Movie Review: Ironclad

In 1215 England King John bends to pressure from his people and is forced to place his royal seal on the Magna Carta, limiting the king’s power and upholding the rights of free men. Soon the tyrant king breaks his signature, sending his armies to take control of the country. A small band of Knights Templar pronounces war taking on the king in a fight to the death to defend the overthrow of Rochester Castle.

I am fascinated with the medieval time period when it comes to movies, with Giamatti cast I knew I wanted to see Ironclad. This is a violent, bloody movie, making the series The Tudors look tame at times, which is saying something. I would take the historical information in the story with a grain of salt, keeping in mind this is at its heart an action film. The art direction, costumes and cinematography are excellent, especially the cinematography which is really stunning. The movie’s main problem was the need for a stronger screenplay, true to many action movies there was plenty of action but the story was lacking. The cast is very good, particularly Paul Giamatti, James Purefoy, and Brian Cox. I was excited to see Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius) who I consider to be one of the finest actors of our time. Jacobi can play any part, here he capably plays a multi-faceted villain and as usual is excellent.

There are plenty of fight scenes, noble gestures, and powerhouse acting to sustain this film. If you like period movies and look on this film as an action flick you will enjoy this movie.

2011. Directed by Jonathan English. Starring Paul Giamatti, James Purefoy, Kate Mara, Derek Jacobi, Jason Flemyng, Brian Cox, Vladimir Kulich, Charles Dance, Jamie Foreman, Mackenzie Crook, Aneurin Barnard, and Rhys Parry Jones.

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