This film was a delight and truly tugged the old heart-strings although perhaps not for the reasons you might first think. Rufus Sewell as the one handed King Marke was possibly the most likable character I have ever seen in a film. Rather than feeling sorrow for Tristan and Isolde it was in fact he who gained my pity. So although to my delight Marke won back his kingdom from those evil Irish tyrants (booo hiss), he was betrayed first by his adopted son (who he saved at cost of his hand) and also by his beautiful wife. Yet despite all this, the end of the film sees him forgive them both and even he lets the pair spend Tristans final living moments together. Marke shows that he is the real tragedy of this film who loses both a son and any chance of love. This mattered not though, as the love story was eclipsed by a great performance from Sewell. An example of how British films can & should be made!
Review of Tristan + Isolde
