Fanbase Press’ Geeky Parent Guide aims to highlight media that both kids AND their grown-ups will be able to enjoy. This year, the GPG is focusing on digging deeper into the media that has resonated with us as caregivers, as well as demonstrating to our children how we can apply those impactful messages in our daily lives.
A Knight’s Tale celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and for those who were lucky to see it in theater (like this geeky parent), you’ll know how the experience never leaves you. The blend of hopeful adventures, wonderful characters, humorous exchanges, and rock and roll music makes this movie one of the best when it comes to exceptional storytelling and long-lasting themes.
Although, admittedly, while I’m forever biased in adoring the works of Heath Ledger, it should not go unnoticed how impactful an actor can be when watching a film. Ledger’s smile, mixed with his character’s wild ambition and lovable charm, gives viewers a sense of what it’s like to dream for a better life. Even way before I was a parent, A Knight’s Tale generated a feeling of wanting to find a way to live out a dream. Even if that dream was unknown, as finding ourselves can feel daunting at times, William Thatcher (played by Ledger) and his friends depend on each other to survive, while wanting something better than what they’ve been born into.
Why Was A Knight’s Tale Important Before Being a Parent
When a person is struggling to find themselves, working various jobs, and the only joy that they (I) find comes in the form of seeing movies and getting lost in those stories, this particular movie tells a story of hope, while also making us laugh. The idea that a simple squire, someone deemed “unworthy” for anything greater, such as being a knight, felt really relevant for someone who was caught between high school and (eventually) college, where life didn’t seem certain. William and his friends, Roland (played by Mark Addy) and Wat (played by Alan Tudyk), are trying to survive after their master dies. It’s a moment that seems hopeless, because they depended on their master’s life to have purpose.
When William takes a chance to take his master’s place and competes in a jousting tournament, it’s an opportunity to earn wages and put food in their bellies, despite the crime of being something that they’re not. Along their travels, they’re joined by Geoffrey Chaucer (played by Paul Bettany) and Kate (Laura Fraser) to complete their band of “misguided” servants aspiring for greater things. It’s also important to recognize the incredible chemistry between the characters, including Will and Jocelyn’s (played by Shannyn Sossamon), as their interactions feel timeless, even when one character wants to “fong you” for doing anything wrong.
On top of that, I love the addition of music within scenes, where the characters in the background seem to be singing these classic rock songs. One of the best scenes, where Will shows a dance from “his” lands, David Bowie’s “Golden Years” plays as the entire hall full of people join along and dance with him. The song is completely associated with A Knight’s Tale, and there’s such a fondness for when music can be singularly attached to a film or scene in such a way. This film, although it had been a few years since watching it until recently, is a reminder that certain ideas, to hope and dream of a better life, never expire. It doesn’t go away, and I can’t think of a better message for my kids to one day see and (hopefully) watch.
Why I Want My Kids to Watch A Knight’s Tale
Let’s be clear: A Knight’s Tale has a magnificent “bad guy,” Count Adhemar (played by Rufus Sewell), and it’s unquestionably important for kids to see how people like him behave. There’s an entitlement to Adhemar clearly associated to his status, but he looks down on people regardless of whether they’re supposed to be knightly. When kids see a villain in a film, this is the type of character they need to see: someone who believes he can have anything by virtue of who he is.
On the flip side, the camaraderie between Will and his friends is the epitome of what any parent can hope for their kids to find in their life. Not that they lied about being or serving a knight, but that they’re willing to believe in something better for themselves, regardless of what other people say they should be. Will and his friends are merely servants, and their lineage shouldn’t even come close to knighthood, but that doesn’t stop them from looking upon the stars and wishing for such a thing. I want my kids to wish upon stars, and I want them to find friends who will amplify that feeling and make sure they know how worthy they are of finding their place in this world.
A Knight’s Tale isn’t just a phenomenal romantic dramedy, it’s a place for people to find their place in the world. Finding loving friendships. Having meaningful adventures. Discovering who they are. And, possibly one of the best things, knowing it’s always okay to have a laugh, even when times seem tough. In an ever-changing world, this amazing movie seems like it hasn’t aged at all. Will my kids want to watch A Knight’s Tale? Maybe, maybe not. But I hope they do one day. The movie seems perfect in the feelings it sets out to achieve: unyielding friendships, longing for a better life and world, and finding a partner who makes them feel like they can be who they are, regardless of outside opinions, when all is said and done.
Plus, I’m not mad about Will’s crew giving the big, ole baddy a talking to, each giving him a line, when he finally fails in the end. Priceless!
“You have been weighed.”
“You have been measured.”
“And you have absolutely…”
“Been found wanting.”
“Welcome to the New World. God save you, if it is right that he should do so.”
Additional Love for A Knight’s Tale
It’s difficult to state how much certain movies mean to a person. Whether it be the cast, funny lines and behaviors, design and costumes, charming interactions, fiendish villains that meet their match, all of these things are wrapped up in a wonderfully produced package. Having such an absence from watching this film, which I’d previously seen MANY times, it will definitely come back to the rewatch list as often as possible.
The movie highlights various problems where intervention are required. Geoff has a gambling problem, but he has someone help him out of those troubles to start fresh. Will must lie to Jocelyn to maintain his chivalrous façade, but when she finds out, she’s willing to run away with him and leave her life of comfort for love. Wat clearly has an anger management problem that perhaps requires Geoff’s gentle nudge, knocking him down, or a quip to make fun of him to ease his anger. It’s amazing how much humor plays a role in this movie, and that it’s such a needed thing in real life.
A Knight’s Tale gets a “HIGHLY RECOMMEND” for anyone interested in a good time.
A Knight’s Tale
Release: 2001
Rated: PG-13
Length: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Are you a fan of this film? Did you get to see it in theater or would you want to if they rereleased it? Share your comments here or over on social media.
Until next time, friends, thanks for stopping by.
