When the Briton warrior Tristan (James Franco) is wounded in battle and left for dead, he is found by the compassionate Irish princess Isolde (Sophia Myles). A love blossoms between them, yet all seems lost when Isolde is betrothed to King Marke (Rufus Sewell), Tristan's King and foster Father. But could these two lovers ever truly be together when their countries are gripped by a terrible war for power and freedom?
This is the original Romeo and Juliet, and the inspiration for Shakespeare's famous play. Without asking a historian it is impossible to say whether the lives and Tristan and Isolde were real, but the story does make for an enjoyable film. The cinematography is beautiful to behold and the editing is as stunning as the story is classic. Of course when the story is punctuated by thrilling battle scenes and sword fighting warriors, then it can only be seen as gravy.
That being said there is a flaw in the film. Although the cast is punctuated by numerous famous faces (counting Mark Strong, David O'Hara and Bronagh Gallagher) the acting is not as equal as it should be. Sewell and Strong do give good performances, but the rest of the cast range from having very little to say. I can not put my finger on it, but there is something about the relationship portrayed by Franco and Myles that just doesn't seem believable - they lacked some necessary screen chemistry.
All in All though, one can not say that Tristan and Isolde is a bad film, it is certainly an enjoyable experience. Though is one is looking for tremendous acting, find the Shakespearean company and have them do Romeo and Juliet: just as good.
