Ironclad (2011)

A medieval blood-bath, from director Jonathon English, starring Paul Giamatti as the inglorious King John who seeks revenge against England, after the land barons forced him to sign the magna carta, giving away a lot of his power.

During the battle between land barons and the crown, the Knights Templar were used as fierce warriors against the King’s Men. However, once the King was defeated, and forced to sign the magna carta (which gave basic rights to every citizen), the Knights Templar became a useless entity. That was until King John began his ruthless search for all of those who conspired against him, including the Knights, who were also viciously hunted.

In the film, King John enlists the help of Romanian troops to help restore “order” to his Kingdom, as he goes on a violent rampage across England, killing all the land owners and any other traitors. There is only one hope for the freedom of the English people, a small group of men, including a Templar, who manage to seize Rochester Castle, which is the last bastion of hope for the rebellion. If King John is able to take the castle, his troops and influence will be able to spread across the land like wildfire.

It is a story of David versus Goliath, an underdog tale, but one that has more in common with a film like 300. Though their number are small, the rebellion has the benefit of location: Rochester Castle is a fortress, built to withstand the mightiest of attacks. Also, just like 300, the men are trained killers, and not some band of fist fighters. Unfortunately, the film takes a few too many similarities from 300, including the outrageously comical gore. The blood-splattering frenzy begins early on in the film, and doesn’t ever let up. People are spliced in half, blood rushes from bodies, and at one point, a man is hurled from a catapult into the side of the castle (that bit was quite funny).

The film is a decent ye olde English tale, with lots of battles and blood. Don’t expect any realism or any deeper meaning, but rather a movie that gives you a simple story, plenty of fighting, and enough blood and guts to swing an iron mace at.