd give this one a 7.

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I hear people yelling "Boooooring" from the cheap seats. While those others are dismissing them as usual. Give it a go.

All media captured by myself from the original source.

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