Ten Gift Ideas for People Who Love Medieval Fantasy Movies

Everybody knows one: The nut-job that has to attend every Renaissance and/or Fantasy Faire they hear of. They have closets full of cloaks and bodices and thigh-high pirate boots, along with a wall filled with swords and shields and battle axes... You find yourself hard-pressed to think of something to give them each holiday and birthday because you do not share this obsession. That's where I come in. I am such a freak, and as such, I feel qualified to give you some ideas on what to buy for them.

This list is not necessarily based on production values, or true-to-period anything. It is based on simple enjoyment of each movie. Nothing more, nothing less. Feel free to argue with me on my choices.. you may even remind me of something I missed!.

(This list does not include any King Arthur movies or any based on Dumas novels. I'll do separate lists for both of those since they are so filled with great selections on their own.)

A Knight's Tale
This is the movie that holds a permanent spot in my DVD changer. It's been there for almost a year, and I don't see it leaving that spot anytime soon. This is about a man's childhood dream of becoming a knight..and through various instances of dumb luck, this wish comes true. What most folks dislike about this one is that it blends the old with the new. For example, playing Queen's We Will rock You at the beginning of a joust... but this what I love most about it.

The Princess Bride
One of the most hilarious adventures you'll ever see. Tis about this lad, see, and he falls in love with someone above his station..so off he goes to seek fame and fortune so he can win Buttercup's hand.. but along the way she gets kidnapped. This movie is TOO fun! Stars such big names as Billy Crystal, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Peter Falk, Carol Kane, Andre the Giant, and Chris Sarandon, just to name a few. (this full review was updated 2/11/03)

Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Based on Tolkien's amazing books, I didn't think it could be done properly... but this movie series is breathtaking and keeps the tone of the books brilliantly. Now although this story is not technically period, the costuming is, and so is the atmosphere. Thus the inclusion here.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Tis about a treasure, ye see...and pirates, and a maiden who needs rescued. Jack Sparrow is a bumbling fool of a pirate who used to captain the Black Pearl (the most dreaded pirate ship to ever sail the seas). The ship got hi-jacked by his first mate (damned pirates! Just can't trust em!) and then became cursed by a treasure chest of coins... cursed to never die, but not be alive either. Johnny Depp gave an outstanding performance in this one.

The King's Whore
This is a very under-appreciated movie! It centers around a King who falls for another man's wife...thus throwing the entire Kingdom into disarray. This has excellent true-to-period costuming, and a story that sucks you in from the beginning. Don't pass this one up because of the bad title.

DragonHeart
The tale of Bowen, a knight true to the Old Code of Arthurian times. He is to train the new king, Einon, in the art of weaponry and honor. Einon finds himself skewered and on the brink of death during an uprising, whereupon His mother and Bowen bring him to the dragon, who shares his heart with the horrible young king, thus saving his life...and bonding him to the dragon for evermore.. Stars Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery (as the voice of the Dragon), and Pete Postlethwaite. (this will also be in my list of Dragon movies later..bite me!)

Robin Hood: Men in Tights
This is Mel Brooks 1993 hysterical version of the legendary Robin Hood, who took from the rich and gave to the poor... starring Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Patrick Stewart, & Tracey Ullman.

The Adventures of Robin Hood
Who can compete with Errol Flynn in the role of Robin Hood? I think he pretty much set the bar for this role in 1938, and set it high. No collection is complete with this one, folks.

Robin and Marion
This 1976 version of the Robin Hood tale actually tells the later part of the life of Robin of Locksley. Some may argue it's inclusion here, but I loved it and will write a review eventually. Besides, it has Sean Connery! Also stars Audrey Hepburn, and a miscast Nicol Williamson. Did I mention Sean Connery?

LadyHawk
A most wondrous tale of lovers cursed by the evil Cardinal. He to spend life as a wolf by night, she to spend her days as a hawk. This is an awesomely romantic and fun movie that would have placed higher were it not for the mismatched musical score. Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Broderick.

Robin Hood (1991)
So I can't count.. bite me. I had to add this wonderful movie of the familiar Robin Hood tale. The atmosphere in this one is just too good not to be on this list. Outstanding. Stars Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman.