Tristán e Isolda

In response to comments disparaging this film for neglecting to use music from the opera-- that hardly seems relevant. This story was written long before Wagner's work existed, and it would be foolish to demand that his music be a part of the film. It seems to be of greater significance that the film neglects certain elements of the original texts, although as an entirely different art form, the film has every right to take its liberties. It is unfair to credit or discredit any film based on its relationship to other works of art. It is important to appreciate and discredit this film within the context of the art form in which it functions.

Beautiful, full of emotion and moving. The characters are portrayed skillfully and are generally believable - they fit into the legend but aren't overly heroic. Not overdone. The love between Tristan and Isolde is so powerful that it's impossible not to feel for them, but it is also impossible not to feel bad for the King, who is deeply in love with Isolde as well. The film's main departure from the traditional story is it's decision to leave out the love potion between T+I, which for modern audiences is a smart choice; it makes the whole relationship appear more 'authentic.' This is also one of Rufus Sewell's only' sympathetic roles, and it's a treat to see him play someone we don't automatically hate. The real heart-wrencher comes from watching the love grow between T+I while their obstacles grow larger. The movie also had some great battle scenes, just violent enough without going for the gross-out factor, convincing but not painful to watch (for most). And like most good dramatic movies it's not completely without humor, there are definitely some moments that make you laugh, or at least smile. Overall, it is one of the best romantic historical movies I have seen in a very long time. This movie is sure to make the entire female population fall in love with James Franco, and it's story is unforgettable.

I did not expect to like this film; the reviews were lackluster, and many seemed to think the leads were mediocre at best. I found the performances riveting and highly engaging. While I do not know the actual historical story, I found the storyline highly captivating.

I thought James Franco played Tristan brilliantly - broken hearted but not brooding, he seemed to only come to life during battle before meeting Isolde, and then afterward only in their stolen moments together. Many of the reviews I've read seem to think that he played the role flatly, but I thought the subtlety of expression in his eyes and body language was impressive. Confident as a warrior, but almost innocent in intimacy, I thought he walked the thin line between adult and youth effectively.

Sophia Myles captured the fire, vulnerability and desire of Isolde with fervor - and that's not easy to do. Myles delivered her lines subtly, tinting words with emotional depth -scorn, joy, passion, frustration, disappointment - that was understated and yet passionate. She, too, managed to portray a delicate balance between the innocence of idealistic youth and the realities of a woman who found her self in an unenviable position.

Rufus Sewell was fantastic. As king, he had to walk the thin line between diplomacy and his own frustrations; as a man, he came alive when with Isolde, and so her betrayal was all that more heartbreaking, a scene which he played with focus and power.

I thought the fight scenes were very well done, except for the excess of cut shots, jumping from person to person, which moved the action almost too quickly, occasionally resulting in a jagged flow of action. Overall, however, the battle scenes were very well done.

The costumes were incredible - not period realistic (especially Isolde's wedding gown) but they were beautiful and overall well designed to intimate the period but still have some glitz. The locations shots were awe-inspiring.

I LOVED these characters very shortly after they each came on screen. I rarely feel such a strong connection to characters, especially of period pieces, but each of the leads played their roles with finesse. I deeply cared about these people, seeing hope and joy rise in their eyes, only to see events quickly turn that joy to sorrow, and hope to forceful determination. Their moments of happiness are so brief, their heartbreak so complete that I found myself profoundly moved by their experiences. As deeply invested as I became with these characters, I nearly sobbed at the end of the movie. A 5-hankie tear jerker.

I eagerly await the release of the DVD, and expect to enjoy this film many times over.

Tristan (James Franco) was orphaned as a boy. Irish warriors interrupted a dinner in Cornwall, which his parents were attending, and killed many, including the lad's father and mother. Brave Uncle Marke (Rufus Sewell) saved his nephew, losing a hand in the process. Now, Tristan is grown and a fine swordsman himself. Yet, the Irish and the clans of Britain are still at odds. In another skirmish, after a valiant fight, Tristan is wounded by a poisonous sword. Thinking him dead, his grieving uncle and other men put him in a boat and release him to the waves. This is the burial ceremony of the times. But, by a twist of fate, the boat crosses the sea and lands in Ireland. Spying the vessel is beautiful Isolde (Sophia Miles), the daughter of the king. Realizing the man is alive but gravely, sickened, this beautiful princess and her lady in waiting nurse Tristan back to health in a secret cove. Before long, Isolde is deeply in love with her patient, although she gives him a false name for herself, and he is in love with her. But, danger lurks, due to his heritage. Just as the Irish are about to discover the secrets, Isolde releases Tristan in his boat, telling him their love can never be. Both are shattered inside. When Tristan arrives back in Cornwall, his uncle is overjoyed. Before long, the Irish king offers his daughter to the knight who can defeat all others in a tournament. Tristan vows to win a wife for the never married Marke. Sure enough, Tristan wins the contest. But, horror indeed when the lady's veil is lifted and it is his dear love. No matter, Isolde must marry Marke, for all parties are bound by honor. Yet, can Tristan really forget his love for Isolde or can she truly love her husband? In addition, if they give into their past feelings, what will be the consequences in the near future? This timeless tale of a love triangle is a legend that came before King Arthur himself. One could probably say it influenced the later story. As such, it is just as beautiful and tragic. Franco, Sewell, and Miles are a most lovely and talented threesome while the lesser actors are equally well chosen. The sets and costumes, which depict a time long ago, are wonderful to behold while the script and direction fulfill the story's telling well. Yes, there is some violence but it is muted; even so, those who shiver at sword fights and such should be advised accordingly. Nevertheless, this is a stellar two hours of entertainment.

I must say that I didn't even originally plan on going to this movie, but after I was asked by a friend to see it on its opening night, I said that sure, I would go. I figured that it would be alright, nothing more than mediocre at the most, but this movie was amazingly wonderful.

I have heard many people's comments on how they didn't like it because "Myles' accent was completely wrong," "the chemistry between Franco and Myles was horrible," "it didn't even follow the original story," and many other miscellaneous things. While the story line was changed a little from the original story, I believe that it was still good. And come on, how many times does Hollywood actually stick to the original story anyway? I think that the way the story went was much easier for people who were not familiar with the story of Tristan and Isolde to follow.

Further, I thought that Myles did a wonderful job with her accents. I found it very easy to differentiate between the Irish and the English.

And lastly, I found the chemistry between Myles and Franco to be simply wonderful. They really showed me that the characters were truly in love; it was compelling and deep, put together for a very good movie.

I can honestly say that this is one of the best movies I have seen in a while; it was not the watered-down relationship kind of thing that comes from Hollywood most of the time. From the battles to the most intimate of scenes, it stayed simple; not the high-tech kind of thing that you would usually see. There were some parts meant to be funny, some meant to be sad, and the movie averaged out to give you the best of both. I will tell you that in its opening weekend I saw it more than once, something that I would usually never do. It's a movie that gets better and better each time you see it; one where you pick out things each time that you had not seen before.

Simply put, this is a wonderful movie. I loved it, but I would not recommend going if you're just going because you think that James Franco is hott! I know some people who didn't like it, I won't lie, but if you come to the movie with an open mind and know that some things are going to be different, you will absolutely love it, as I did.