This movie deserves more recognition. I couldn't believe that it was made with a low budget of around 15 million. Acting, cinematography, music, and the story structure are just unbelievable.
They used a lot of 1980's style practical effects, matte paintings instead of CGI backgrounds for example. The paintings looks absolute flawless and you can't tell at all.
Really it’s down to trusting your VFX house and trusting your crew that they have your vision but also that costume design for The Green Knight… holy shit
David Lowery the director said that the movie was inspired by him living at home with his mother with no prospects well into his 30's. Gawain needs to get a life for himself and his mother arranges a epic story for him but is always protecting him whether it be with the green belt or the fox that looks after him but Gawain finally realizes at the end that it is all for nothing unless he accepts responsibility for his own life and actions. Great movie and stunning visuals.
Ok, so for those who dont know, this is pretty much how the original myth ends: The Green Knight lets Gawain live, as he proved he is a real knight, he goes back to Camelot, tells King Arthur and the other Knights of the Round that he failed his quest because he wore the green sash untill the end, but not only do they accept him back, but he is henceforth regarded as one of the bravest and humblest knights to have ever live, even though he doesn't think he deserves such honour. The Knights of The Round Table then pledge to always wear a green sash as a way to not only honour Gawain but to share on his self inflicted shame.
"Now off with your head" fantastic ending line! I always took that as: off with you, go live a life without fear . Also "better get to hacking" always makes me laugh
Yep it could be interpreted 2 ways, with or without a comma/pause. “Off with your head” (you’re dead) or “off, with your head” (you’re free to leave with your head intact).
Yeah it's a puzzle, and a two-sided solution could be his mom telling him to remember that it's all a game...which could mean that he doesn't really have to die, or that all of life is a game and so dying is no big deal.
No my man. The dude is just dead after that. He aint going to live no more. He wasted his life being lazy, a liar and a drunk and thats it. Him honoring the pledge and dying with honor is the redeeming thing about his existence.
This movie was GORGEOUS. Both the visuals and how the story was executed were just beautifully done. I wish so badly that it was more widely appreciated, but I'm glad that the audiences that have seen it tend to walk away loving it.
Exactly… Unfortunately COVID delayed the initial release and at that point people largely forgot about it Had it not been for the pandemic I think it would have got more appreciation/attention
Yeah, this was an incredible theater experience. The visuals, audio, editing, acting, all TOP NOTCH. I really loved most aspects of the story as well. I don't remember if you've seen Lowery's A Ghost Story, but that's one of my favorite films. Masterful stuff.
I shouldn't be surprised that you are reacting to this. You have reacted to so many great movies and not always mainstream. I always like hearing your opinion!! I really respect the way you look at films and analyze them!
What is needed to become a knight from Arthurian legend is to uphold the 5 virtues of Chivalry. Courtesy, Chastity, Generosity, Piety, and Compassion. Gawain fails all of these along his quest. He gives the kid who has no family and nothing left a single coin for his direction, failing at generosity. When he is asked to reunite the head of the ghost he tries to avoid it and asks for something in return instead of doing out of the good of his heart, failing courtesy. Later when the fox arrives in his cave he throws a rock at it before trying to befriend it, failing compassion. At lord Bertilaks manor he gives into the lust for Lady Bertilak, failing chastity. And throughout the beginning pf the film he puts off going to church, even on Christmas, failing Piety. Sir Gawain fails all the 5 virtues needed to be a knight of the round table, but at the very end he accepts the challenge of the green knight. In doing so, finally proves himself worthy of being knight.
Hey alright! So glad someone reacted to this. My personal favorite from this year so far. I was thrilled at how faithful it was to the book and even the stuff they changed still worked wonderfully well.
Sir Gawain The Green Knight is originally a poem from the late 14th Century by an Anonymous author. This film adapts the story somewhat loosely, but that's very much the point, I think.
Yooo I didn't expect this. Definitely one of my favourites of the year next to Dune. The cinematography, performances, writing, sets etc all top notch such a chilling and beautiful experience
This movie is such a treat for someone who kind of grew up reading arthurian legends and who knew the story of Sir Gawain's first adventure before hand. When i saw Gawain running away from the Green Knight at the end, I thought "oh they are doing their own thing". But then the movie snaps back to the chapel and starts following the end of the actual myth, and I swear to god, It's been more than a decade since I felt so excited watching a scene. I was grinning and laughing like a little kid. Also it was fun trying to decipher who's who in Camelot. "Okay, so thats Morgan Le Fay", "That's Merlin", "Arthur and Guinevere", "ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT ****ING MORDRED??? (They werent)" Ahhh, such fun.
but it doesn't follow the actual myth. In the actual tale, the girdle represents chastity and honor, not shame. The weird fake sex scene in the movie is a subversion of Gawain's chastity in the tale. The girdle is the proof of his chastity. When he meets the knight, he doesn't flinch, but honorably accepts his return, while wearing the girdle. The girdle protects him, and it's revealed that the entire setup was just a test to show Gawain's honor. Vastly different ending from the film, which is much more modern and nihilistic.
The ending montage connects with the earlier forest corpse scene even more if you look at the camera movement that reveals his future corpse in the forest the same camera movement occurs in the final throne room scene before he pulls off the belt. This signifies a parallel in the shots of future prediction.
This was the first movie I saw in a theater after they started opening up again. It was just me and an elderly couple-and they grumbled and walked out right before he encounters the cottage ghost lol. I was thinking “why are you leaving now? The story is just starting to get interesting!” Can’t claim it doesn’t have the most glacial pacing, but the visuals and symbolism are such an experience and if you let it overtake you it’s profoundly affecting. I definitely felt like I’d been through something when it finally ended.
To not appreciate this movie and to get bored by it is to not appreciate acting, cinematography, screenwriting, or anything else that goes into the art of filmmaking
No need to speculate. That's what happened. That's how the original myth ends. The Green Knight lets Gawain live, he goes back to Camelot, tells King Arthur and the other Knights of the Round that he failed his quest because he wore the green sash untill the end, but not only do they accept him back, but he is henceforth regarded as one of the bravest and humblest knights to have ever live, even though he doesn't think he deserves such honor. The Knights of The Round Table then pledge to always wear a green sash as a way to not only honour Gawain but to share his personal shame.
This movie is a difficult watch when you're used to traditional fantasy action, but the cinematography is breath taking, especially for the production budget. It's an easier watch once you understand that the acts are knightly trials of virtue. Once you understand that, you realise that he fails basically every test of virtue which is why they keep reinforcing that he isn't really a knight throughout the movie. Right from the start there are indications that even the people who surround Gwaine dont really think of him as a knight. To some extent he is aware of this perception which is why he accepts the challenge in the first place. He's only in the position because of who he is to his Uncle, not by what he represents through his actions. The ending becomes quite an interpretation but ultimately is one of self redemption. At the start of the movie he is only concerned with his position and title regardless of his actions. He is not a bad knight, but he is also not a good person, and doesnt embrace knightly virtues. His mother is the "witch" that calls forth the Green Knight out of love to redeem her son. At the end in the final preminition, by removing the cloth of protection he passes the trial, redeeming his soul and integrity by giving up his life and his lust for position to embrace being a good and honorable man. The story in many ways for me parallels that of Scrooge and the Ghosts in A Christmas Carol.
“Well done, my brave knight. Now… off with your head.” To me, David Lowery improved on the original story’s ending not only by having Gawain rebuke the green girdle, accepting his fate righteously, but also by leaving it ambiguous if the Green Knight cuts his head off or not. It doesn’t really matter, the important thing is that he became a true knight by facing the challenge despite his fears.
It's not ambiguous at all. The Green Knight doesn't take his head. He says it playfully at the end after pantomiming the act with his finger. And he smiles kindly at him. How can you possibly interpret that moment as "maybe he's going to kill him?"
@@Progger11 Lowery has stated that it was his intention to leave the ending ambiguous and that he wanted the possibility of Gawain being beheaded to be a positive ending, since it means he faces his fate with bravery, honor and integrity.
@@Ricvictors I've heard the exact opposite about what Lowry said, so no I've got conflicting accounts. Could you direct me to the actual quote you're referring to?
Saw this in the theater around the time I discovered your channel. So many beautiful shots in this film I couldn’t help but think at that moment. Man I hope he reacts to this someday.
I've seen so many people say nasty things about this movie. I loved it, but it is probably not for everyone. I enjoyed discussing this movie, and The Green Speech by the lady was one of the best pieces of poetic writing for a movie in recent memory.
Best theater experience I've had in several years. I went in not knowing what to expect and was absolutely blown away by the whole thing. I thought about this film for weeks after seeing it.
Gawain and the Green Knight is one of the oldest prose poems in Arthurian mythology. In the myths Gawain is Arthur's nephew. His mother is Arthur's oldest sister and a sorceress. In the Arthurian Romances Morgawse, Gawain's mother is also Mordred's mother, not Morgan Le Fay. In the myths prior to the French rewriting them and adding Lancelot and Galahad, Gawain is one of the primary heroes of Arthurian legend.
If you want to watch another great A24 movie directed by David Lowery, check out A Ghost Story. Really great visual storytelling as well. If you want to watch more Dev Patel Slumdog Millionaire is a must watch. Lion is also very good.
Great reaction! The Green Knight is one of my favorites of 2021 and it's definitely a film that needs more exposure, so I'm thrilled to see someone do a reaction on it. Keep up the good work, my friend.
I choose to believe that A. Gawain did not get his head chopped off and B. The Green Knight is obviously his mom through witchcraft she wouldn’t kill her son. I think it ends like the poem. He returns to Camelot with Honor
I believe the ending suggests that the Green Knight is letting him go back home with true honor. I don’t take “Off with your head” literally. I believe he’s saying go off and live your life with true honor and courage. Use what you learned on this journey to live a fruitful life.
I wonder if the talking fox is a Tolkien reference. Fellowship of the Ring had moment where a fox's internal thoughts were described briefly, and Tolkien translated "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".
Critics loved this movie, and called it the best adaptation or retelling of The King Arthur Legend, by sending his knight Sir Gawain to fight the titular character. The film is visually stunning from Director David Lowery.
Spoiler: In the end he visualized what life would’ve been like if he returned home a false king. He chose to stay and honor what he agreed upon. In the end through his journey, he succeeded. The burning head in the opening foreshadows the ‘false king’ vision.
@@nicoloserri6071 - I was mainly referring to the vision at the end of him returning home a false king. You are correct though, his virtues are tested throughout the whole movie and he fails quite a bit, but I think in the end he succeeded, which is what I meant. He played a game and paid the price because of honor.
@@TheProphegy He truly is the epitome of a “flawed hero”… The whole film he is tempted again and again and often gives in in spite of himself Yet at the end he finally resists the greatest temptation of all… Which was to NOT follow through with the agreement and return home to reap the unearned rewards of becoming a knight and a king
Honestly I think the montage over the final 15 minutes is him seeing what his life would be like going forward if he chose the coward’s way out… Getting everything and all the power a man could want, but at the cost of a miserable, selfish existence that leads to his downfall regardless Better to die with one’s dignity and honor than live as a coward reaping unearned rewards, is the interpretation I get
Your videos always make me want to see the movie that you review! This looks great. I recommend watching some of the older classic fantasy or sci fi movies like the ones made by Fritz Lang.
Oh man. I would love to see the reaction but, I havnt had a chance to see this yet and I REALLY WANT TO. I'll have to come back at a later time. I hope it's as good as I hope. Enjoy
I think it's interesting that (except for in the imagined future segment) Gawain isn't actually made a knight at any point. But the Green Knight still calls him one at the end of the movie, _after_ he's removed his belt of invulnerability and accepted his fate. The implication being that keeping your promises regardless of the personal cost is a more noble act than killing someone.
The director of this film is David Lowery and you should definitely check out his film called A Ghost Story. I think you'd enjoy it. Great seeing you finally watching this visually stunning film. Keep up the good work bro.
This movie Gawain is going through tests of Knight Hood to prove his worth of being a possibility future King. That is why he goes on the journey he went on.
Absolutely loved The Green Night, despite the confusing ending. You are the first person to react to it so far. If you are looking for suggestions for more Christmas movies I recommend Babe. Adorable short film filled with talking animals, whats not to love.
The director confirmed the "Off with your head" ending is more of a pun. He passed the test, and can now go off with his head intact. He learned to be an honorable man instead of a great one
Love this movie and the tale of The Green Knight. I'm a little older than some that probably watch this channel and I seem to remember a much less "grander" telling of the story way back from the 1980s, and I believe the late Sean Connery played the role of The Green Knight. I do not know the exact year, or the other actors as I did not look it up before posting, but I have no doubt it is easily findable on IMDB. It's crazy I'm watching this now because I actually got a DVD for Christmas of Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959 I think) that featured a very young Sean Connery as a character, and have been a film produced from Disney (not sure though). It still reminds me very much of the film aspects and telling style from a movie from the very early 1980s called Excalibur (another wonderful movie and exquisitely shot and directed film). Otherwise, I may not have even brought it up, but this is a film adaptation of a tale from Arthurian Legend and really an extension of "Holy Grail Quests." The tale varies some from the movie especially related to the ending and the who actually is the blind woman/women portray in the story (because there is more than one) and various other aspects. I would definitely look up the Green Sash/Belt as it is a very significant object (almost like an artifact), and Gawain's choice about the sash when he is before The Green Knight very much impacts the response to the "challenge" that The Green Knight "returns." I love how this movie leaves several scenes of that vague and ambiguous because it really made the movie for and personally (but I've read the story). I hate to admit but I've been a sort of book nerd since grade school and read the tale and various other like Ivanhoe, Treasure Island, The Hobbit, A Christmas Carol, The Lord if the Rings, Tale of Two Cities..... etc., etc... and continue to love to read. This one is worth a little post movie research of the story/tale (in my opinion), especially if you liked the movie. Should he nominated for several awards imo. Edit: Incidentally, the color green is also very often paired with the sin of Envy (and similar parallels) often occur in telling of old tales, especially related to some fictional/medieval literature. You have to remember that many people from the dark ages (probably also before) still believed in multiple "Gods" and there is some loose based evidence that the "Merlin" character (in tales at least) tapped into these forbidden/polytheistic concepts to draw "magic/power." Probably more than you cared to know, but looking at it from that lense definitely helps make more sense of some if the stories from this time period, as there were many tales from this time frame that also literally coined the term "slaying a dragon", which remains a very popular theme in movies.
I understand why a fully allegorical and wholly non realistic movie like this would alienate most audiences; but it really worked for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And if you liked this, you're gonna' love The Northman :)
Great reaction, thanks. You should definitely try and watch Lowery's previous movie, A Ghost Story. Totally different from this one, but equally amazing.
Personally, having just watched the movie I interpret the ending to mean that Gawain has accepted fate. No matter what we do, who we become, or what we chase (honor, riches, love) in the end all of us return to the Earth leaving nothing behind but the impact we had on the others around us in our time. He accepted the challenge initially, and after his journey he accepts his dues. After doing so, the line, "Now, off with your head." Symbolizes Gawain losing his ego and desire. He accepts goodness instead of greatness and realizes that simply being here and being given a life to even live will suffice. He symbolically loses his head and is free to live the good life. He realizes that chasing greatness doesn't matter in the end, as even if you attain it, your life will still have ups and downs. That's what I take from it anyways. A story about simply living and enjoying what you have been given, rather than chasing greatness for the simple sake of greatness.
This director, David Lowery, also wrote and directed A Ghost Story. It's a fantastic and underrated film that I think you would like. You should check it out.
I also thought he did lose his head after the first watch, but I did quite a deep dive and after a second watch I'm convinced the Green Knight said that in jest and Gaiwan kept his head.
I have no idea why so many people don't understand this. It's beyond obvious that he keeps his head at the end. It's kind of the whole point of this interpretation of the story.
@@killingmewillnotbringbacky9177 You're terribly unobservant, then. The Green Knight makes the cutting motion tenderly with his finger, merely simulating the act and also comforting Gawain. He smiles at Gawain kindly as he says, in jest, "off with your head." He was pantomiming the act of cutting off his head, there. He has no intention of actually doing it now that Gawain has proven his true bravery. That's the entire point of this version of the story. Gawain tossed aside the toxic masculinity of his era and swallowed his pride, dropped the protective magic items, and was ready to accept the consequences of his earlier pigheadedness (the vision he had showed him what he would become if he ran away like a coward). And for that growth and maturity, Gawain is spared. His own mother conjured the whole experience he went on; she wants him to become wise, not to die.
The guy who did the special effects makeup for the Green Knight, Barrie Gower, is also working on the TLoU HBO show. So I'm damn sure that the clickers are gonna look awesome 🔥
The Green Knight had no intention to kill Gawain, this was all but a test to see if he could meet his possible end with honor and without a twinge of fear
Gawain is not a knight and sets out on a quest, guys. The biggest quest is facing death. Vinkander's monologue on the color green begins by saying this is the color of life, but also death. And Gawain first line is "I'm not ready". Of all the qualities of a knight perhaps the only one he didn't address was courage. That was the Green Knight's challenge: courage to face death and then become a true knight (the film shows his future cheating death - not great)
I watch this movie in the theater it was great but I had no idea wtf I just watch. It made me think for weeks and I decided weeks later that I enjoyed this movie. This was the second time watching this movie and it was much more enjoyable after more viewings
I went to see this at the cinema, two weeks after it premiered, and there were five people in there, including myself and my friend. This film is a lot more interesting than I think people gave it credit for, though it doesn't stay true to the source-material, it's definitely an interesting retelling of the tale...
Now you have to see David Lowery's previous film, A Ghost Story. The first time I saw it, I had no idea what to expect. But after it ended, I couldn't wait to watch it again. Highly recommend if you enjoyed this film.
This film is strange and gorgeous. I thought everyone had to read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in high school. They stray from the plot a bit, but it’s an astounding adaptation all the same.
saucha good film, I expect the green knight never ended up cutting his neck but nicking it and stopping. good ending yet peaceful with the birds and forest sounds
I had the theater to myself for this movie. It was an odd experience. EDIT. The original king Arthur fable is The Once and Future King. That old king in the beginning is old king Arthur and the old hooded man with the tattoos on his face is Merlin.
I didn't enjoy this movie when I first watched, but it made more sense after I read some things about the background and the themes of being a knight. Basically, he faces different Knight-defining challenges along his journey, and fails them all. It is not like the tale of king Arthur, because this character is simply not cut out for greatness as he suggests the whole film. I suppose the end is supposed to be a final act of resolve, where he finally does something honorable, but considering he sees his own depressing future before making the choice I always felt like he was almost taking the easy way out.
From my reading, the mom never intended for Gawan to slay the night. It was meant for the king, to kill him and scare the queen to death, so that the mom/witch may take over the throne. Gawan stupidly got himself involved and the castle with Joel Edgerton was completely fabricated by the mom (blindfolded woman) to get the belt back to her son and help him on his journey. The fox was also controlled by the mother, hoping to save him from his fate.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
This movie deserves more recognition. I couldn't believe that it was made with a low budget of around 15 million. Acting, cinematography, music, and the story structure are just unbelievable.
I hadn't looked up the budget yet, that's super impressive!
They used a lot of 1980's style practical effects, matte paintings instead of CGI backgrounds for example. The paintings looks absolute flawless and you can't tell at all.
@@styot they used raspberry leaves to create the forest scenes.
Agreed
Really it’s down to trusting your VFX house and trusting your crew that they have your vision but also that costume design for The Green Knight… holy shit
David Lowery the director said that the movie was inspired by him living at home with his mother with no prospects well into his 30's. Gawain needs to get a life for himself and his mother arranges a epic story for him but is always protecting him whether it be with the green belt or the fox that looks after him but Gawain finally realizes at the end that it is all for nothing unless he accepts responsibility for his own life and actions.
Great movie and stunning visuals.
What an interpretation… The symbolism is unreal in this film
Ok, so for those who dont know, this is pretty much how the original myth ends:
The Green Knight lets Gawain live, as he proved he is a real knight, he goes back to Camelot, tells King Arthur and the other Knights of the Round that he failed his quest because he wore the green sash untill the end, but not only do they accept him back, but he is henceforth regarded as one of the bravest and humblest knights to have ever live, even though he doesn't think he deserves such honour. The Knights of The Round Table then pledge to always wear a green sash as a way to not only honour Gawain but to share on his self inflicted shame.
"Now off with your head" fantastic ending line! I always took that as: off with you, go live a life without fear . Also "better get to hacking" always makes me laugh
"better get to hacking" So casual but so horrifying at the same time. 😂
Yep it could be interpreted 2 ways, with or without a comma/pause. “Off with your head” (you’re dead) or “off, with your head” (you’re free to leave with your head intact).
Yeah it's a puzzle, and a two-sided solution could be his mom telling him to remember that it's all a game...which could mean that he doesn't really have to die, or that all of life is a game and so dying is no big deal.
No my man. The dude is just dead after that. He aint going to live no more. He wasted his life being lazy, a liar and a drunk and thats it. Him honoring the pledge and dying with honor is the redeeming thing about his existence.
@@TheJinjo75 thats whats so great about it! You can interpret it however you like.
This movie was GORGEOUS. Both the visuals and how the story was executed were just beautifully done. I wish so badly that it was more widely appreciated, but I'm glad that the audiences that have seen it tend to walk away loving it.
Exactly… Unfortunately COVID delayed the initial release and at that point people largely forgot about it
Had it not been for the pandemic I think it would have got more appreciation/attention
Yeah, this was an incredible theater experience. The visuals, audio, editing, acting, all TOP NOTCH. I really loved most aspects of the story as well. I don't remember if you've seen Lowery's A Ghost Story, but that's one of my favorite films. Masterful stuff.
Wish I got to see this one in theaters!
I shouldn't be surprised that you are reacting to this. You have reacted to so many great movies and not always mainstream. I always like hearing your opinion!! I really respect the way you look at films and analyze them!
Thank you so much!!
What is needed to become a knight from Arthurian legend is to uphold the 5 virtues of Chivalry. Courtesy, Chastity, Generosity, Piety, and Compassion. Gawain fails all of these along his quest. He gives the kid who has no family and nothing left a single coin for his direction, failing at generosity. When he is asked to reunite the head of the ghost he tries to avoid it and asks for something in return instead of doing out of the good of his heart, failing courtesy. Later when the fox arrives in his cave he throws a rock at it before trying to befriend it, failing compassion. At lord Bertilaks manor he gives into the lust for Lady Bertilak, failing chastity. And throughout the beginning pf the film he puts off going to church, even on Christmas, failing Piety. Sir Gawain fails all the 5 virtues needed to be a knight of the round table, but at the very end he accepts the challenge of the green knight. In doing so, finally proves himself worthy of being knight.
This was a nice surprise. Didn't think anyone would react to it. Hands down my favourite movie of 2021.
Hey alright! So glad someone reacted to this. My personal favorite from this year so far. I was thrilled at how faithful it was to the book and even the stuff they changed still worked wonderfully well.
When Gawain shouts "Wait!" at the chapel it reminded me of The Seventh Seal when the Knight says wait and Death says everyone says that.
Sir Gawain The Green Knight is originally a poem from the late 14th Century by an Anonymous author. This film adapts the story somewhat loosely, but that's very much the point, I think.
Yooo I didn't expect this. Definitely one of my favourites of the year next to Dune. The cinematography, performances, writing, sets etc all top notch such a chilling and beautiful experience
Agreed!!
Dune?.....the pitch black movie?....was crap.
Yeah, this is such a great movie I've forgotten I'd watched it.
@@gingercat777 ok dude
@@gingercat777 pitch black? yeah that’s not accurate lol don’t blame the film just because you saw it on a crappy screen.
I went to see this in the theater and both of my friends I took absolutely hated this film and me well I loved it. The cinematography was outstanding.
Haha like me too! I really don’t like this film but there are elements I like
@@acdragonrider I think he meant he liked the film but his friends didn’t lol
This movie is such a treat for someone who kind of grew up reading arthurian legends and who knew the story of Sir Gawain's first adventure before hand. When i saw Gawain running away from the Green Knight at the end, I thought "oh they are doing their own thing". But then the movie snaps back to the chapel and starts following the end of the actual myth, and I swear to god, It's been more than a decade since I felt so excited watching a scene. I was grinning and laughing like a little kid. Also it was fun trying to decipher who's who in Camelot. "Okay, so thats Morgan Le Fay", "That's Merlin", "Arthur and Guinevere", "ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT ****ING MORDRED??? (They werent)" Ahhh, such fun.
but it doesn't follow the actual myth. In the actual tale, the girdle represents chastity and honor, not shame. The weird fake sex scene in the movie is a subversion of Gawain's chastity in the tale. The girdle is the proof of his chastity. When he meets the knight, he doesn't flinch, but honorably accepts his return, while wearing the girdle. The girdle protects him, and it's revealed that the entire setup was just a test to show Gawain's honor. Vastly different ending from the film, which is much more modern and nihilistic.
At the end he grew into a man and realized he would rather die there than rather live a coward and a bad king.
*This and the upcoming “The Tragedy Of Macbeth” were my most anticipated A24 films of the year*
The ending montage connects with the earlier forest corpse scene even more if you look at the camera movement that reveals his future corpse in the forest the same camera movement occurs in the final throne room scene before he pulls off the belt. This signifies a parallel in the shots of future prediction.
Wow
This was the first movie I saw in a theater after they started opening up again. It was just me and an elderly couple-and they grumbled and walked out right before he encounters the cottage ghost lol. I was thinking “why are you leaving now? The story is just starting to get interesting!”
Can’t claim it doesn’t have the most glacial pacing, but the visuals and symbolism are such an experience and if you let it overtake you it’s profoundly affecting. I definitely felt like I’d been through something when it finally ended.
To not appreciate this movie and to get bored by it is to not appreciate acting, cinematography, screenwriting, or anything else that goes into the art of filmmaking
Some speculate that ‘off with your head’ at the end, means Gaiman can be off (leave) with his head (intact)!
No need to speculate. That's what happened. That's how the original myth ends. The Green Knight lets Gawain live, he goes back to Camelot, tells King Arthur and the other Knights of the Round that he failed his quest because he wore the green sash untill the end, but not only do they accept him back, but he is henceforth regarded as one of the bravest and humblest knights to have ever live, even though he doesn't think he deserves such honor. The Knights of The Round Table then pledge to always wear a green sash as a way to not only honour Gawain but to share his personal shame.
Add a comma and that’s right. “Off, with your head”
I'm very happy someone reacted to this. My favorite movie of the year, and it's finally getting some recognition. Good stuff
Just so everyone knows, Sir GaWain kept his head in the end. "off with your head" meant "go away now, with your head still attached!"
The Green Knight has to rank up there with a certain creature from Annihilation as my favorite recent movie monster design.
I just knew Brandon would appreciate this masterpiece.
Gorgeous!!! Was able to watch it in a theater. Worth it just for the visuals!!
This movie is a difficult watch when you're used to traditional fantasy action, but the cinematography is breath taking, especially for the production budget.
It's an easier watch once you understand that the acts are knightly trials of virtue. Once you understand that, you realise that he fails basically every test of virtue which is why they keep reinforcing that he isn't really a knight throughout the movie. Right from the start there are indications that even the people who surround Gwaine dont really think of him as a knight. To some extent he is aware of this perception which is why he accepts the challenge in the first place. He's only in the position because of who he is to his Uncle, not by what he represents through his actions.
The ending becomes quite an interpretation but ultimately is one of self redemption. At the start of the movie he is only concerned with his position and title regardless of his actions. He is not a bad knight, but he is also not a good person, and doesnt embrace knightly virtues. His mother is the "witch" that calls forth the Green Knight out of love to redeem her son. At the end in the final preminition, by removing the cloth of protection he passes the trial, redeeming his soul and integrity by giving up his life and his lust for position to embrace being a good and honorable man.
The story in many ways for me parallels that of Scrooge and the Ghosts in A Christmas Carol.
God damn that scene with the giants is gorgeous!
“Well done, my brave knight. Now… off with your head.”
To me, David Lowery improved on the original story’s ending not only by having Gawain rebuke the green girdle, accepting his fate righteously, but also by leaving it ambiguous if the Green Knight cuts his head off or not. It doesn’t really matter, the important thing is that he became a true knight by facing the challenge despite his fears.
It's not ambiguous at all. The Green Knight doesn't take his head. He says it playfully at the end after pantomiming the act with his finger. And he smiles kindly at him. How can you possibly interpret that moment as "maybe he's going to kill him?"
@@Progger11 Lowery has stated that it was his intention to leave the ending ambiguous and that he wanted the possibility of Gawain being beheaded to be a positive ending, since it means he faces his fate with bravery, honor and integrity.
@@Ricvictors I've heard the exact opposite about what Lowry said, so no I've got conflicting accounts. Could you direct me to the actual quote you're referring to?
Saw this in the theater around the time I discovered your channel. So many beautiful shots in this film I couldn’t help but think at that moment. Man I hope he reacts to this someday.
I've seen so many people say nasty things about this movie. I loved it, but it is probably not for everyone. I enjoyed discussing this movie, and The Green Speech by the lady was one of the best pieces of poetic writing for a movie in recent memory.
Best theater experience I've had in several years. I went in not knowing what to expect and was absolutely blown away by the whole thing. I thought about this film for weeks after seeing it.
Gawain and the Green Knight is one of the oldest prose poems in Arthurian mythology. In the myths Gawain is Arthur's nephew. His mother is Arthur's oldest sister and a sorceress. In the Arthurian Romances Morgawse, Gawain's mother is also Mordred's mother, not Morgan Le Fay. In the myths prior to the French rewriting them and adding Lancelot and Galahad, Gawain is one of the primary heroes of Arthurian legend.
Sir Gawain is one of the knights of the round table and this movie takes its inspiration from the story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
I've watched this film 4 times this year and it's easily my favourite film of the year. 'Azor' and 'Sweet Thing' are also fantastic.
If you want to watch another great A24 movie directed by David Lowery, check out A Ghost Story. Really great visual storytelling as well.
If you want to watch more Dev Patel Slumdog Millionaire is a must watch. Lion is also very good.
Yes. All of this.
Great reaction! The Green Knight is one of my favorites of 2021 and it's definitely a film that needs more exposure, so I'm thrilled to see someone do a reaction on it. Keep up the good work, my friend.
I choose to believe that A. Gawain did not get his head chopped off and B. The Green Knight is obviously his mom through witchcraft she wouldn’t kill her son. I think it ends like the poem. He returns to Camelot with Honor
The Green Knight is Joel Edgerton
Seeing this in theatres was crazy. Cinematography is out of this world 😫😫😫😫
I believe the ending suggests that the Green Knight is letting him go back home with true honor. I don’t take “Off with your head” literally. I believe he’s saying go off and live your life with true honor and courage. Use what you learned on this journey to live a fruitful life.
Adding a comma changes the implication to what you suggest. “Off, with your head.”
@@brittyn indeed
Awesome Winkie’s diner hat!! Glad to see you were such a fan of Mulholland Drive
Dude, I just now noticed your Winkie's hat! Awesome Mulholland Drive reference!
Welcome back friend can't wait this reaction
I wonder if the talking fox is a Tolkien reference. Fellowship of the Ring had moment where a fox's internal thoughts were described briefly, and Tolkien translated "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".
Love this movie, happy you gave it a chance
Yooo this is hype. Was great seeing this in theaters. The sound editing was incredible. My friends were confused as hell though.
Critics loved this movie, and called it the best adaptation or retelling of The King Arthur Legend, by sending his knight Sir Gawain to fight the titular character. The film is visually stunning from Director David Lowery.
I prefer Bresson’s Lancelot du Lac
Awesome review Brandon I love this film! If you haven’t heard they are re-releasing it in theaters tomorrow if you’d like to check it out again!
Spoiler: In the end he visualized what life would’ve been like if he returned home a false king. He chose to stay and honor what he agreed upon. In the end through his journey, he succeeded. The burning head in the opening foreshadows the ‘false king’ vision.
he didn't really succeed...he failed all his virtue tests, at the end he just redeemed himself more than succeeded.
@@nicoloserri6071 - I was mainly referring to the vision at the end of him returning home a false king. You are correct though, his virtues are tested throughout the whole movie and he fails quite a bit, but I think in the end he succeeded, which is what I meant. He played a game and paid the price because of honor.
Yes. My interpretation exactly
@@TheProphegy
He truly is the epitome of a “flawed hero”… The whole film he is tempted again and again and often gives in in spite of himself
Yet at the end he finally resists the greatest temptation of all… Which was to NOT follow through with the agreement and return home to reap the unearned rewards of becoming a knight and a king
Honestly I think the montage over the final 15 minutes is him seeing what his life would be like going forward if he chose the coward’s way out… Getting everything and all the power a man could want, but at the cost of a miserable, selfish existence that leads to his downfall regardless
Better to die with one’s dignity and honor than live as a coward reaping unearned rewards, is the interpretation I get
Just like the last temptation of christ
Totally subverted my expectations. In a good way tho, I really loved the tone, the slow pace and obviously the visuals. Great ending as well.
Was the first film I got to see since pandemic started. I very well enjoyed this movie. Cinematography was just great in this film.
Your videos always make me want to see the movie that you review! This looks great. I recommend watching some of the older classic fantasy or sci fi movies like the ones made by Fritz Lang.
I saw this in the cinema, its one of the best films I've seen in years!! Great cast great movie!!
Love that hat my man! Throwing it back to Mulholland Drive! Would love more Lynch reactions once you finish the marvel stuff in December.
Oh man. I would love to see the reaction but, I havnt had a chance to see this yet and I REALLY WANT TO.
I'll have to come back at a later time. I hope it's as good as I hope.
Enjoy
Hope you enjoy it!
It's funny you mentioned Black Phillip at the beginning. The actor playing the Green Knight also played the father in The VVitch.
I think it's interesting that (except for in the imagined future segment) Gawain isn't actually made a knight at any point. But the Green Knight still calls him one at the end of the movie, _after_ he's removed his belt of invulnerability and accepted his fate. The implication being that keeping your promises regardless of the personal cost is a more noble act than killing someone.
The director of this film is David Lowery and you should definitely check out his film called A Ghost Story. I think you'd enjoy it. Great seeing you finally watching this visually stunning film. Keep up the good work bro.
it was awesome to see this in theaters
Both the Fox and the Blind Old Lady are Morgan Le Fay (Gawains Mother) in disguise
This movie Gawain is going through tests of Knight Hood to prove his worth of being a possibility future King. That is why he goes on the journey he went on.
The woodland robbery scene is a mirror from Kubricks best movie: Barry Lyndon
Absolutely loved The Green Night, despite the confusing ending. You are the first person to react to it so far. If you are looking for suggestions for more Christmas movies I recommend Babe. Adorable short film filled with talking animals, whats not to love.
The director David Lowery also made my personal favourite A24 film “A Ghost Story”
Glad that watched this absolutely brilliant film.
The director confirmed the "Off with your head" ending is more of a pun. He passed the test, and can now go off with his head intact. He learned to be an honorable man instead of a great one
Which mic are you using? 🎙
Love this movie and the tale of The Green Knight. I'm a little older than some that probably watch this channel and I seem to remember a much less "grander" telling of the story way back from the 1980s, and I believe the late Sean Connery played the role of The Green Knight. I do not know the exact year, or the other actors as I did not look it up before posting, but I have no doubt it is easily findable on IMDB. It's crazy I'm watching this now because I actually got a DVD for Christmas of Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959 I think) that featured a very young Sean Connery as a character, and have been a film produced from Disney (not sure though). It still reminds me very much of the film aspects and telling style from a movie from the very early 1980s called Excalibur (another wonderful movie and exquisitely shot and directed film). Otherwise, I may not have even brought it up, but this is a film adaptation of a tale from Arthurian Legend and really an extension of "Holy Grail Quests." The tale varies some from the movie especially related to the ending and the who actually is the blind woman/women portray in the story (because there is more than one) and various other aspects. I would definitely look up the Green Sash/Belt as it is a very significant object (almost like an artifact), and Gawain's choice about the sash when he is before The Green Knight very much impacts the response to the "challenge" that The Green Knight "returns." I love how this movie leaves several scenes of that vague and ambiguous because it really made the movie for and personally (but I've read the story). I hate to admit but I've been a sort of book nerd since grade school and read the tale and various other like Ivanhoe, Treasure Island, The Hobbit, A Christmas Carol, The Lord if the Rings, Tale of Two Cities..... etc., etc... and continue to love to read. This one is worth a little post movie research of the story/tale (in my opinion), especially if you liked the movie. Should he nominated for several awards imo.
Edit: Incidentally, the color green is also very often paired with the sin of Envy (and similar parallels) often occur in telling of old tales, especially related to some fictional/medieval literature. You have to remember that many people from the dark ages (probably also before) still believed in multiple "Gods" and there is some loose based evidence that the "Merlin" character (in tales at least) tapped into these forbidden/polytheistic concepts to draw "magic/power." Probably more than you cared to know, but looking at it from that lense definitely helps make more sense of some if the stories from this time period, as there were many tales from this time frame that also literally coined the term "slaying a dragon", which remains a very popular theme in movies.
The intro to this film feels like the intro to a Dark Souls (or really any From Software) game and I am HERE for it.
I understand why a fully allegorical and wholly non realistic movie like this would alienate most audiences; but it really worked for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
And if you liked this, you're gonna' love The Northman :)
Great reaction, thanks. You should definitely try and watch Lowery's previous movie, A Ghost Story. Totally different from this one, but equally amazing.
Personally, having just watched the movie I interpret the ending to mean that Gawain has accepted fate. No matter what we do, who we become, or what we chase (honor, riches, love) in the end all of us return to the Earth leaving nothing behind but the impact we had on the others around us in our time. He accepted the challenge initially, and after his journey he accepts his dues.
After doing so, the line, "Now, off with your head." Symbolizes Gawain losing his ego and desire. He accepts goodness instead of greatness and realizes that simply being here and being given a life to even live will suffice. He symbolically loses his head and is free to live the good life. He realizes that chasing greatness doesn't matter in the end, as even if you attain it, your life will still have ups and downs.
That's what I take from it anyways. A story about simply living and enjoying what you have been given, rather than chasing greatness for the simple sake of greatness.
This director, David Lowery, also wrote and directed A Ghost Story. It's a fantastic and underrated film that I think you would like. You should check it out.
I also thought he did lose his head after the first watch, but I did quite a deep dive and after a second watch I'm convinced the Green Knight said that in jest and Gaiwan kept his head.
No, he loses his friggin head.
I have no idea why so many people don't understand this. It's beyond obvious that he keeps his head at the end. It's kind of the whole point of this interpretation of the story.
@@Progger11 I found it beyond obvious that he lost his head, so we're at odds here.
@@killingmewillnotbringbacky9177 You're terribly unobservant, then. The Green Knight makes the cutting motion tenderly with his finger, merely simulating the act and also comforting Gawain. He smiles at Gawain kindly as he says, in jest, "off with your head." He was pantomiming the act of cutting off his head, there. He has no intention of actually doing it now that Gawain has proven his true bravery. That's the entire point of this version of the story. Gawain tossed aside the toxic masculinity of his era and swallowed his pride, dropped the protective magic items, and was ready to accept the consequences of his earlier pigheadedness (the vision he had showed him what he would become if he ran away like a coward). And for that growth and maturity, Gawain is spared. His own mother conjured the whole experience he went on; she wants him to become wise, not to die.
The guy who did the special effects makeup for the Green Knight, Barrie Gower, is also working on the TLoU HBO show. So I'm damn sure that the clickers are gonna look awesome 🔥
Dev Patel was awesome in this!
The Green Knight had no intention to kill Gawain, this was all but a test to see if he could meet his possible end with honor and without a twinge of fear
David Lowery's currently directing the Disney remake of PETER PAN for DISNEY+
OMFG WINKIES HATTT! 🤯❤️
Gawain is not a knight and sets out on a quest, guys. The biggest quest is facing death. Vinkander's monologue on the color green begins by saying this is the color of life, but also death. And Gawain first line is "I'm not ready". Of all the qualities of a knight perhaps the only one he didn't address was courage. That was the Green Knight's challenge: courage to face death and then become a true knight (the film shows his future cheating death - not great)
Have you seen Barry Lyndon or A Field in England?
i think "now... off with you're head" is like "now get out with you're head"
I watch this movie in the theater it was great but I had no idea wtf I just watch. It made me think for weeks and I decided weeks later that I enjoyed this movie. This was the second time watching this movie and it was much more enjoyable after more viewings
YAY!!! My favorite film of the year!
Whoah! Did nt know there was an after credit scene.
saw this in theaters, that ending was wild lol
I went to see this at the cinema, two weeks after it premiered, and there were five people in there, including myself and my friend. This film is a lot more interesting than I think people gave it credit for, though it doesn't stay true to the source-material, it's definitely an interesting retelling of the tale...
i think this would be a cool movie to watch during a thunderstorm in a dark house with a fireplace.
Now you have to see David Lowery's previous film, A Ghost Story. The first time I saw it, I had no idea what to expect. But after it ended, I couldn't wait to watch it again. Highly recommend if you enjoyed this film.
This film is strange and gorgeous. I thought everyone had to read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in high school. They stray from the plot a bit, but it’s an astounding adaptation all the same.
saucha good film, I expect the green knight never ended up cutting his neck but nicking it and stopping. good ending yet peaceful with the birds and forest sounds
I had the theater to myself for this movie. It was an odd experience. EDIT. The original king Arthur fable is The Once and Future King. That old king in the beginning is old king Arthur and the old hooded man with the tattoos on his face is Merlin.
ive wanted to watch this a while, havent had any time but i will now i know its a Christmas film hahaha...
In the hit British sitcom Spaced, Tim wears a green shirt and brown trousers in a visual gag referencing Scooby Doo.
Also, your hat is awesome 👏
The Challenge was so literal
It seems like a bit of a cop out
It's like Melancholia all over again.
The Green Knight let him go at the end. At least in the original story and I assume that's the case in the movie, too.
Is that the guy from Slumdog Millionaire? Looks like him.
I didn't enjoy this movie when I first watched, but it made more sense after I read some things about the background and the themes of being a knight. Basically, he faces different Knight-defining challenges along his journey, and fails them all. It is not like the tale of king Arthur, because this character is simply not cut out for greatness as he suggests the whole film. I suppose the end is supposed to be a final act of resolve, where he finally does something honorable, but considering he sees his own depressing future before making the choice I always felt like he was almost taking the easy way out.
From my reading, the mom never intended for Gawan to slay the night. It was meant for the king, to kill him and scare the queen to death, so that the mom/witch may take over the throne. Gawan stupidly got himself involved and the castle with Joel Edgerton was completely fabricated by the mom (blindfolded woman) to get the belt back to her son and help him on his journey. The fox was also controlled by the mother, hoping to save him from his fate.
definitely one of my top five best movies of this year!! Bravo 👏🏻