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Medieval
2022 126 min Czech Republic, United States of America R 18+
★5.9
Action, Drama, History
Director: Petr Jákl
Trailers
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Description
The story of fifteenth century Czech icon and warlord, Jan Zizka, who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.
Budget:
$23M
US Gross:
$1.37M
Worldwide:
$4.31M
Starring
Ben Foster
Actor
Sophie Lowe
Actor
Michael Caine
Actor
Awards
4 nominations total
Key opinion
Medieval is widely regarded as a hollow, narratively disjointed spectacle that squanders its budget and historical subject matter on formulaic action and confusing intrigue. While some viewers appreciate the grim, atmospheric cinematography and production design, most critics and audiences agree that the film fails as a biographical depiction of Jan Žižka, prioritizing graphic violence and clichéd tropes over historical substance.
| Cinematography | The film features high-quality cinematography and production design, effectively capturing the brutal, gritty aesthetic of the Middle Ages through its use of Czech landscapes and historical scenery. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for being cluttered and inconsistent, relying on melodramatic romance and feudal intrigue that distracts from the core historical narrative of Jan Žižka. | |
| Emotion | The depiction of graphic violence and gore is polarizing; some find it a necessary contribution to a realistic 'brutal' aesthetic, while others view it as excessive, gratuitous, and distracting. | |
| Originality | The characterization of Jan Žižka is frequently condemned for failing to honor the historical figure, often reducing him to a petty mercenary rather than the legendary commander associated with the Hussite wars. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is divisive; viewers who embrace the contemplative, grim tempo find it engaging, while others find the narrative flow exhausting, incoherent, or boring as the film progresses. | |
| Adaptation | The film’s historical accuracy is overwhelmingly dismissed, with critics pointing to glaring inaccuracies regarding costumes, the timeline of events, and the portrayal of key historical figures. |