“Is it wrong to want greatness for you?”

David Lowrey’s new visual marvel, The Green Knight, challenges the very notion of greatness and honor in this 21st-century retelling of the 14th-century poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. What exactly does achieving greatness and honor mean? But most of all, what does it cost? Underneath the medieval veil, Lowery uncovers a thought-provoking tale paired with gorgeous and alluring images that are sure to stay with the audience long after the first viewing. But…in all honesty, the film is not for everyone. However, those who do ride with Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) until the end cannot help but be enchanted under the film’s spell.

On Christmas day, Gawain, attends a feast held by his uncle, King Arthur (Sean Harris), and is asked by the King himself to sit in the empty prince’s chair, attempting to finally form some type of connection with Gawain after so many years. Shortly after the feast begins, a towering, tree-like figure that is the Green Knight interrupts the festivities to propose a “game” to the attendees: if anyone can successfully land a blow on him, then they will win his axe. However…in the nature of a game, the catch is that whoever is successful, must ride to the Green Chapel in exactly one year’s time to receive a blow that is equal in return. 

Finally seeing an opportunity to get his story started, Gawain volunteers for the challenge. He lands the blow, beheading the Green Knight. But in almost no time at all, the Green Knight has no problem picking up his own head, walking away, and patiently waiting for Gawain to visit him next Christmas. After Gawain wastes away for nearly an entire year, King Arthur and Gawain’s mother (Sarita Choudhury) press upon him to honor the Green Knight’s game and journey to the Green Chapel. There, Gawain’s mysterious journey of honor commences.

What Lowery achieves wonderfully in the film is intriguing the audience by never really giving us confidence in where it will go. They are not plot twists, but rather surprises that pop up and continue to intensify, making the audience beg for explanation. A few eye-squinting moments of confusion do arise, but it never makes the audience feel lost…just curious, just as Gawain himself seems to be. There is also a constant level of uneasiness that is handled masterfully as it is instilled in the variety of characters that Gawain encounters on his journey. But despite the constant tension, Lowery does not shy away from sprinkling in unexpected moments of laughter that he works in at the perfect moments.

In his role, Patel shines as the naïve, somewhat lazy, want-to-be knight that finally is able to learn the dangers of the world and even the dangers of himself. He gives an honest and raw performance that perfectly balances who Gawain is and who he wants to be. Fitting comfortably in her dual role, Alicia Vikander heart-warms, heart-breaks, and even intimidates as she jumps between the sweet, poor Essel and the promiscuous, bookish “the Lady.” Overall, the entire cast delivers their roles beautifully, whether big or small.

This is a unique film that essentially requires multiple viewings to fully comprehend just how epic the tale is. At many times, its presentation comes across as subtle, but the depth at which one could go to analyze the many layers and details that compose the film is almost endless. This is a stunning and unique work of art that should not be missed and will not be forgotten.

The Green Knight is in theaters now!

4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD

Home Video Distributor: Lionsgate
Available on Blu-ray - October 12, 2021
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Audio: English: Dolby Atmos; English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; Two-disc set; DVD copy
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A

Don your tabards, ye mighty Camelotians! The Green knight is now available in 4K with Lionsgate's 4K UltraHD + Blu-ray + Digital release that is worthy of its own Authurian legend.

This epic fantasy adventure from acclaimed writer/director David Lowery gets the worthy 4K treatment from a 2160p 1.85:1 transfer that absolutely sparkles with life. An impressive Dolby Atmos track girds this release's auditory loins. Lovers of the film will absolutely want to own this one!

Included in the black eco-case package and cardboard slip cover is a blu-ray disc, a 4K UHD disc as well as a digital redemption coupon. Rounding out the release are three robust special features as well as the film's theatrical trailer.

Video

Every leaf, each clump of moss, and every single link of chain mail is rendered in exquisite detail in the 2160p 1.85:1 transfer that absolutely becomes the star of the show. The dark and gloom of the dimly lit forest settings and castle bowels never falter with rich details and shadows that hold perfect detail. Yes, it's a muted color palette through and through but the color hits in DP Andrew Droz Palermo's photography are positively gorgeous.

Audio

The English language Dolby Atmos track included delivers a mighty punch when needed and a hauntingly subdued peripheral mix that quite frequently works the heights at some unexpected yet much-appreciated times. The Green Knight is all about environment and the 360 auditory dome gets great action throughout. You'll be proud.

Supplements:

Commentary:

• None

Special Features:

There are three fascinating featurettes that get into much of the production's background information, special effects techniques, and title design elements for chapter markers and such. Also included is the film's theatrical trailer.

• Boldest of Blood & Wildest of Heart: Making The Green Knight (35:23)
• Practitioners of Magic: Visual Effects (14:39)
• Illuminating Technique: Title Design (17:53)
  

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Composite 4K Grade

MPAA Rating: R for violence, some sexuality and graphic nudity.
Runtime: 130 mins
Director: David Lowery
Writer: David Lowery
Cast: Dev Patel; Alicia Vikander; Joel Edgerton
Genre: Adventure
Tagline: When honor was everything. When courage made kings.
Memorable Movie Quote: "You rest your bones. I'll finish your quest for you."
Theatrical Distributor: A24
Official Site:
Release Date: July 30.2021
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: October 12, 2021
Synopsis: An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend, THE GREEN KNIGHTtells the story of Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur's reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom by facing the ultimate challenger. From visionary filmmaker David Lowery comes a fresh and bold spin on a classic tale from the knights of the round table.