Here we have a tame and traditional knights and castle movie, nothing is done overly well but it is a decent enough movie with some minor political machinations and a small side story none of which add much; the larger scope which motivates this movie is lost. A dark world, with grim characters and no interesting stories even on the main character though a dark past was suggested we find nothing about it. The fight scenes are well choreographed but the lack of blood and gore, of the stark brutality which we've gotten used to, is not in this movie. Other movies have done this on a much grander scale such as Gladiator or indeed, 300 though the fight scenes are passable. I wouldn't call these fighters 'knights' as they act more like ninja at times but this might have something to do with the world they exist in as portrayed in this movie. I do not like Clive Owen as an actor, though he does a good job here this movie just plods along in places, I kept waiting for something interesting to happen but it nearly doesn't until the very end; but even though it does come together I wouldn't pay money to see this in a movie theatre. There is no high drama here, I'd say if this was an afternoon movie on TV you would be well rewarded for watching this but another HBO TV show does this on such a grander scale that one might grow bored with what is presented here. There are some long shots done for effect, but the musical score did nothing for me but I understand what the director was trying to do, create an emotional point. Perhaps there are too many of them. This movie tries too hard to be something that it's not. The simplified political backdrop we have no interest in as there is little perspective that sheds light on the bigger picture, though it is alluded to and forms an important part to what motivates the Knights we just have no interest in it because we end up knowing little about it. There seems to be elements of Asian culture, adding something to the costumes and decor, to the sense of honour perhaps which is fine. Again, nothing really stands out here, but nothing is really bad either. It's just 'tame' in setting, in scope, in characterization; there aren't even any interesting female characters. Worth a watch, but quickly forgotten.
Review of Last Knights
