Tristan and Isolde

Tristan and Isolde

Tristan and Isolde is an ancient Celtic legend. There were many versions of the story, including one told in French by Poet Thomas of Britain in the 12th century, from which the famous Wagner Trist and and Isolde was also based. Although the origin of the story was not known, it was often retold as a courtly romance in Middle Ages and a precursor to the Lancelot and Guinevere story.

Before seeing this movie, I have no idea what it is about, apart from " a love story before Romeo and Juliet", according to the promotion poster. It is from that angle I prepared to receive this film. However after seeing it I felt it is not like any Romeo and Juliet movie I have ever seen, not even any of the Lancelot and Guinevere's. This may be due to the excellent story telling techniques and a wonderful screen play that makes it such a heart-felt romance not typical hollywood. This version and setting chosen is also one in the Dark Age, when England was torn by internal warfare among tribes and about to be prayed on by the Irish. Tristan's father was a promising chief preparing to unite English tribes only to be killed shortly before the plan was carried out. Losting both parents, Tristan was brought home by Marke, another young ambitious chief from south of England and was raised like his own son. Growing a fearless warrior, Tristan was the bravest among his peers and a favoured successor to Marke. During one glorious fight against one Irish invasion, Tristan was wounded and thought to be killed, and was held a sea funeral to mark his bravery. But fate brought his flowing grave to the Irish coast and he was saved by the beautiful Irish princess Isolde who put him secretly in a hut on the beach to help him. The two soon fell madly in love but were forced to seperate when the messengers from the invasion brought back the news of defeat. Remembering Isolde's false identity as a maid to the Irish princess, Tristan volunteered to represent his king for a tournement, one which the Irish schemed to weaken the English unity - the Irish princess was the prize. Tristan fought hard for his master, and also for himself. Yet when he won he found out he was to win his only love for the person he respected the most. The torn feelings between two persons he loves the most in the world became the very theme for the latter part of the movie, and fortells a tragic ending.

It is hard to believe the story was the result of a low budget project in the Hollywood standard, according to the producers in the commentary. James Franco's playing of Tristan is certainly complementary to its success. He made this character came to life, one that fought hard internally by the duty and burnt by jealousy. The look on his face, after risking his life to win the tournament only to find out the prize he will present to his king was his only love. was heartbreaking. Since then that dark shade among his eyebrow never left his forehead till the end of the movie. I rented his other movies after "T&I" just to find out more about this talented actor. Anyway, this movie is worth seeing and can definitely satisfy the romance- seeking souls.