Not sure if anyone else caught this, but this film has one of the most beautiful shots I’ve seen in years: When Gawain looks up into the sky there appears to be a comet falling through space, but then a second later it’s actually revealed to be a single snowflake. I’ll have to watch it again to make sure if it was intentional or not, cause I might have just been seeing things lol
I thought it was curious that Gawain was left out of the title of the film, especially since he is provided with so much more depth and growth when compared to the poem. The more that I thought of it, however, Gawain himself is a green, as in new or naive, knight. The title can refer to both Gawain and the Green Knight itself.
So true! Lowery also said he wanted to emphasize him not earning his title, so it's not until the end that we hear the Green Knight call him "Sir", when he earned it.
In Islam green means PARADISE (just rewards) blue mean Loyalty (DUTY). And seeing that Gawain I assume already had his 14 virgins scoundrel in his castle of milk & honey. Later on the green knight seems to go from Green to blue off and on ....IJS
A detail I noticed upon re-watching the film is how it shies away from explicitly using those weighty names of legend that we come to associate with Arthurian lore. The castle IS Camelot, the king IS King Arthur, the queen IS Queen Guinevere, and this court IS the Round Table, but not once are those names uttered in the film. That slight distancing from the legends that inspired the film puts it in a position to stand and fall on its own feet, which I can't help but to admire.
As a 23 year old burnout who's yet to achieve independence, this is the film I needed to see at the time I saw it. And that scene with the giants was hypnotizing
Aside from the morals of the story, the cinematography was gorgeous. The. Choice to give him a yellow cape, which contrasts against the backdrop, was captivating
i like to think that the yellow cape has a deeper meaning. i think it meant cowardice. when he gets to the Green Chapel, it's not bathed in the usual green light associated with the Green Knight, but instead in yellow light.
I had to drive 3 hours (each way, so total of 6 hours) to the nearest theater to me showing "The Green Knight". I regret none of that drive. I've always been fond of the story/poem and this really captured the essence of that work in a truly magical way. I think "Dune" has the only real chance of unseating this movie as my favorite of the year.
Exactly. The Hobbit trilogy felt like a cheap (and expanded) version of the original story, meant to sell movie tickets rather than create lasting art.
Yeah the Hobbit movies look like pro wrestling and a monster truck rally compared to this gorgeous film. I remember thinking they were more graceful than that, but I was young.
I went to see this last weekend, and while I liked it and it looked great and sounded great too, I admit I left thinking that I really need a smart person to explain this one to me. So thank you, Marianna, I've been waiting for this video. I'm going to have to think about it and watch this movie again sometime. Also, for any LOTR fans out there, I want to let everyone know that Emagine Theaters will be showing all three movies in their full extended cut versions in September.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I will say, I loved the movie the first time I watched it, but on second viewing I loved it even more and it solidified as my favorite of the year.
I loved the last line in the movie. A perfect choice of words, with layers upon layers of meaning in view of what we'd just witnessed. Certainly the most interesting film I've seen this year - thus far. Both in form and content, it's similar to my favorite treatment of the Arthurian legend, "Excalibur." Thank you for insight and analysis!
This was a very good video. The book details you gave were great! I hadn't heard any of those interesting details about the 5 virtues anywhere else. Also, I actually agree entirely with your takes on the movie. They're nuanced and very well thought out. Well done!
Thank you so much for making this video I LOVED IT! I’ve been so torn on the film after seeing it twice but this makes me wanna watch it again with this new information and perspective
I am so excited to watch this now! The trailer already had me intrigued, but naturally, reading your spoiler free review made me even more hyped! I will for sure return to this review, when I have watched the movie. Thank you for covering this one ^_^
I don't know why people think it's supposed to be action adventure, its not. It's haunting, atmospheric and epic in its own way. The focus is on the journey that Gawain goes through, not on the fight although there is none.
I believe Gwain lived at the true ending. Firstly, Morgan corrects him before he ventures off that he “will return,” not if he returns. Lord Bertilak also tells Gewain “we will not be here when you return,” ‘this is for you on your return home.’ These things are said with the assertion of the people involved that he won’t die. Secondly, in the poem Bertilek (the Green Knight), spares Gewain because he kept loyalty and chastity during his time there despite the lady tempting him. He fails in the movie as the Lady gets him to succumb to his lust and her (by modern standards) sexual assault/ coercion. He of course learns this, but in the film Bertilek as the Green Knight is impressed with Gewain’s courage to accept his end of the agreement. In the poem’s he passes every trial but fails the final encounter, while the opposite is true in the film, meaning IF both versions had to find some merit to spare Gewain by, the film version would choose the only thing he actually succeeded at. He does have hesitation in each of these trials, but is rewarded for his efforts. Why would his mother reward him just to send him to his death if not to have something to return home with to prove his accomplishments? I might also recall this incorrectly, but I faintly remember the Green Knight doing a slicing motion with his finger before he says “now off with your head, little knight.” Perhaps this was paying homage to the Knick he gave Gewain in the poem and the game is done.
This was my return to the theater after covid (last movie I saw in theater was 1917 in January 2020). I thought Dune was going to be what I saw for my return last year, but I was too optimistic. The Green Knight was very worthy being the first time back in over a year. Exceeded my expectations and loved how Lowrey adapted the source material into this, to use your words, masterpiece. With that said, can't wait for Dune. Fantastic work and analysis on the video
I choose to look at the title as not just referring to the Green Knight as the character, but the original part of it "Ser Gawain" is removed because he himself is "Green" as in lacking in experience, he's a Green Knight. He hasn't had enough experience to turn him into a chivalrous man.
On this rewatch I just realized that this is the only movie I’ve seen to end in a straight up pun. “Off with your head” he lets him off with his head in tact now that he learned honor and has grown from his vision. It was all a test.
Splendid recounted and brilliant analysis. I really appreciate your video. I saw the movie's ending in a more dark light, though after watching your video, a review of "The green knight" seems exciting. Thank you!
You gave a most admirable account of this film's meaning, and the best one I've seen on TH-cam or in print. That one guy hasn't the best diction or grammar.
A fun thought I like to entertain is that he now must become the Green Knight. Do the "hunting" of the people to play his game. Also the scavenger being the Lord would also make that kid caring that heavy axe like it's nothing make more sense lol /lh
Wow. This is a beautiful analysis to a beautiful film. Thank you for this, which articulates and connects the dots of so much, and is extremely well-researched! Loved reading/studying the epic poem in college - it was PHENOMENAL seeing it adapted so powerfully…. Can’t wait to see it again. 2021 is offering some amazing, amazing film experiences. Thank you as always! )) Random side note: my better half’s and my most anticipated of the year: -Titane -Mad God -Nightmare Alley -Dune -Soggy Bottom -House of Gucci Stay safe and well! Cannot wait to see ‘The Green Knight’ again, especially through a lens that keeps in mind your insights
Thank you so much! I'm so glad this film gave me the push to read the poem and look into its context - there is so much lore there to learn about, I definitely want to keep exploring it. And yes, second viewing is SO satisfying - I loved the film even more after I watched it again!
Absolutely love your explanation. Really goes along with the ideas and conclusions I had when I first saw the movie. It really is a masterpiece and quickly became one of my favorite movies.
Great analysis of David Lowery's Green Knight! The film's interpretive deviations from the myth worked so well in elevating the morals and philosophy of the story that I had to rethink my "meh" relationship with the medieval fantasy genre. And the semi-horror expressionistic style of the movie removed some reservations I had with that genre, too.
I just watched the movie. It was visually stunning! And the sound was great too. I kinda want the Green Knight to do ASMR haha. I need to start reading Arthurian legend or at least some retellings to get started.
I would say you are so right at many levels. Definitely, the movie is filled with allegory and duality. It is certainly summed up in a "choose your death" and "pick your poison" reality that tends to be glazed over in life for most men "living lives of quiet desperation". The one short-coming that goes glossed over but that I thought the movie explored [quietly] was the "feminine" interplay. Gawain is a male seeking manhood through an honor-task after an impetuous beheading. His mother however tries to invent it for him instead of the reality that men have to find it out for themselves. Life as a rule dictates a man's adventure far less specifically. His mother is a witch and is denounced as such in the movie ... again not an honorable reputation within most stories ... for which Gawain feels the need to defend her, lie about her absence, and for which King Arthur is wilfully blind/ashamed to disavow. The feminine conjures up a adventure for him but then tries to protect him from it ... which is chaotically confusing but so true. Why? Because most of legend has chaos personified as feminine. A topsy, turvy existance of lover but not spouse to his love interest, compassion to bring closure to a raped girl but then seeks satisfaction, he is delivered but then robbed, etc. The feminine chaos then goes so far as to lead him into infidelity with the temptress which he "fails" all over his mother's girdle (the medieval definition) that she made him. It's not until he finally surrenders from all the feminine influence (the mother's sorcery, pursuing the tall nursing women, disobeying the foxy embodiment of being protected, etc.) that he can wilfully go to his death on his own terms. The Green Knight character is frankly mere existence and harsh reality (man vs man, man vs nature, man vs. himself, etc.) that he has to come to terms with and maybe conquer. I don't think the movie makes it clear if he actually lives; I thought the opposite...which soured it for me. However if you survive your sacrifice anew then life becomes more bearable and better for everyone else who looks to you to ascend to kingship. But there is no salvation without sacrifice, and hopefully no kingship without conquest of something as noble as honor.
"Being a scratch on the check or a .... on the throat" the green knight said. I know he also said that he will return back the attack as equal. But for me is up to the green knight. And at the end it makes sense to me when the green knight only put his finger on Gawain neck and said "off with your head"
1:30 Did his mom account for the possibility of another knight of the round table jumping at the opportunity to behead the knight first before her son had a chance of saying "I'll do it"? Then what would she have done? Make the green knight say "no i want that boy to challenge me!"? Lol.
Great analysis of one of the great movies I've seen in years. For me it's the best 'Arthurian' adaptation on screen. Oh, and at the end the Green Knight says "Off with your head!" with a pause in it. So, what he really says is "Off, with your head." Or am I wrong? :-)
I know this video is not new but i just saw the movie on Prime here in Mexico and then i found this explanation, great work and really interesting video, thank you 🙂
MORE MORE videos like this, but also like... more movies like this please? Ones that are worth researching and diving into and watching explainer vids. Loved this video of yours girl! Well researched, thought-out, and articulated. You da best
Masterpiece it may be but not mainstream nor is it multilayered that many can enjoy at many levels. It focuses on a specific audience almost wholly. Well done for an indie movie that will find a sizeable market globally for many years to come.
Great review, I believe that this journey was a reality check for Gawain, not only was his mother and the Green Knight in on it but I believe Merlin, Author, Gwenivere, and all the Knight were in on it too. That's the reason none of them excepted the challenge , they knew his arrogance and overzealous nature would kick in , especially after the Queen told him to take his place among the Knights. Gawain is the heir aparent to Author's thrown and this quest had to scare him straight to being the man Camelot needed him to be.
Very well said. loved your review, interpretation, and final message. "Personal growth is possible, even if all you do is stumble along the way." Subscribed and more power to you, Mariana.
Excellent video. Just watched this movie today. I bought the 4k Bluray having not seen it due to a feeling that I would like it. The more I got deeper into the movie the more I was entranced by it. The movie is beautiful to watch and hear. A movie I plan to watch again and again. I almost watched this video before the movie but thankful you warned of spoilers so I saw the movie first. Your video was a perfect thing to watch after seeing the movie. What you have taught me about the story and the movie deepens my appreciation for the movie even more.
walking out of the theater, i wasnt quite sure how i felt about the film. after processing it for more than a week, ive decided it gets five out of five foxes 🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊
I didn't particularly like this movie but oddly enough I didn't want to miss a single minute of it. I take it as a sign of it being masterfully directed.
Did nobody else think that the fox was his mother? And the woman who gives him the second sash, if not his mother than a representation of her? That’s my interpretation. She wants him to be a knight, she wants him to succeed - but she wants to do it for him. She gives him the protective sash twice, and if he completes the quest with it on, it won’t truly be his victory - it will be her vicarious victory through him. But this is what overbearing parents inevitably want for their kids - to give them the world while assuming all the risk. Gawain, and indeed every man, must compete the hero’s journey on their own terms.
Great Video, after watching "The Green Knight" I only enjoyed the scenery. but, after watching your detailed explanation and analysis. I now like the story as well. deserved more subscribers! Well Done.
Myth, like religion, is at its core about the transmission of ideas. These ideas may still be understood despite their clothing having changed, the ideas retained though the garb has evolved. Myth is a protective shell that girdles the idea; the idea remains a seed ensconced within that shell, shielded from the ravages of time. I love this simple retelling of this myth. We are shown the ideas, and left to interpret them through our own devices.
I decided to watch this even though it hasn't been released here yet and I'm glad I did. Thanks for another great video, Mariana. Now for the long wait until I get my peepers on this. I'm more interested in The Green Knight than I am in Dune.
Great critique. Saw the movie and I loved it. Beautifully directed and a true cinematic feast for the eyes. I have a deep connection and love for the Green Man. I'll definitely be buying this movie for my private collection.
Good lord, some people got some things out of this-- how refreshing. I've read so much trash on this from people who wanted an entirely different movie. I, too, was expecting something else but I am really pleased that we got this, instead. Greatness. Why is goodness not enough?
I think this may imply he does survive, allowing him to go on to produce an heir to continue his legacy. Lowery recently did an AMA on Reddit where he basically says that Gawain survived and that the Green Knight's "off with your head" was intended as friendly banter.
Thanks for this video. The first few seconds inspired me to watch it and the rest of the video helped me understand the film more (never heard of the poem / story before watching the movie). I enjoyed it.
This was a great analysis video! I was somewhat ambivalent about the film after having watched it, but watching your video has helped me to appreciate it more.
I was so confused at the end when Gawain had that vision or I thought was a magical vision. Over and over I kept replaying it and just thinking on how it related to the whole journey. That part just blocked my whole excitement for the whole film, it really bothered me. My mind feels so free now and am ecstatic. It seemed simple how easy it was shown, but I couldn't see it. I have to watch it again. Thanks for the help. I loved Everything this explanation gave me.
I wish this was less about honor. "If you don't live an honorable life you'll be a bad king, you'll have your head lopped off, etc." I prefer a deeper look into why the need to be honorable, or why follow chivalrous code. Kinda like in hariki. I liked when eisel asked, why isn't being good enough? The game is busted, why follow through on a game where the stakes were massively diff for the green knight and gowain?
this movie and "i'm thinking of ending things" are the two that keep my up at night with thoughts late at night..... I love them but apparently "don't waste your life" is a message that is resonating with me really hard right now.... might need to do some self reflection as too why.
Question - When the Green Knight showed up at the Christmas celebration/feast did Gaiwan have to actually behead/“kill” him? I was thinking that he could’ve just barely scratched him with his sword and not beheaded/kill him. I remember King Arthur saying he needed to remember this was a game. A game under most circumstances does not require someone to actually die. I of course, most likely, missed something and didn’t hear everything correctly so I am probably making an incorrect assumption. That’s why I’m asking because you seem to understand this movie a lot better than I did. Thanks!
You've hit the nail on the head, Kathleen! That's exactly the issue. The Green Knight proposes a blow-for-a-blow. Gawaine takes the opportunity to kill an unarmed man so that he can not only take his gorgeous weapon, but to save himself any return-blow later. Gawaine figures: "Instead of punching this much, MUCH bigger man, why don't I just kill him? Then I not only get his ax, but he can't hit me back, later." That's Gawaine's first mistake. He's horrified that the Green Knight didn't die; he's horrified that he's just escalated a joke into a beheading exchange, and he's terrified that he'll have to live up to his promise in a year's time.
I’m a fan of the poem in various forms. I own two versions in book form; JRR Tolkien’s and Simon Armitage’s more modern, accessible, take. I do prefer the opening offered up in the original poems rather than Lowery’s more somber interpretation. It evokes images of a bright and colourful Camelot in the throes of festive celebrations only to be crashed by the elemental archetype of the Green Knight. Gawain is forced to leave this behind and make an arduous journey in order to keep his side of the bargain. It’s more an allegory about growing up and facing the potential hardships of the greater world at that point. Although quite a well heeled mythological trope, my feeling is that Tolkien was mostly inspired by this and set it as a template for Frodo’s journey out of the Shire. This is a film I intend to return to over the coming winter months, only I’ll have to wait till my partner goes to bed because she hated it.
I enjoyed this movie, and am optimistic that he survives, but I just thought about something...as far as the young girl shown playing with the crown at the very end of the end credits, the girl many people have asserted is Gawain's daughter (that he lived to father later on)....why exactly was the crown laying on the floor in the first place? That is, unless it got there because the head it was sitting on top of fell on the floor first? I know it was a "dream" or a "vision" that we saw of cowardly, flawed Gawain becoming a king, marrying a noblewoman, seeing his son killed in battle and ultimately having his castle invaded before he removed the green sash and we see his head separate and fall from his body....but now I'm questioning if somehow a similar scenario still ended up playing out later on in Gawain's life (perhaps with much more honorable choices made along the way). I might be overthinking this, but it struck me as interesting.
I did a paper on this book in college and got an A. So I turned the same paper into two other classes and got the same grade. But that was a long time ago and did not remember much, except that The Green Knight was a personification of an ancient British vegetation God. But when this movie came out, I felt that I had an obligation to see it. I liked most of it, but to me, the ending, which was different from the one in the book, did NOT feel right. The whole Gawain's vision of his life back in Camelot was confusing. Like, why is he marrying and impregnating a woman that we already know is a ghost with nobody? I was like "Is this going to be an" it was all in his head" type of sequence? And it was. But more importantly, is (spoiler alert) the last line. In the book, it ends with the Green knight commending Gawain for becoming an honorable and ethical and brave and etc man. The GK does do not kill him, he gives him a mere scratch on the neck and lets him go back home with his honor and honesty intact. The movie seemed like it was going to end that way, but then---it didn't. It seemed pretty clear to me that the green knight was going to cut his head all the way off and kill him. This made the whole rest of the movie seem nonsensical. What is the point of gaining maturity and honor and stuff when it is just going to lead to your death. It makes his whole quest seem like nothing more than a suicide mission, in which case it is pointless. The hero's journey is supposed to end with the hero returning home a better man. He isn't supposed to go to all that trouble to die, and then just die. I know that the narrator of this said that it could be interpreted in many ways. I myself don't quite see how. That said, I have to say that most of the movie was pretty great. So out of five possible stars, I would still give it four.
That's interesting that you weren't into the ending - I actually think it's a more powerful ending than the one the poem offers, especially considering the small changes to the story within the film. I do address what you're talking about with the ending in the video - the point of the journey, the director's comment about the ending not necessarily meaning death, and how whether he dies or not the point is that he made an honorable choice. If you notice, at the end of the film, the Green Knight finally refers to Gawain as "Sir", and he does commend him for taking the girdle off. Also, it's NOT the same actress playing the young Queen in the vision and St. Winifred - they're just both redheads )) St. Winifred is played by Erin Kellyman, the young Quees is played by Megan Tiernan.
@Opinunate ted I just saw the film last night, and at the very end, like you, it seemed clear to me that the Green Knight indeed intended to actually cut off his head (although it is not shown). However, watching some of these commentary videos in the day after, I am reminded of a few subtle things it seems that I missed, or that possibly could have been interpreted a different way. For example, the Green Knight apparently scratched Gawain's neck with the tip of his finger when he said, "Now, off with your head". That by itself hypothetically could have been the GK returning the blow in the same location (the neck) as Gawain delivered it, in *theory* the blow did not necessarily have to be returned with the same weapon or instrument (i.e., a sword, or axe) that Gawain had used. Further, keep in mind, that although Gawain had thought he was delivering a fatal blow, the Green Knight obviously did NOT die, so he did NOT receive a *fatal* blow in the first place. If a *non* fatal blow had been delivered initially, a *non* fatal blow could logically be returned to the same place. So...there's that. Also, if we think about what the Green Knight says to Gawain at the end, "Now, off with your head" , that *could be interpreted as the Green Knight saying he was going to chop off Gawain's head, but, we could also think about it a different way...as in, the Green Knight saying basically, "Now, off *with* your head", or, "Now, *go off with your head* still attached". :) I know there are differences between the poem and the movie, but I believe the Green Knight's purpose was to *help* Gawain by testing him in various ways, not to trick him into throwing his life away through a "game". I have to agree with you--although there are different interpretations of this ending, it would seem to me to be rather pointless to go through such a journey with all of this trouble, simply to face a hopeless death, honor or not. I don't know 100% the intent of the director, but I have a feeling the point was not to suggest Gawain would be beheaded at the end by the Green Knight, although some have interpreted it that way. This is definitely a movie I will be watching again!
@@ImpressionBlend Well, since I wrote that comment, I have read enough comments from different people saying that the last line should not be taken literally, which is how I took it. By the way, thanks for doing this video. I don't think that anybody not deeply into Athurerian lore could have picked up on all those symbols. Not even a guy who wrote an apparently very good paper on the poem as an undergraduate English lit. student back in the 1980s. Geck, I missed the part with the giants completely.
@@milascave2 oh, I’m sure as someone who wrote a paper on it you had a lot more to say, and I’m sure there were many of those written on the poem! I loved diving into different interpretations, so if you see something interesting online - let me know, I’d love to read it.
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Not sure if anyone else caught this, but this film has one of the most beautiful shots I’ve seen in years:
When Gawain looks up into the sky there appears to be a comet falling through space, but then a second later it’s actually revealed to be a single snowflake. I’ll have to watch it again to make sure if it was intentional or not, cause I might have just been seeing things lol
I remember thinking the same exact thing- it definitely was intentional
Noticed it too!
Yup. I thought that too. Very cool.
This is soooo goooodddd 😩 So well researched and articulated!!! Killing it as always.
Thank you so much!! You’re always so kind 😊😊
I thought it was curious that Gawain was left out of the title of the film, especially since he is provided with so much more depth and growth when compared to the poem. The more that I thought of it, however, Gawain himself is a green, as in new or naive, knight. The title can refer to both Gawain and the Green Knight itself.
So true! Lowery also said he wanted to emphasize him not earning his title, so it's not until the end that we hear the Green Knight call him "Sir", when he earned it.
In Islam green means PARADISE (just rewards) blue mean Loyalty (DUTY). And seeing that Gawain I assume already had his 14 virgins scoundrel in his castle of milk & honey. Later on the green knight seems to go from Green to blue off and on ....IJS
Dev Patel did an excellent job portraying Gawain.
A detail I noticed upon re-watching the film is how it shies away from explicitly using those weighty names of legend that we come to associate with Arthurian lore. The castle IS Camelot, the king IS King Arthur, the queen IS Queen Guinevere, and this court IS the Round Table, but not once are those names uttered in the film.
That slight distancing from the legends that inspired the film puts it in a position to stand and fall on its own feet, which I can't help but to admire.
There Is Merlin too. He's the wizard man who takes the baby from Essel
was the sword that beheaded the green knight excalibur?
@@mainsource8030 yes
As a 23 year old burnout who's yet to achieve independence, this is the film I needed to see at the time I saw it. And that scene with the giants was hypnotizing
Aside from the morals of the story, the cinematography was gorgeous. The. Choice to give him a yellow cape, which contrasts against the backdrop, was captivating
i like to think that the yellow cape has a deeper meaning. i think it meant cowardice. when he gets to the Green Chapel, it's not bathed in the usual green light associated with the Green Knight, but instead in yellow light.
I had to drive 3 hours (each way, so total of 6 hours) to the nearest theater to me showing "The Green Knight". I regret none of that drive. I've always been fond of the story/poem and this really captured the essence of that work in a truly magical way. I think "Dune" has the only real chance of unseating this movie as my favorite of the year.
Agreed - "Dune" is the only film I see dethroning "The Green Knight" for me as far as 2021 movies go.
The Green Knight has the exact kind of cinematography and editing that I wish The Hobbit trilogy had
Ughh... so sad we will never get that...
I shouted "YES!" At my phone when I read this comment!! That would be an instant classic if filmed that like Green Knight!!!
The Hobbit has language. This meditative approach would not suit having characters engaging in conversation.
Exactly. The Hobbit trilogy felt like a cheap (and expanded) version of the original story, meant to sell movie tickets rather than create lasting art.
Yeah the Hobbit movies look like pro wrestling and a monster truck rally compared to this gorgeous film. I remember thinking they were more graceful than that, but I was young.
When The Green Knight tells him "well done", and than proceeds to say "now off your head (credits)" was a chefs kiss for me in my opinion
This is my favorite film of the year so far. I really enjoyed this video and all of your insights (a few of them were new to me)!
Thank you so much! Glad you found the video interesting 😈 And same for me - easily my favorite film of the year as of now
I went to see this last weekend, and while I liked it and it looked great and sounded great too, I admit I left thinking that I really need a smart person to explain this one to me. So thank you, Marianna, I've been waiting for this video. I'm going to have to think about it and watch this movie again sometime.
Also, for any LOTR fans out there, I want to let everyone know that Emagine Theaters will be showing all three movies in their full extended cut versions in September.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I will say, I loved the movie the first time I watched it, but on second viewing I loved it even more and it solidified as my favorite of the year.
I loved the last line in the movie. A perfect choice of words, with layers upon layers of meaning in view of what we'd just witnessed. Certainly the most interesting film I've seen this year - thus far. Both in form and content, it's similar to my favorite treatment of the Arthurian legend, "Excalibur." Thank you for insight and analysis!
This was a very good video. The book details you gave were great! I hadn't heard any of those interesting details about the 5 virtues anywhere else. Also, I actually agree entirely with your takes on the movie. They're nuanced and very well thought out. Well done!
Thank you so much for making this video I LOVED IT! I’ve been so torn on the film after seeing it twice but this makes me wanna watch it again with this new information and perspective
Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
This is the best overview and analysis I've seen on this title yet, outstanding, thanks~
I am so excited to watch this now! The trailer already had me intrigued, but naturally, reading your spoiler free review made me even more hyped! I will for sure return to this review, when I have watched the movie. Thank you for covering this one ^_^
Can't wait to see what think of the film!
I don't know why people think it's supposed to be action adventure, its not. It's haunting, atmospheric and epic in its own way. The focus is on the journey that Gawain goes through, not on the fight although there is none.
I believe Gwain lived at the true ending. Firstly, Morgan corrects him before he ventures off that he “will return,” not if he returns. Lord Bertilak also tells Gewain “we will not be here when you return,” ‘this is for you on your return home.’ These things are said with the assertion of the people involved that he won’t die.
Secondly, in the poem Bertilek (the Green Knight), spares Gewain because he kept loyalty and chastity during his time there despite the lady tempting him. He fails in the movie as the Lady gets him to succumb to his lust and her (by modern standards) sexual assault/ coercion. He of course learns this, but in the film Bertilek as the Green Knight is impressed with Gewain’s courage to accept his end of the agreement. In the poem’s he passes every trial but fails the final encounter, while the opposite is true in the film, meaning IF both versions had to find some merit to spare Gewain by, the film version would choose the only thing he actually succeeded at. He does have hesitation in each of these trials, but is rewarded for his efforts. Why would his mother reward him just to send him to his death if not to have something to return home with to prove his accomplishments?
I might also recall this incorrectly, but I faintly remember the Green Knight doing a slicing motion with his finger before he says “now off with your head, little knight.” Perhaps this was paying homage to the Knick he gave Gewain in the poem and the game is done.
Yes!!! That at the end!
I just discover this Channel right now.
The way she explains everything is absolutely amazing.
“Off…with your head”. He lives, learning the lesson his mother intended.
This was my return to the theater after covid (last movie I saw in theater was 1917 in January 2020). I thought Dune was going to be what I saw for my return last year, but I was too optimistic. The Green Knight was very worthy being the first time back in over a year. Exceeded my expectations and loved how Lowrey adapted the source material into this, to use your words, masterpiece. With that said, can't wait for Dune. Fantastic work and analysis on the video
Yes! I was looking forward to dune so much. I have rarely had such high expectations for a film but in a very optimistic way!
One of the most interesting and insightful approaches to this moovie. U rock.
EXCELLENT Analysis. Thorough, detailed, simply marvelous!!!
I choose to look at the title as not just referring to the Green Knight as the character, but the original part of it "Ser Gawain" is removed because he himself is "Green" as in lacking in experience, he's a Green Knight. He hasn't had enough experience to turn him into a chivalrous man.
On this rewatch I just realized that this is the only movie I’ve seen to end in a straight up pun. “Off with your head” he lets him off with his head in tact now that he learned honor and has grown from his vision. It was all a test.
Splendid recounted and brilliant analysis. I really appreciate your video. I saw the movie's ending in a more dark light, though after watching your video, a review of "The green knight" seems exciting. Thank you!
You gave a most admirable account of this film's meaning, and the best one I've seen on TH-cam or in print. That one guy hasn't the best diction or grammar.
A fun thought I like to entertain is that he now must become the Green Knight. Do the "hunting" of the people to play his game.
Also the scavenger being the Lord would also make that kid caring that heavy axe like it's nothing make more sense lol /lh
Wow. This is a beautiful analysis to a beautiful film. Thank you for this, which articulates and connects the dots of so much, and is extremely well-researched! Loved reading/studying the epic poem in college - it was PHENOMENAL seeing it adapted so powerfully…. Can’t wait to see it again. 2021 is offering some amazing, amazing film experiences. Thank you as always! )) Random side note: my better half’s and my most anticipated of the year:
-Titane
-Mad God
-Nightmare Alley
-Dune
-Soggy Bottom
-House of Gucci
Stay safe and well! Cannot wait to see ‘The Green Knight’ again, especially through a lens that keeps in mind your insights
And since posting this learned of Disappointment Blvd’ - Ari Aster with that cast??? What??? Added to the list
Thank you so much! I'm so glad this film gave me the push to read the poem and look into its context - there is so much lore there to learn about, I definitely want to keep exploring it. And yes, second viewing is SO satisfying - I loved the film even more after I watched it again!
Shame you didn’t read the poem and understand it before watching the superficial film.
Absolutely love your explanation. Really goes along with the ideas and conclusions I had when I first saw the movie. It really is a masterpiece and quickly became one of my favorite movies.
Great analysis of David Lowery's Green Knight! The film's interpretive deviations from the myth worked so well in elevating the morals and philosophy of the story that I had to rethink my "meh" relationship with the medieval fantasy genre. And the semi-horror expressionistic style of the movie removed some reservations I had with that genre, too.
I just watched the movie. It was visually stunning! And the sound was great too. I kinda want the Green Knight to do ASMR haha. I need to start reading Arthurian legend or at least some retellings to get started.
I've been obsessed with this movie and have been watching all the analyses on youtube, yours is one of the best. Thank you!
Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
It's ok but I will wait for the Green Knight Rises.
“The Green Knight Rises” is going to be AMAZING 😂😂
You go to every show and say the same gay things and hope to get famous..smh..lame life
@@WorldneedsaHug Good idea. Thank you for the advice...
Gimli would be so jealous of that awesome axe
For me it was so clear that the Green Knight let him live. He said "off with your head" while pointing the exit with his finger.
I would say you are so right at many levels. Definitely, the movie is filled with allegory and duality. It is certainly summed up in a "choose your death" and "pick your poison" reality that tends to be glazed over in life for most men "living lives of quiet desperation". The one short-coming that goes glossed over but that I thought the movie explored [quietly] was the "feminine" interplay. Gawain is a male seeking manhood through an honor-task after an impetuous beheading. His mother however tries to invent it for him instead of the reality that men have to find it out for themselves. Life as a rule dictates a man's adventure far less specifically. His mother is a witch and is denounced as such in the movie ... again not an honorable reputation within most stories ... for which Gawain feels the need to defend her, lie about her absence, and for which King Arthur is wilfully blind/ashamed to disavow. The feminine conjures up a adventure for him but then tries to protect him from it ... which is chaotically confusing but so true. Why? Because most of legend has chaos personified as feminine. A topsy, turvy existance of lover but not spouse to his love interest, compassion to bring closure to a raped girl but then seeks satisfaction, he is delivered but then robbed, etc. The feminine chaos then goes so far as to lead him into infidelity with the temptress which he "fails" all over his mother's girdle (the medieval definition) that she made him. It's not until he finally surrenders from all the feminine influence (the mother's sorcery, pursuing the tall nursing women, disobeying the foxy embodiment of being protected, etc.) that he can wilfully go to his death on his own terms. The Green Knight character is frankly mere existence and harsh reality (man vs man, man vs nature, man vs. himself, etc.) that he has to come to terms with and maybe conquer. I don't think the movie makes it clear if he actually lives; I thought the opposite...which soured it for me. However if you survive your sacrifice anew then life becomes more bearable and better for everyone else who looks to you to ascend to kingship. But there is no salvation without sacrifice, and hopefully no kingship without conquest of something as noble as honor.
"Being a scratch on the check or a .... on the throat" the green knight said. I know he also said that he will return back the attack as equal. But for me is up to the green knight. And at the end it makes sense to me when the green knight only put his finger on Gawain neck and said "off with your head"
1:30 Did his mom account for the possibility of another knight of the round table jumping at the opportunity to behead the knight first before her son had a chance of saying "I'll do it"? Then what would she have done? Make the green knight say "no i want that boy to challenge me!"? Lol.
Great analysis of one of the great movies I've seen in years. For me it's the best 'Arthurian' adaptation on screen.
Oh, and at the end the Green Knight says "Off with your head!" with a pause in it. So, what he really says is "Off, with your head." Or am I wrong? :-)
My favorite film of 2021, I dont see anything else topping it, it hit me on a deeper level than expected.
Right? I didn't expect to be as affected by it as I was. I can see "Dune" taking the top spot for me, but not anything else.
I know this video is not new but i just saw the movie on Prime here in Mexico and then i found this explanation, great work and really interesting video, thank you 🙂
MORE MORE videos like this, but also like... more movies like this please? Ones that are worth researching and diving into and watching explainer vids. Loved this video of yours girl! Well researched, thought-out, and articulated. You da best
Thank you so much, girl!! Definitely want to keep doing these, and yes, please more movies that warrant research and deep dives!
Masterpiece it may be but not mainstream nor is it multilayered that many can enjoy at many levels. It focuses on a specific audience almost wholly. Well done for an indie movie that will find a sizeable market globally for many years to come.
saw this at the theater, loved it
My favorite of the year at the moment
Great review, I believe that this journey was a reality check for Gawain, not only was his mother and the Green Knight in on it but I believe Merlin, Author, Gwenivere, and all the Knight were in on it too. That's the reason none of them excepted the challenge , they knew his arrogance and overzealous nature would kick in , especially after the Queen told him to take his place among the Knights. Gawain is the heir aparent to Author's thrown and this quest had to scare him straight to being the man Camelot needed him to be.
Totally agree
I don’t know if we watched a different ending cause in the ending I watched he clearly said go away with your head
Very well said. loved your review, interpretation, and final message. "Personal growth is possible, even if all you do is stumble along the way." Subscribed and more power to you, Mariana.
Excellent video. Just watched this movie today. I bought the 4k Bluray having not seen it due to a feeling that I would like it. The more I got deeper into the movie the more I was entranced by it. The movie is beautiful to watch and hear. A movie I plan to watch again and again. I almost watched this video before the movie but thankful you warned of spoilers so I saw the movie first. Your video was a perfect thing to watch after seeing the movie. What you have taught me about the story and the movie deepens my appreciation for the movie even more.
walking out of the theater, i wasnt quite sure how i felt about the film. after processing it for more than a week, ive decided it gets five out of five foxes
🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊
Love the fox rating!
I didn't particularly like this movie but oddly enough I didn't want to miss a single minute of it. I take it as a sign of it being masterfully directed.
I was genuinely surprised by this movie.
Same here - I didn't expect it to be such an impactful experience
Did nobody else think that the fox was his mother? And the woman who gives him the second sash, if not his mother than a representation of her? That’s my interpretation. She wants him to be a knight, she wants him to succeed - but she wants to do it for him. She gives him the protective sash twice, and if he completes the quest with it on, it won’t truly be his victory - it will be her vicarious victory through him. But this is what overbearing parents inevitably want for their kids - to give them the world while assuming all the risk. Gawain, and indeed every man, must compete the hero’s journey on their own terms.
Hi from Toronto! This movie was great! I enjoyed this video and I am now subscribed!
Thank you! Welcome to my channel ))
Dev Patel is an excellent actor.
Thanks for the explanation Marianna. I missed a lot of details amidst my viewing, but I have much better understanding now.
Great Video, after watching "The Green Knight" I only enjoyed the scenery. but, after watching your detailed explanation and analysis. I now like the story as well. deserved more subscribers! Well Done.
Myth, like religion, is at its core about the transmission of ideas. These ideas may still be understood despite their clothing having changed, the ideas retained though the garb has evolved. Myth is a protective shell that girdles the idea; the idea remains a seed ensconced within that shell, shielded from the ravages of time. I love this simple retelling of this myth. We are shown the ideas, and left to interpret them through our own devices.
But is it better than Krull? Seriously though I can’t wait to see The Green Knight
Haha I hope you love it!
A truly marvelous film. Best of 2021 by a wide margin.
Hi!! 👋
This is quality content I’m happy to Patron 😸⚔️
Thank you, Rob!! Always appreciate your support 😊😊
I like to think Gawain lives. It feels more satisfying that way.
This film not getting a Golden Globe and Oscar Nom is criminal.
Also, the post credit scene at the end was his daughter after he has returned a changed man
I decided to watch this even though it hasn't been released here yet and I'm glad I did. Thanks for another great video, Mariana. Now for the long wait until I get my peepers on this. I'm more interested in The Green Knight than I am in Dune.
YES, you articulated my thoughts exactly and way better than I could have
This was at the top of my list for most anticipated films of the year. I just wish I had enjoyed it more.
Great critique. Saw the movie and I loved it. Beautifully directed and a true cinematic feast for the eyes. I have a deep connection and love for the Green Man. I'll definitely be buying this movie for my private collection.
I LOVE this movie. it's quite possibly my favorite fantasy film...
Great review.
Greetings from Brazil
Good lord, some people got some things out of this-- how refreshing. I've read so much trash on this from people who wanted an entirely different movie. I, too, was expecting something else but I am really pleased that we got this, instead. Greatness. Why is goodness not enough?
Nicely done. Thanks for sharing your insights.
There is a post credit scene which shows Gawain's(?) daughter picking up the crown of Camelot. And a fantastic analysis as always Marianna ❤️
I think this may imply he does survive, allowing him to go on to produce an heir to continue his legacy. Lowery recently did an AMA on Reddit where he basically says that Gawain survived and that the Green Knight's "off with your head" was intended as friendly banter.
Ok, the passion in your voice convinced me to watch this. So, I will go watch it and then come back to finish your review. Thank you
I hope you love the film!
I got chills during the third act haha!
Thanks for this video. The first few seconds inspired me to watch it and the rest of the video helped me understand the film more (never heard of the poem / story before watching the movie). I enjoyed it.
This was a great analysis video! I was somewhat ambivalent about the film after having watched it, but watching your video has helped me to appreciate it more.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the video helpful ))
There’s a post credits scene that hints at Gawain’s fate and future life..
I was so confused at the end when Gawain had that vision or I thought was a magical vision. Over and over I kept replaying it and just thinking on how it related to the whole journey. That part just blocked my whole excitement for the whole film, it really bothered me. My mind feels so free now and am ecstatic. It seemed simple how easy it was shown, but I couldn't see it. I have to watch it again. Thanks for the help. I loved Everything this explanation gave me.
I loved the Green Knight. I was spellbound the entire time!
Same here! An unforgettable film!
Thx for explaining I read different books about it and didn’t understand. The movie helps and your explanation helps a lot
I'm scared... I feel like I'm on the same quest as Gawain right now...😨
I wish this was less about honor. "If you don't live an honorable life you'll be a bad king, you'll have your head lopped off, etc." I prefer a deeper look into why the need to be honorable, or why follow chivalrous code. Kinda like in hariki. I liked when eisel asked, why isn't being good enough? The game is busted, why follow through on a game where the stakes were massively diff for the green knight and gowain?
this movie and "i'm thinking of ending things" are the two that keep my up at night with thoughts late at night..... I love them
but apparently "don't waste your life" is a message that is resonating with me really hard right now.... might need to do some self reflection as too why.
The Kamelot hoodie was a nice touch. ;p
Hehe thank you ))
My interpretation: Up until our last breath we can be redeemed by one honorable choice.
Love this film. Thank you !!!!
Haven’t seen this movie but I hear it’s good
I definitely recommend it ))
Question - When the Green Knight showed up at the Christmas celebration/feast did Gaiwan have to actually behead/“kill” him? I was thinking that he could’ve just barely scratched him with his sword and not beheaded/kill him. I remember King Arthur saying he needed to remember this was a game. A game under most circumstances does not require someone to actually die. I of course, most likely, missed something and didn’t hear everything correctly so I am probably making an incorrect assumption. That’s why I’m asking because you seem to understand this movie a lot better than I did. Thanks!
You've hit the nail on the head, Kathleen! That's exactly the issue. The Green Knight proposes a blow-for-a-blow. Gawaine takes the opportunity to kill an unarmed man so that he can not only take his gorgeous weapon, but to save himself any return-blow later. Gawaine figures: "Instead of punching this much, MUCH bigger man, why don't I just kill him? Then I not only get his ax, but he can't hit me back, later." That's Gawaine's first mistake. He's horrified that the Green Knight didn't die; he's horrified that he's just escalated a joke into a beheading exchange, and he's terrified that he'll have to live up to his promise in a year's time.
Enjoyed the video and the movie, thanks for the explanation of the Green Knight, i will for sure watch it again!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed
Excellent review 👏. Thank you for it.
Thanks for watching!
I thought I was imagining things with the Green Knights face turning into the Lords face for a moment! Oh my god! Thank you!
You’re definitely not imagining it, good catch! I missed it on my first viewing - only caught it on my second.
Great review. Love it! :)
I’m a fan of the poem in various forms. I own two versions in book form; JRR Tolkien’s and Simon Armitage’s more modern, accessible, take. I do prefer the opening offered up in the original poems rather than Lowery’s more somber interpretation. It evokes images of a bright and colourful Camelot in the throes of festive celebrations only to be crashed by the elemental archetype of the Green Knight. Gawain is forced to leave this behind and make an arduous journey in order to keep his side of the bargain. It’s more an allegory about growing up and facing the potential hardships of the greater world at that point. Although quite a well heeled mythological trope, my feeling is that Tolkien was mostly inspired by this and set it as a template for Frodo’s journey out of the Shire.
This is a film I intend to return to over the coming winter months, only I’ll have to wait till my partner goes to bed because she hated it.
Thank you !!! 🤘🤘🤘🍿🎞🎬📽
I enjoyed this movie, and am optimistic that he survives, but I just thought about something...as far as the young girl shown playing with the crown at the very end of the end credits, the girl many people have asserted is Gawain's daughter (that he lived to father later on)....why exactly was the crown laying on the floor in the first place? That is, unless it got there because the head it was sitting on top of fell on the floor first?
I know it was a "dream" or a "vision" that we saw of cowardly, flawed Gawain becoming a king, marrying a noblewoman, seeing his son killed in battle and ultimately having his castle invaded before he removed the green sash and we see his head separate and fall from his body....but now I'm questioning if somehow a similar scenario still ended up playing out later on in Gawain's life (perhaps with much more honorable choices made along the way).
I might be overthinking this, but it struck me as interesting.
Can you do a video for must-watch movies? It's been a while since I watch a great movie like the green knight.
I did a paper on this book in college and got an A. So I turned the same paper into two other classes and got the same grade. But that was a long time ago and did not remember much, except that The Green Knight was a personification of an ancient British vegetation God. But when this movie came out, I felt that I had an obligation to see it.
I liked most of it, but to me, the ending, which was different from the one in the book, did NOT feel right. The whole Gawain's vision of his life back in Camelot was confusing. Like, why is he marrying and impregnating a woman that we already know is a ghost with nobody? I was like "Is this going to be an" it was all in his head" type of sequence? And it was.
But more importantly, is (spoiler alert) the last line. In the book, it ends with the Green knight commending Gawain for becoming an honorable and ethical and brave and etc man. The GK does do not kill him, he gives him a mere scratch on the neck and lets him go back home with his honor and honesty intact.
The movie seemed like it was going to end that way, but then---it didn't. It seemed pretty clear to me that the green knight was going to cut his head all the way off and kill him. This made the whole rest of the movie seem nonsensical. What is the point of gaining maturity and honor and stuff when it is just going to lead to your death. It makes his whole quest seem like nothing more than a suicide mission, in which case it is pointless. The hero's journey is supposed to end with the hero returning home a better man. He isn't supposed to go to all that trouble to die, and then just die. I know that the narrator of this said that it could be interpreted in many ways. I myself don't quite see how.
That said, I have to say that most of the movie was pretty great. So out of five possible stars, I would still give it four.
That's interesting that you weren't into the ending - I actually think it's a more powerful ending than the one the poem offers, especially considering the small changes to the story within the film. I do address what you're talking about with the ending in the video - the point of the journey, the director's comment about the ending not necessarily meaning death, and how whether he dies or not the point is that he made an honorable choice. If you notice, at the end of the film, the Green Knight finally refers to Gawain as "Sir", and he does commend him for taking the girdle off.
Also, it's NOT the same actress playing the young Queen in the vision and St. Winifred - they're just both redheads )) St. Winifred is played by Erin Kellyman, the young Quees is played by Megan Tiernan.
@Opinunate ted I just saw the film last night, and at the very end, like you, it seemed clear to me that the Green Knight indeed intended to actually cut off his head (although it is not shown). However, watching some of these commentary videos in the day after, I am reminded of a few subtle things it seems that I missed, or that possibly could have been interpreted a different way.
For example, the Green Knight apparently scratched Gawain's neck with the tip of his finger when he said, "Now, off with your head". That by itself hypothetically could have been the GK returning the blow in the same location (the neck) as Gawain delivered it, in *theory* the blow did not necessarily have to be returned with the same weapon or instrument (i.e., a sword, or axe) that Gawain had used. Further, keep in mind, that although Gawain had thought he was delivering a fatal blow, the Green Knight obviously did NOT die, so he did NOT receive a *fatal* blow in the first place. If a *non* fatal blow had been delivered initially, a *non* fatal blow could logically be returned to the same place. So...there's that.
Also, if we think about what the Green Knight says to Gawain at the end, "Now, off with your head" , that *could be interpreted as the Green Knight saying he was going to chop off Gawain's head, but, we could also think about it a different way...as in, the Green Knight saying basically, "Now, off *with* your head", or, "Now, *go off with your head* still attached". :)
I know there are differences between the poem and the movie, but I believe the Green Knight's purpose was to *help* Gawain by testing him in various ways, not to trick him into throwing his life away through a "game".
I have to agree with you--although there are different interpretations of this ending, it would seem to me to be rather pointless to go through such a journey with all of this trouble, simply to face a hopeless death, honor or not. I don't know 100% the intent of the director, but I have a feeling the point was not to suggest Gawain would be beheaded at the end by the Green Knight, although some have interpreted it that way.
This is definitely a movie I will be watching again!
@@ImpressionBlend Well, since I wrote that comment, I have read enough comments from different people saying that the last line should not be taken literally, which is how I took it.
By the way, thanks for doing this video. I don't think that anybody not deeply into Athurerian lore could have picked up on all those symbols. Not even a guy who wrote an apparently very good paper on the poem as an undergraduate English lit. student back in the 1980s.
Geck, I missed the part with the giants completely.
@@milascave2 oh, I’m sure as someone who wrote a paper on it you had a lot more to say, and I’m sure there were many of those written on the poem! I loved diving into different interpretations, so if you see something interesting online - let me know, I’d love to read it.
I LOVED THIS MOVIE AND I LOVED THIS VIDEO
Thank you so much!