This festive discussion dives into the best medieval-themed films perfect for the holiday season. From the nostalgic charm of 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' to the hilarious parody in 'Men in Tights,' the hosts explore these portrayals with humor and critique. They celebrate the gritty authenticity of 'The Last Kingdom' and the absurdity of 'Army of Darkness.' Plus, there’s a fascinating look at medieval traditions during Christmas and how these films reflect and distort history, making for an entertaining blend of merriment and storytelling.
The podcast discusses various medieval films, highlighting the mix of gritty authenticity in 'The Last Kingdom' and humorous storytelling in 'The Decameron.'
Criticism is directed towards 'The Physician' for its historical inaccuracies regarding medieval medicine, contrasting with other films that spark nostalgic enjoyment.
The hosts celebrate the escapism and humor in medieval films like 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights,' emphasizing their role in engaging audiences with history.
Deep dives
Holiday Viewing Recommendations
The discussion revolves around various medieval movies that are popular during the holiday season. Notable mentions include 'The Last Kingdom,' which offers a gritty look at Anglo-Saxon England, showcasing the struggles between Vikings and local rulers. The actors embodying historical figures like King Alfred and Uhtred bring an authentic feel to the series, which, while dramatic, also provides insight into real historical events. Additionally, 'The Decameron' receives praise for its humorous approach to storytelling during the Black Death, reflecting the resilience of people amidst tragedy.
Medieval and Historical Films
The conversation highlights several films that capture medieval themes, including 'The 13th Warrior,' which beautifully intertwines Viking culture and storytelling. This film stands out for its character-driven plot and strong performances, especially from Antonio Banderas as he navigates Norse society. The hosts draw comparisons to other works like 'Outlander,' which, despite its outlandish premise of an alien in Viking times, also explores themes of community and acceptance. Both films ultimately serve as entertaining gateways into more serious historical narratives.
Critique of Historical Accuracy
A critique of films such as 'The Physician' is offered, with the hosts highlighting its inaccuracies and poor storytelling related to medieval medicine and the Black Death. The portrayal of doctors during a time when the church was actually a provider of medical care fails to resonate with historical facts. Likewise, 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' and its anachronistic elements spark debate over how accurately films should depict history. Despite their flaws, these films often become beloved guilty pleasures for audiences due to their entertainment value and nostalgic appeal.
Fun and Absurd Takes on Robin Hood
The duo discusses various interpretations of the Robin Hood legend, ranging from light-hearted animations like Disney's 'Robin Hood' to the more serious 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.' They highlight the charm of the Disney version, known for its whimsical storytelling and memorable characters. In contrast, contemporary adaptations like the 2018 film are criticized for lacking coherence and historical context, blending modern elements with medieval tropes. This prompts a celebration of classic interpretations that have successfully captured the essence of the Robin Hood myth, emphasizing the hero's connection to the common people.
The Lighter Side of Medieval Stories
The hosts advocate for the enjoyment of medieval films that prioritize fun and entertainment over strict historical accuracy. They emphasize that stories like those of Robin Hood can serve as escapism, allowing audiences to engage with history in a way that is not overly serious. By encouraging viewers to appreciate the humor and creativity in films like 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights,' they highlight the importance of laughter in understanding historical narratives. Ultimately, the conversation stresses the value of approaching medieval stories with a sense of humor and enjoyment during the festive season.
It’s Christmas. The holly and ivy are adorning the fireplace, hopefully the shopping is (mostly) done and the King of Misrule is on his way…Who are we to disobey him?
Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega have hung their medieval stockings and are having a blast discussing the best 'medieval' films delivered to our homes via the very modern magic of TV. They choose the most accurate, the most absurd and the most bell-ringingly fun depictions of the middle ages, including the gritty authenticity of 'The Last Kingdom', the hilarious 'Army of Darkness,' the problematic 'The Physician,' the martial spectacle of 'The Great Wall,' and the intriguing 'Outlander.' Plus a hefty dose of Robin Hood and his Merry Men in their many, many film adaptations. There will be tights...
Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis. Edited by Amy Haddow. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds and All3 Media Music.
Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.
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