Tristan & Isolde (DVD, 2006, Canadian; Widescreen)

While the movie is a wonderful portrayal of the classic tragic romantic story, you can't help but wish the titled couple could not only fall in love but live happily ever after but that's not to be.

A quick summation: After a battle in which his parents are killed Tristan (James Franco) ends up living with King Marc (Rufus Sewell). As he ages, he becomes the King's champion, the best fighter in the kingdom. It is believed that Tristan is dead after a battle with the enemy and is given a true hero's funeral by sending his body out to sea upon a burning boat. The fire goes out before he is burned and Tristan is found by 'Princess' Isolde (Sophia Miles) who nurses him back to health. During his recovery they fall in love but for the sake of "safety" neither gives their name. There's a subplot of the tribes fighting for control and the enemy trying to keep the people from uniting as one and a lot of bloodshed. A challenge of "war games" with Isolde as the prize unites Tristan and Isolde once again. But Tristan as the King's Champion ends up winning the hand of Isolde for King Marc. In the end, tragedy once again parts Tristan from Isolde (I won't give away the ending any more than that). It's a lovely movie reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet and based upon Celtic legend.

I purchased the movie after watching it in the theatre, a first in many years because portions of the movies were so dark I thought I missed something integral to the main plot. I didn't really. I thought the movie was romantic enough to appeal to women and had enough bloodshed and battles for the men to not deem it a straight "chick flick".

Aside from that, Tristan's physical beauty was surpassed by the fact that he always looked like he was in true physical pain and ready to cry--the torment of true love! I wish I could have smacked him and told him to get over it but then he wouldn't be the tortured hero of this ancient classic story. Hey, what woman doesn't want a man pining away just for her? The ultimate power... Isolde on the other hand didn't seem to suffer as greatly, at least she didn't portray her pain as heartily. I guess being won and ending up the King's wife wasn't such a bad way to live. Although she loved Tristan, she seems to adjust to being to King Marc just a little too easily. A modern woman in olden times, way to go! She knows her place and how to make it work for her.

Anyway, it's a good movie with a good plot yet no modern day violence, car crashes, explosions or swearing and that is in itself a reason to watch it.