Any reccomendations for epic Medieval/Renaissance era action films?

[Lionello]

Heya all,

I was wondering if anybody knew of any other series or movies such as the classic "The Lord of the Rings" series, or a newer series called "The Pillars of the Earth" which I found viewing for free on Netflix <---- I highly reccomend The Pillars of the Earth!

By Renaissance Era style of films, I'm talking about epic movies where battles are fought with sword, big two handed weapons, and bows with archers. (And of course wizards/mages if the series is geared toward that!) I really do enjoy these genre styled movies, but yet I am reluctant to find too many of them out there. A good Renaissance or Medieval style film always captivates the lifestyle that I wish I could go back in time to visit, perhaps not the constant bloodshed in battle, but castles, fair maidens, chivalry, opulent wealth and treasures, kings and knights- and last of all: A nice cozy warm tavern where you can lodge for the night safely during your travels. At said tavern you would be given a HUGE hunk of bread and a large stout ale to drink before heading to your quarters to sleep for the night.

All movies/series/tv shows closely related to this is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your input and time reading this,

-Lionello

[haxartus]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758790/ This one is more like a drama. It doesn't show that many battles but it shows a lot of historical events that happen during that time period (1509-1547). Also, I think I've seen guns in it, so if you want battles with swords it's not for you.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384766/ This one speaks for itself.
Both shows display quite well the both time periods. You seem to enjoy the Hollywood's fantasy about "kings and knights", but these shows tend to be a lot more realistic.
They are nothing compared to the reality tho, because the truth will be too much even for Shwotme/HBO to show. Their viewers won't be able to handle it. So you might reconsider your wish to go back in time to visit them.

[Deleted]

I can also recommend starz Spartacus, although it doesn't quite fit your description. In also more of a Antique setting and semi-realistic (well, not really, but lots of sex and violence.

Then there is "Legend of the Seeker" which is an adaption of "The Wizards first rule". It's a classic fantasy show, a bit along the lines of early Xena, but it takes itself rather seriously which means it can come across rather cheesy. I still think this might be as close to what you're looking for was there is.

There was also a British TV Show adaption of "Robin Hood". It was semi-serious with a pinch of salt, as you would expect form a British show. But it was really fun and quite thrilling. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/robin-hood

HBO is also in the process of filming "The Game of Thrones" adaption. Similar to Pillars of Earth it's an adaption of a popular book, called something like "Ice and Fire". While it's a Fantasy story, strictly speaking, it too is supposed to be quite realistic.


If you're into movies, then there's obviously more choices: The recent adaption of Robin Hood, with Russel Crowe should be along those lines. Then there is Gladiator, a real classic and of course Braveheart, another classic. There was also quite a recent fantasy movie with Shawn Bean playing a Knight of some kind during the time pf the PEST. Forgot what it was called though.

[haxartus]

HBO is also in the process of filming "The Game of Thrones" adaption. Similar to Pillars of Earth it's an adaption of a popular book, called something like "Ice and Fire". While it's a Fantasy story, strictly speaking, it too is supposed to be quite realistic.

It's Song of Ice and Fire. And I don't think it will be like the books. The people won't like it when terrible things start to happen to the main characters. It might be dark enough tho.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MophfvUlfI

[Andunae]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082348/ - Excalibur ****
Showing it's age a little now, but in all honesty I still find it more 'realistic' than most modern gore filled battle scenes etc. Don't expect too much virtue in this imagination of Arthur Pendragon however.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096446/ - Willow *****
Family style fantasy, but effing god damn awesome all the same.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077869/ - The Lord of the Rings (lesser known animated version) ****
Was filmed in LiveAction, then over-layed with water colours, oil and acrylic paints to give a very unique visual style. Worth watching

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020558/ - Centurion ***
Hack'n'Slash Roman escapade. Engaging enough though.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083951/ - The Flight of Dragons (animated) ****
Childhood favourite of mine. You won't find a more chivalrous Knight than Sir Orrin Neville-Smythe.

Also would have suggested Legend of the Seeker for light hearted (Hercules / Xena style) fantasy and Spartacus: Blood and Sand for a simply visceral watch.
Hope you find something you like.

[saberon]

Merlin, perhaps?

[Karot]

Kingdom of Heaven has to be one of my favorites with this theme. It's epic, it's pretty long, directed by Ridley Scott, and has a kickass Director's Cut DVD. There's also Ben-Hur, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Braveheart.