Histoire du Naissance d'un des plus grands guerriers de l'histoire médiévale
The eagerly anticipated film "Medieval," also known as *Warrior of God* in some regions, is set to take audiences on a journey through the tumultuous times of 15th-century Bohemia, as it portrays the early life of Jan Žižka, a revered Czech military hero.
Directed by Petr Jakl, a renowned Czech filmmaker, the movie marks a significant milestone as the most expensive film ever produced in the Czech Republic. Jakl, who began his film career as an actor and stuntman, has collaborated with acclaimed actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Nicholas Cage, and Vin Diesel, and has worked on films like "Joan of Arc" and "xXx."
"Medieval" offers a historically grounded yet dramatically intense portrayal, focusing on Žižka's evolution from a mercenary loyal to king and God into a populist leader of a peasant army inspired by the religious and social turmoil of his time. The film aims to reflect key events in Žižka's life, such as his military leadership during the Hussite Wars and the political intrigues surrounding King Wenceslas IV's reign.
The film also delves into the broader context of Jan Hus's religious reform movement, which Žižka supported—a precursor to the Protestant Reformation. The portrayal is noted for its brutal, visceral depiction of medieval warfare and politics, capturing the era's harsh realities.
However, the film has been described as "brutal," "byzantine," and "strangely uninvolving," suggesting that while it captures the atmosphere and battles of the period, the complex political and religious nuances might be difficult to fully grasp without background knowledge. A historian with decades of experience in medieval European history found the political plotlines in the film hard to follow but acknowledged the film’s thematic focus on freedom and revolutionary ideas tied to Žižka’s legacy.
"Medieval" is set during Žižka's youth before the Hussite Wars and offers a modern retelling of his story, focusing on a period when he was an outlaw and a mercenary. The film was shot on location in the Czech Republic and other places for 56 days, with scenes filmed in and around castles such as Orlik, Krivoklat, Zvikov, Kokorin, and Tocnik, as well as near Dolsky Mlyn in Switzerland and on Prague's Charles Bridge.
The film is a testament to the beauty of the Czech Republic, aiming to connect it to a major moment in its history. Europe was experiencing warfare, crop failure, famine, and the Black Death at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, and the film provides a vivid portrayal of this turbulent era.
In a notable scene, Jan Zhořelecký frees King Wenceslaus from imprisonment in Wildberg Castle in Upper Austria in 1394. The film's political intrigue and epic battles are a testament to Jakl's ability to bring history to life in an engaging and visually stunning manner.
For fans of historical epics and those interested in Czech history, "Medieval" promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10901456/ [2] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/medieval-review-1235150437/
Although "Medieval" offers a gripping portrayal of Jan Žižka's life, it delves into the European leagues of football might find it challenging to grasp, as it explores the complex political and religious nuances of 15th-century Bohemia. However, for those passionate about sports like football or intrigued by the history of the premier-league of medieval warfare, this film promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
