The story of time-tested loyalty of two friends during Europe's 16th-century Inquisition. Orphans Martin and Georg bond as children, but walk very different paths as adults. Georg follows hi... Read allThe story of time-tested loyalty of two friends during Europe's 16th-century Inquisition. Orphans Martin and Georg bond as children, but walk very different paths as adults. Georg follows his calling to join the church, while Martin becomes an army captain. When fate places Marti... Read allThe story of time-tested loyalty of two friends during Europe's 16th-century Inquisition. Orphans Martin and Georg bond as children, but walk very different paths as adults. Georg follows his calling to join the church, while Martin becomes an army captain. When fate places Martin in the role of executioner, he must choose between friendship and fundamentalist doctrin... Read all
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So if you want to see a great movie set in the middle-ages, buy or rent both "The Reckoning" and "The Headsman".
However, it doesn't give much of an understanding of those who were being persecuted, the Anabaptists (or other groups that are mentioned without being explained). It would have been a clear improvement if we were given a deeper portrayal of especially the Anabaptists as well as the other main characters.
The film should have been a little longer to give these better descriptions. It has a lot of good parts, but it is missing some depth in its character descriptions. The story is quite gripping and strong and it is a great period piece, but it lacks some depth and should give the viewer a better understanding of the background and develop the characters more.
The intro scene caught my attention and helped set the mood and character of the two leading roles for further into the movie.
I liked the level of detail and griminess that would have been appropriate at that time and the overall setting both inside and outside the town. I'd say this was perhaps more realistic and less Hollywood than other similar period movies, such as perhaps Braveheart.
Particularly, the feeling of social exclusion for a looked down upon yet 'approved' role was quite interesting, especially in comparison to the punishable 'unapproved' yet socially acceptable roles.
Overall, this movie is one that I'd recommend and will likely watch again.
Did you know
- TriviaRather unusually, instead of listing all the cast members in the end credits, it mentions all the top players and then reads "and many many more".
- ConnectionsReferenced in Movie Friends - Eine Videothek stellt sich vor (2013)
- SoundtracksLaetatus Sum
Music by Ludovico Grossi Da Viadana
Performed by Coro Palestrina
Directed by Piergiuseppe Snozzi
Published by Coro Palestrina
Licensed by kind permission from Coro Palestrina
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- Shadow of the Sword
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- $8,500,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 55 minutes
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- 2.35 : 1