Review of Ironclad (2011) by Ricardo Martín P — 23 Nov 2017

A great movie. More than just battle porn, although the marketing team didn't seem to understand that.

Giamatti plays the sublimely wrathful King John, asserting the divine right of kings with ruthless violence. A believable and compelling figure, not a stock villain. Purefoy is excellent as the disillusioned Templar Thomas, who has returned from the pointless slaughter of the Crusades unsure who he is, but very sure of his sword. After John has the tongue cut out of Thomas' spiritual mentor, a pious old man attempting to make peace, it's on. Kate Mara plays the ravishing princess, withering on the vine of a sexless marriage to an old fool, who is determined to show Thomas that she is "not a sin." Overall, a compelling and historically realistic drama, with important political and spiritual undertones.