Perceval
Perceval

Perceval

1978Movie140 minFrench

The film chronicles Perceval's knighthood, maturation and eventual peerage amongst the Knights of the Round Table, and also contains brief episodes from the story of Gawain and the crucifixion of Christ.

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Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Director: Éric RohmerGenres: Comedy, Drama, History, Romance

Plot Summary

In 12th century England, the young and naive knight Perceval embarks on a quest to prove his worthiness. He journeys to King Arthur's court, where his simple-mindedness leads him to inadvertently insult the king and his knights. Despite his social blunders, Perceval is granted knighthood and undertakes various chivalric deeds, including rescuing a damsel and confronting adversaries, all while grappling with his own moral and spiritual development.

Critical Reception

Éric Rohmer's 'Perceval' is a unique and often avant-garde adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes' medieval romance. While praised for its intellectual rigor, faithfulness to the source material, and Rohmer's distinctive directorial style, its unconventional approach, including its stylized sets and performances, polarized critics and audiences. It is considered a challenging but rewarding film for those interested in medieval literature and Rohmer's unique cinematic vision.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its scholarly fidelity to the Arthurian legend and Rohmer's distinctive intellectual approach.
  • Noted for its highly stylized theatricality and deliberately anachronistic presentation.
  • Criticized by some for its slow pace and perceived lack of emotional engagement.

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Fun Fact

The film notably features highly stylized, almost theatrical sets and costumes, intentionally breaking from realistic historical representation to emphasize the literary and allegorical nature of the story.

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