Ironclad Contract

One of my current favorite films is the oddly titled (in my opinion) IRONCLAD, directed by Jonathan English.
There are a couple of things about this film.
First, I absolutely LOVE Paul Giamatti as King John. I haven't seen him in a role like this before, and I think he's brilliant. At least, I, myself, find him completely believable.

But even more, I find the theme of the film extremely timely. The Barons, weary of an overly arrogant king (can you say "taxes, torture and indefinite detention," boys and girls?), force John to sign the Magna Carta. (If you don't know the significance of that document, do please look it up. I'll give you a hint: due process.) Afterward, John recants and goes after the rebels with a vengeance.

Oh, yes, there's a lot of swordplay of the dark and brutal type. It's not the prettified  combat of Michael Curtiz's ROBIN HOOD (1938) starring the definitive swashbuckling rogue/hero Errol Flynn.

I also particularly like the relationship between the Templar and his horse. And his horse steals every scene he's in.

Just like mine does.

aac