The Green Knight

The Green Knight is a medieval fantasy that's based on a 14th century poem that tells the story of Gawain, King Arthur's nephew who is challenged by a mysterious and magical warrior named the Green Knight. After Gawain cuts off the Knight's head, the warrior picks it up and tells his opponent that in a year to look for him and accept a similar blow. After a year passes, Gawain, though reluctant and fearful, sets off on his quest to meet with the knight and throughout the journey gets caught up in other adventures and meets peculiar people. If any movie could be best described as a poem told through the lens of a camera this would be one of them all thanks to David Lowery's detailed direction, superb script, and slow but well-paced editing. Dev Patel, who plays Gawain, absolutely shines in this movie as he's able to play someone who wants to be considered a hero, but often then not tends to show how cowardly and selfish he can be. There's also the Green Knight himself, played by Ralph Ineson, who often gives such a profound and terrifying performance despite so little screen time. Just as shining as the cast, the true to life production values, superb cinematography by Andrew Droz Palermo, the minimal but well done effects, and the haunting score from Daniel Hart all elevate this production even further. If anyone expects a very standard hero story should look somewhere else as what this movie depicts with Gawain is far from a chivalrous knight of the Round Table. He often agrees to do simple, though personal, tasks by others and expects some grand reward in exchange. Often times his behavior does alleviate the movie from becoming too dramatic and gives it some good comedic moments. Another unique thing to take away is the absolute beauty when it comes to the scenery wherever Gawain goes, as he traverses the mountains, meets giants, and travels throughs lush forests. King Arthur has been the source to many stories told through the years, but The Green Knight shows there's more to tell about those around him than the standard Round Table or Excalibur. Over all: 100%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. The Green Knight

3. Nobody

4. Black Widow

5. A Quiet Place Part II

6. Raya and the Last Dragon

7. Jungle Cruise

8. Cruella

9. Wrath of Man

10. F9

11. Snake Eyes

12. Old

13. Space Jam: A New Legacy