I didn’t have high expectations while on my way to see The Green Knight. I had seen the trailer and thought it looked kind of cool and figured I’d go see it since it had been a long time since I saw a movie in theaters. I certainly did not expect it to be as good as it was. There wasn’t really a dull moment throughout all of Gawain’s journey Whether he was dealing with run of the mill highwaymen or conversing with giants, it was entertaining from start to finish. It also looked amazing. The Green Knight himself is one of the coolest looking characters I’ve ever seen in a movie and the crown that King Arthur wears is so bad ass. The movie also sounded incredible with the soundtrack setting the tone for each moment extremely well. The sounds within the scenes were pretty great too like the noises from the Green Knight’s movements. Some of the parts did get a little confusing at times in my opinion but all and all it was a great movie. I’d give it an 8.1/10.
***SPOILERS***
The beginning of the movie was slightly confusing for me as it seemed to show Gawain’s mom being the one behind the appearance of the Green Knight. I don’t really understand what her plan was here. Did she think another knight would take the challenge? Did she think Gawain wouldn’t go for the kill shot and just rather cut the Green Knight? Or was her plan to put her son in a die or lose your honor situation all along? I’m guessing it’s not the last one since she made him that enchanted belt thing that was supposed to protect him from being struck down as long as he wore it. I guess maybe she just believed he wouldn’t try to kill the Green Knight and this would be his path to becoming a knight (I read an interview with David Lowery, the director, in which he said he based it loosely off of the relationship between him and his mothers which seems odd but whatever).
They totally got me with the old fake out at the end of the movie where he envisioned the rest of his life if he kept the enchanted belt on and left the Green Chapel with his head still on his shoulders. If that had been the real ending it still would have been a great way to end the movie. I really enjoyed seeing his life play out with him becoming king, having a baby with Essel only to take the baby and abandon her because of their class difference, and watching his son die and his kingdom burn to ashes before he finally accepts his fate and removes the belt keeping his head attached while sitting on his throne. What a tragically amazing series of events to come from him not doing the honorable thing and holding up his end of the game. But SYKE! He’s still at the Green Chapel and had just envisioned how the rest of his life would go in his head. This leads to him making the honorable decision and likely the decision he views as best for everyone in the kingdom by removing the enchanted belt and preparing for his head to be chopped off after a beautifully delivered “now off with your head” by the Green Knight.
*Apparently there was a post credits scene that I didn’t stay in the theater for. I’ll have to go back and see it again to catch this one.
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