Tristano & Isotta

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.

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.

Like "Romeo and Juliet," "Tristan and Isolde" is a tale of forbidden love set in the Middle Ages (although it far predates Shakespeare's work both in setting and in origin). In this case, the two young lovers are separated along national lines, with Tristan a young Briton, and Isolde nothing less than the princess of Ireland. As their two countries do battle against one another, the benighted couple tries desperately to make their love work in a bitterly hostile world.

This is a handsome, well-crafted film, glorious to look at but tedious to sit through. Since we've seen so many of these tales already, it's a little hard for us to work up much passion for this one - even if, as we're told, the fate of an entire kingdom hangs on this relationship. Moreover, there is such a profusion of Angles, Saxons, Irish etc. running around on screen that it is often difficult to distinguish one from the other and to know just who is fighting whom (or who is allied with whom) at any given moment.

James Franco and Sophia Myles make for a fairly bland, conventionally modern young couple, but Rufus Sewell provides a subtle, sympathetic performance as the man who both raises Tristan and marries Isolde.

If Medieval romances are your cup of tea, by all means check out "Tristan and Isolde," but there are far better tales of unrequited love around than this one.

One of the great love stories from the medieval courtly romances, "Tristan and Isolde" has received many different treatments from medieval poets such as Gottfried of Strasbourg to the haunting opera by the nineteenth-century German composer Ricard Wagner. In each of the versions of the story, there are new and different plot details in this tragic love story.

In Kevin Reynolds' film adaptation, the most intriguing new twist from the traditional story is the way in which Tristan and Isolde meet. In this version, Tristan is given up for dead following a battle in Cornwall and washes ashore in Ireland in a boat only to be discovered by Isolde. She then uses her magical herbs to cure him. In Gottfried's medieval tale, the two young people drink a love potion from a goblet of wine. In this film, the young people fall instantly in love without any need of an elixir.

In two touching performances, the young lovers are played by James Franco and Sophia Myles. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, and their scenes together are filmed effectively by Reynolds in beautiful location settings. The film also explores themes of medieval chivalry and honor. Rufus Sewell delivers an excellent performance as King Mark caught in the love triangle that recalls the famous story of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Guineviere.

There are also great action sequences in "Tristan and Isolde," including battles, tournaments, and medieval siege warfare. But the most memorable scenes are the intimate moments with Tristan and Isolde. Their fateful meeting and the unfolding of their relationship make this film worthwhile for audiences both familiar with the legend and for those being introduced to this timeless love story for the first time.

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.