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During the dark ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Ireland becomes a flourishing kingdom because of a tyrant ruler
who keeps England subdued by preventing the unification of the tribal lords.
On the opposing camps are Isolde (Sophie Myles), the daughter of the Irish king who is often used as dowry to retain power and Tristan (James Franco), orphaned during the attack of the Irish and adopted and trained by the strongest English lords, Lord Marke (Rufus Sewell). Resenting her father for betrothing her to a warlord, she tries to run away and meets an unconscious and dying Tristan washed up ashore. She takes care of him for days without revealing her true name. The two fall in love but because Isolde is committed, she refuses to run away with him. Back in England, in an effort to unite their kingdom, Tristan and other warriors return to Ireland and join the fight match to win the hand of Isolde as wife for Lord Marke, Tristan wins the fight but to both his and Isolde's dismay realize how fate played a trick on them again. The marriage of Isolde and Marke takes place and the broken hearted lovers try to cope with the situation. However, passion takes over and the two carry out an affair, which the envious lords use to bring down Lord Marke's kingship and start a rebellion.
Unrequited love always has that appeal because we love to relieve memories of fighting, winning and losing love.
Tristan and Isolde, although moving at a slow and sometimes disengaging pace, still manages to stir sympathy for the fate of true love that can never be. The story
is good but the scripting a bit lacking.
It is commendable how the drama of building Britain's kingdom is juxtaposed with the heartbreaking love story of the protagonists. Musical scoring is a little flat and ordinary. Production design is very elaborate and impressive and the cinematography captures the expansive beauty of Ireland.
There are two issues in the film worth looking into.
First, a relationship has to be between two people loving each other and committing themselves to each other. Once a third party enters the picture, say parents or customs of fixed marriages, political and social ambitions, and even situations when the concern is keeping up with social expectations, then the relationship is shaky from the start. Marriage is not a quick fix or a means but a grace given to two people wanting to share their lives with each other. Second, certain responsibilities are above personal desires. It is noble and moving to see how Isolde and Tristan most of the time choose to sacrifice their personal happiness for the good of their kingdom. Although they have an illicit affair, there is a realization of the mistake, remorse and attempt to rectify their wrong. Over-all, the movie is worth watching and brings a touching statement about true love. Some battle scenes and sexual scenes not suitable for very young viewers.
(Date Reviewed: 20 April 2006)
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