In this video we breakdown and explain the ending and history lore of David Lowery and Dev Patel's THE GREEN KNIGHT
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Dark Knight > Green Knight. I said what I said. So what did you think of THE GREEN KNIGHT? Check out my other Sci-Fi & Fantasy videos here: kzhead.info/channel/PLY9KJ1cFVs7iajBX4Ibg6jaCAH1eIuSgd.html
I didn’t even know until after but there is an after credit scene
Chocolate milk is better than Silent Hill 4: The Room.
Agreed. The trilogy peaked with BB.
The Green Knight is King Arthur. In the final scene he touches his nephew’s face in the same lovingly, fatherly manner he did after the one year had passed by. It’s clearly him it’s in the eyes and everything else already mentioned confirms it. King Arthur and his sister, Sir Gawain’s mother, are working together in order to turn Sir Gawain into an honorable knight and worthy of the Crown. She is not plotting against her brother. Sir Gawain is also metaphorically “The Green Knight” because he is “green” meaning an unproven knight.
Probably the only movie I think that needs narration. I just watched it and had no idea what was going on. Just one event after another. The only bit that made sense was the recap of what might happen.
The annoying part of this is in the beginning when the king mentioned "it was just a game ". Gawain went ahead and beheaded the green knight, when all he had to do was land a blow. Knowing that in a year he would have to endure the same blow, as well as seeing the knight kneel and not defend himself. A simple cut on the cheek would have sufficed for the game. Having no honor gawain beheaded a defenseless knight instead. Which leads me to believe his only path to redemption was to die honorably.
I understand its not an action film but does this have a dark souls feel to it in any way?
@@tweeztweet287 Not really. The look of the Green Knight certainly does but I think that's where the comparison would end. Dark Souls is very dark and gothic, where as I think a lot of this film is very colorful, given the importance of nature.
The fact that Gawain decided to lop off the head was a note to his character. This is a beautifully done character study. His youth and ambition were displayed by "killing" the green knight as he did thought he found a way out of the game until the green knight picked up his own head. Then throughout the year, he was constantly reminded that his fate was sealed. The journey then shows more of his character, using the title of knight when it suited him, denying it when he thought it was saving him. It wasn't until the very end where he finally acted honorably, his supposed vaunted goal and aspiration... The cut to black at the end I feel was great, leaving the audience wondering and thinking about what they just saw. It is rare in films nowadays, which makes it impact full when done right. This reminds me of the way Focus Features was in the 2000's.
As others have said, the key to loving the movie is the post credits scene. It reveals the green knight was testing him “it was all a game” to make him into a man. To stop fearing death and become a knight. You see he has a daughter after the credits playing with his crown. He lives and becomes a good king.
@@xMoDzProductions that’s annoying. My fiancé and I left to hash out the movie because it was so confusing. I would have not thought to stay for post credit scenes.
He rather stand on the shoulder’s of giants than be one himself.
sheeeeeeeeeesh
Bro! 💯
Wow! I was wondering about that one! Good job sir!
You kind of explain the whole movie.
Excellent observation!
King Arthur was going to proclaim Gawain as the next king. However, to make sure he was worthy, he had a test/game setup with Gawain's mother. The test measures wit and honor. Gawain fails both tests while not only doing the dishonorable deed of striking down a defenseless knight but also showing he lacks wit by cutting off his head, when the same will be done to him a year later. That is why King Arthur looks away in shame and his mother takes off her blindfold in shock.
It was baffling when all the knights began to applaud Gawain upon executing the GK. Any true knight would find this act revolting.
@@abefroman7393 I suppose it shows that a sense of honor is not as common in people as perhaps we'd hope.
And he is given a second chance a year later...
I think the vacant chair at the king's right was where the accepted heir would have been, but he is absent with no prospect of his return. So the king, the queen and Morgana must look to Gawain to be the heir. Otherwise when the king dies the knights will war with one another to wear the crown. But Gawain is a zilch. He must be elevated in standing in the eyes of the court. Enter the Green Knight. The knights are thrilled Gawain prevailed. They figure he'll be dead in a year and out of the way.
I love the small gestures throughout the movie about the quest being a 'game.' When King Arthur says it's just a game, but then when Gawain questions whether or not the challenge is real, Arthur simply responds with "I don't know." The part with Winifred is also interesting: Gawain asks her if she's 'real or a spirit,' and she retorts with "Does it matter?" To me, those small moments seemed to express the idea that it doesn't matter whether Gawain's quest is real, in his reality or ours, because what's important are the ideals and symbols that are represented within his quest. It made me think about other stories, games and movies in real life. We value the ideals and actions, whether real or not, of good characters, and sometimes bad characters, regardless if it's just a 'game,' a movie or a story in a book.
Doesn’t the ghost girl say “whats the difference?”
@@Bennieboy918 It was more like "What difference does it make?" iirc In either case, the same sentiment is being expressed: it doesn't matter if she's real or not.
Why did King Arthur say it was a game if he didn’t know whether or not it was real? If he knew and was being coy why remind him it’s only a game at all?
@@BlindBison Because as his days were coming to an end (we see that in the flash forward in the end) and Gawain was the heir to the throne as his nephew, the whole quest was probably his idea. He asks Gawain's mother to create this "game" because he was spoiled and wanted to teach him a lesson. For example, when he asks Gawain to sit next to him coincidentally that same day the Green Knight is conjured, and King Arthur's wife says that he WILL have a tale to tell, meaning that they are both in on the game. Also, when Gawain comes back covered in mud after the fight at the brothel, King Arthur is seen discussing something with his mother, probably about the journey, and then goes on to comfort Gawain. Now why he was reminding him it was a game, I'm not sure.
@@rghl5617 interesting thanks!
In the original story the Green Knight swings but stops short and only scratches his neck. The challenge wasn’t a duel either, it was a exchange of single blows. Im pretty sure the Green Knight and the Lord were the same person as well.
I just got back from seeing it but that explains the mark on his neck in one of the middle scenes! Seeing as time isn't linear in the movie it would make sense that he would have a scar there despire the lack of battle scenes.
That's the version I read. Except the Green Knight actually did swing but because he'd kept his word about giving the lord everything he received in the house except a kiss he'd gotten from the lord's wife, the blow only left a single scar to remind him to keep his word COMPLETELY. The whole thing was a test of honor which he passed almost flawlessly despite his temptations.
Yes, in the original story the Green Knight was the Lord.
@@codo820 It was actually the green sash that Gawen did not give the lord until the final blow was to be given.
And I don’t feel like the original story made Gawin seem like a “bad knight”. He just wasn’t the best, and the moral of the story was that it’s ok to not be perfectly knightly, as long as your truly trying.
I feel like the "off with you head" at the end is clearly done in a loving and joking way by the Green Knight. He even puts his finger to Gawain's throat in a slicing motion and then smiles lovingly. I feel like that would be pretty bizarre to then cut off Gawain's head right after the credits roll. They end on the highest emotional note.
This was my exact thought too and it frustrates me that a large majority think he is actually beheaded, but I get that its supposed to appear as a subjective ending.
Yes it fits the original story more too. This movie is 100x better if you know the original story. Especially the "flashback of the future" part, that was a real twist if you expected the small cut as it is in the original!
Yes it seemed like the Lord actually cared for Gawain and probably knew him by visiting King Arthurs court. Probably saw him as a boy growing up sometimes. Doesn't he say something to Gawain along the lines of...don't you know me?, or haven't you seen me?....its something like that hinting at familiarity, that he should know his face. Oh.....unless he just means it in a jesting way because he is The Green knight, and Gawain has seen his face the year before. Hnn. Maybe it is both? The lord/green knight should be close with Arthur [as he is in on the game], so I'm assuming that his fondness for arthur extends to his newphew too. Hence lovingly touching his cheek, like Arthur does.
@Quinten stroud There's an end credits scene that hints what actually happens.
right like im just... what?!? since that time im already accepting he's dead...
When the Green Knight enters the Throne Room, there´s this very brief scene of Merlin casting a spell, analysing the Knight´s magic (i suppose) and then shaking his head at Arthur. I interpret this gesture as Merlin telling Arthur that the Green Knight isn´t an actual threat and that everything will be alright. What i think happens after the "off with your head" line, is that Gawain accepts his fate, doesn´t flinch and is eventually spared to return to Camelot, now a worthy heir. The girl in the post-credit scene is most likely his and Essels daughter, further highlighting that the actual course of events was different from Gawains nightmarish vision ... With regards to him ending up decapitated after all: The Bandits, Winifred, the Lord, his Wife and the old Lady, even the Knight himself were all either incarnations of Gawains mother or manifestations of her magic. I believe Gawain is never even close to being in danger throughout the entire movie, let alone having his head chopped off in the end. But why cut to black after the "off with your head" line? I believe this works cleverly on the films meta-level. The entire plot was a test of character, depending very specifically on the certainty (!) of Gawains demise. Or in other words, your demise, since the movie puts you in his shoes. Revealing the protagonists survival canonically would be the exact point, where the tale forever stops to function as a test. I believe Gawain did survive, but to keep the tale timeless, it´s illusion of danger must never be destroyed. Neither for Gawain, while he´s experiencing it and neither for you, as you follow his journey (or whenever you decide to come back to it).
One of the best takes I've read on that decision of the movie, it totally makes sense.
wow this actually makes a lot more sense now after hearing what you said. Man, you're smart.
deep
This is very good
Thank you, everyone. I loved the movie so much and I'm truly glad that you guys are also thinking about it, doing research, trying to make sense of it, like I do myself. Have a nice evening/day/morning, wherever you are! =)
I thought the final line of "off with your head" was SO well placed. It can be interpreted as a joke but also as metaphor for Gawain finally dropping his ego, the idea of himself that he has conjured up over his life and his journey.
We all die.
The acting/ set design/ music etc is probably the best I've seen all year. However, I can't see myself watching this again. I did enjoy your breakdown though as it helped clear some things up for me.
You said it perfectly Abraham, I agree!
@@williamyoung9874 k
Perfect response. I felt the same way.
Interesting. It keeps growing in my mind. I HAVE to see it again!
@@kimbarnes825 what do you mean by k
On the surface the movie is about becoming honorable, at a deeper level yes the green knight represents nature, and the fact that death catches up to everyone in the end. That we are all running away subconciously from the fact that one day we will in fact have to face our own mortality. It is only upon complete surrender to nature/death that we can live a pure life.
Perfect analysis
Beautiful interpretation
The shortest and best prayer is Fuck It. Releasing yourself to the universe and living (however short) honestly.
Nailed it!
You just made up bullshit. I truly hate how your movie nerds just take anything out of your ass literally re-create nothing into something it kind of pisses me off as a film scholar
The Green Knight holds Gawain's face at the end like several other characters that cared about him. He also made the same gesture that Essel made earlier while saying 'off with your head'. Which suggests it was just a game all along.
I actually smiled and felt very happy at that ending, it felt victorious. The way the Green Knight said "Well done my knight" with so much proud praise combined with how gentle he made that slicing motion with his fingers on his neck while amicably saying "Off with your head" makes me think he only meant it in a metaphorical sense. Like the Green Knight meant off with head of Gawain's bad ego or bad self. Because if he did slice off his head, then that would make the entire movie and Gawain's journey very pointless. Why do this much to change a man into his most honorable self, only to kill him in the end? Doesn't make sense. He's not even just an ordinary man. He was King Arthur's nephew. Plus if you think about it, didn't Gawain's mother summoned the Green Knight? What if his mother did this because she knew that Green Knight can change his son for the better?
I don’t think he dies in the end. GK says “Off, with your head,” as in “leave with your head still on your shoulders”
Exactly and the tone he said it in made it seem playful, not in a sinister way but that he actually passed the test and can live his life.
Off with your head is what the red queen says when she orders someone beheaded. And while the tone is laughing I do not hear playful but scornful. Why is Gawain now honorable? Everything he has done up to this point is dishonorable. The green knight told him at dinner the night before. One act doesn't make you honorable.
@@robertblume2951 we can disagree on what redeems a person or makes them honorable, but Gawain did what he was told and showed up a year later, ready to receive the same blow that he had given to the green knight. Through Gawains vision of the future, he realizes that he must accept this fate and remove the false sense of security he thought could protect him (the green girdle). It would not make sense for him to die after having this realization as this was not the green knights purpose of the “game”. It was all orchestrated so Gawain could prove himself to be a true knight of courage and bravery.
@@brandonnakao7441 but he dodged the blow twice so no he didn't show up ready to recieve the same blow, the sash wasn't false, and the 2 days before while staying at the green knights house he failed to keep his bargain with the green Knight and slept with his wife. And the green knights game was not a test of Gawain but of the virtue of king Arthur's knights in general and Gawain's actions in the film as a whole was his test which he fails.
@@robertblume2951 I can’t answer that for you 🤷♂️ There’s deep wisdom in the GK and his decision not to behead Gawain.
Going by the actual story King Arthur was right when he said it’s all a game. A game setup by his half sister and Gawain mother. The game was setup to test Arthur’s knights. The green knight is actually the lord of the castle disguised by magic which isn’t shown in the movie.
It does show it, you just have to put two and two together. It was said in the movie "The Green Knight is someone you know" and then the thing where he was to give the king what he earns in the castle, so when Gaiwan gives the green cloth to the Green Knight I was like "ohhhh" -- I didn't even know anything about the fable so, yes, the movie spelled it out.
Not really. "The game" or rather the whole magic thing attached to The Green Knight was conjured by Nimue, the lady of the lake, possibly following Merlin's order.
I actually have a theory that they changed it to make Arthur the Green Knight when we see him in the chapel. He wipes Gawain's face the same way Arthur did and calls him "My brave knight." Additionally, Arthur tells Gawain that it's just a game, and he talks to Morgan at Gawain's house before the journey. That, added to Winifred telling Gawain that the Green Knight is someone he knows when he is yet to meet the lord makes me think there might be some weight to that idea.
did anyone else notice, or atleast i perceived it to be, arthurs face in the green knights face while Gawain is waiting for the green knight to wake up? It was suuuper subtle but i swear i saw it!
@@mylesmixon5078 He's his brave knight because traditionally in the story the Lord is the Green Knight, and he is just as much a prisoner of La Fey's sorcery, until Gawain frees him, Gawain is the Lord's friend and savior for completing the quest.
You missed one last detail. If you watch the credits to the very end, you see Gawain's daughter playing with the king's crown. This means he didn't die, returned home, got married, had a child and either took up the crown or likely refused it since he's not wearing it. I believe this means he chose to be a knight. I also believe the Green knight is a representation of growth/new life ( you see this at the begin of the spell to conjure the Green Knight. A small green sapling growing; Gawain beginning his journey of growth). The green knight also represents the ideal of everything Gawain wanted to be or could become Courageous, strong, honorable, powerful and nearly impervious to harm.
The end montage of Gawain aging is exactly why Patel is the greatest actor of the generation for me. For all the people that were shitting on him and this movie for his casting, he literally silenced all haters. You see such emptiness in his eyes before he removes the sash as the castle is collapsing. It’s a fucking beautiful shot. I really hope he wins or gets nominated for an Oscar. And David Lowery just proved he’s a legendary filmmaker. The film may seem “pointless” at first but if you truly view it, it’s a masterpiece. Call me crazy, but I viewed this film twice and the second time was even better. Just a beautifully told story
Dude, this was a solid rewatch for me. If ever there was an oscarworthy performance, this was it. Patel nailed it.
The knight told him he would deliver a blow in return, whether it be a scratch or beheading. When he sees Gawain chose honor and death over cowardice and life he knows Gawain has earned his honor and delivers a scratch instead of a beheading blow. It's never too late to change toward honor.
What do you mean scratch?
@@MatthewPacheco the deal was they would each take one blow. He didn't need to behead the green knight. At the end it sounds like in the original story, the knight stops and barely scratches him instead of decapitating him
They leave it open so that the viewer can chose their own ending. But in the original cut they had him beheaded and dead. But the test audiences didn't like seeing Gawain killed at the end.
@@TFHDeathUA33 I wonder if that cut will be included on DVD when the film is released? I do like the theatrical ending that we saw, however.
But i mean come on. He failed all the tests and succeeded only in one and that's it he's worthy of being a king !?
Overly Sarcastic Productions did a great video on this. In the myth, Gwain is basically the runt of the knights. He's in no way really special like say Lancelot. But despite all the challenges he faces and even in the face of certain death, he keeps going and maintains his honor. When the knight swings the axe, it barely taps him and the knight says "ah well, that's that. GG buddy" The point of the story is to say that even if you aren't the greatest. staying humble and doing your best is enough.
Wow, NONE Of that is accurate. Hi, medieval scholar here.
@@tigerpournelle1020 how close to the myth was the movie?
@@tigerpournelle1020 That's usually when the person who retorts the original poster provides refuting evidence, but alas people will upvote this to the top and recreate history.
A bit of an oversimplification. In the story he does take the blow from the green knight, but he does so while still wearing the protective sash, which compromises his chivalry. The knight leaves him with the scratch as a testament to his lack of faith. Rather than hide from it, however, Gawain wears the sash for the remainder of his life as a reminder of his failure. It is his recognition of his shortcomings that ultimately makes him honorable.
@@dannydesperado9211 Thank you Yes I guess it was a bit shortened and simplified after all
In medieval literature, green is used to also represent rebirth so in a sense you can say it represents our protagonist being reborn free of his fear/denial of fate. I love the line that green knight says when asked “Is that it?” and the GK just plainly responds “what else would there be?”. It cements that Gawain thought he’d be handed his achievement, as if just reaching the destination was enough to get what he wanted, but finally accepting his deal and therefore his fate turned him into the knight he’d been looking to become.
Arthur: "Remember, it's just a game" I feel like the third interpretation makes the most sense. The mother being very disappointed with her son cast the spell to summon the Green Knight, and later we see her presence monitoring her son's progress as the older woman and possibly the fox as well. In the end, it was all just a game to teach her son the values of an honorable man.
There is also a shadow of her face can be seen on Green Knight face, when he woke up
While I watched it interpreted as him failing these tests. Then choosing to die with honor instead of living as a fraud. And I think of the green knight as some ultimate spirit guide or something that she summoned. But his mom created the game to help him. I think the old woman in that house and the fox were also being used by his mom. And his mom kept saying do not waste this. So I believe the game was more so about him earning his honor, and he went on to live.
Great analysis. Admittedly, I was a little disappointed with the lack of closure. I would've preferred the traditional happy ending. I felt like they definitely needed to explain things a little bit more too. There were certain parts that could've been made more clear, such as the lord actually being the green knight or who the old woman actually was. My wife was really confused when he kissed Gaiwan. I can see people not understanding what the heck is going on if you didn't know the actual story beforehand. I also wasn't a fan of the "jizz on the hand" scene. I'm not a prude by any means, but god that was super unnecessary and pointless. Being said, I adored this film. I had been waiting for this film for over a year to come out and the waiting was killing me! Every single scene was visually stunning, unique, and intriguing. It had a unique style that was super refreshing compared to the usual crap that keeps spewing out of Hollywood. A24 nailed this movie! One thing I want to discuss though... WARNING: MASSIVE SPOILER BELOW 👇 WHY TF did the green knight HAVE to say "now off with your head" at the end? Why was that necessary? I hate when they leave endings up to interpretation. After ALL of that personal growth and EVERYTHING he went through, they had to imply that he might get his head chopped off anyways? What would the point be? What value would this add? How is it a "game" if he's destined to lose? What does the Green Knight gain from this anyways? He has to live. It would be downright retarded and a massive waste of time if he died.
@@nightshadehelis9821 Especially when it feels like it was clearly supposed to be a reference to Alice in Wonderland's Queen
@@nightshadehelis9821 because it is an anti ‘heroes journey’. He does nothing and overcomes nothing except for the end but in the end it still means nothing because he dies anyways. It’s not fun to watch but it’s intentional.
if thats your actual name its pretty cool
Except if she created this game for him why was she surprised when he told her he had accepted the challenge and only them did she make his magic sash?
This explains a lot: "Foxes are often seen as tricksters, spirit guides, and symbols of the afterlife."
I studied the original story back in school when I was 14. The original tale stated that Gawain kept the belt on and its magic protected him from The Green Knight's axe, leaving a small cut on the back of his neck. The Green Knight then reveals himself to be The Lord who he'd stayed with before getting to The Green Chapel, stating he'd had no intention of killing Gawain, but struck him as punishment for not surrendering the belt. It is a lot more simple in the original myth, leaving out many of the details of his journey itself, being more akin to the original tales of King Arther as if they were being told to children. Addmitedly that wouldn't have been very cinematic, so we understand why they added all that stuff. I'm likely one of the few people who saw this movie knowing the context of the original tale, and honestly it was underwhelming. It is such an underrated tale, with the only reference that I know of being an episode of Adventure Time, where Finn's birthday celebration is interrupted by a mysterious Green Knight, wielding an axe, presenting a challenge to the hero. Thinking basically, the tale is about Honour. Will Gawain honour the challenge? Will he cheat or lie or run away? Or will he come out a better man? Everything else kinda made it confusing and the fakeout ending was rough. The performances and visuals were fantastic, don't get me wrong, but the story was just so long and drawn out for such a short tale.
This was an amazing interpretation. I've seen some other KZheadrs really fail at understanding what the themes of this movie were, and I think you hit the nail on the head. In interviews, David Lowery has alluded to an alternate ending he originally edited, where we ultimately do see Gawain beheaded by TKG. I'm thankful for the ability to interpret it, like you + the original poem state.
Just got out of the theater and finished a reading of a Reddit thread which shared a lot of these points. Nice work with the video. Helps makes it make sense.
Yoooo watch my green knight review BRAH
Too similar
It’s a shame these other people had to tell how amazing this boring ass movie is. Bad directing. Great review
Best film of the year so far, I see oscars coming
Word
I fell in love with this movie, I have a deep love for king Arthur but know little to nothing of the knights of the round table, I did a deep dive on other knights and although A24 doesn't do sequels I would love for more tales told in this universe.
The critics got this one right. Its a masterpiece. I understand why people didn't like it but I think its because they weren't paying attention. Your 3rd interpretation is very good and the one I'd prefer to go with.
I also interpreted the scene with the giants as a metaphor for him not appreciating his fore fathers when he asks for a ride on his shoulder “if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants “
It is important to remember the original poem which this film is adapting, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," and it is also important to read to gain a better understanding of David Lowery's adaptation, to which I am seeing a lack of textual familiarity stating that the "moral" of the story is that you can maintain being humble, to never lie, etc. These are great readings! However, they are not readings that are mainly tossed about by scholars. Firstly, we need to talk about the girdle that Gawain receives from Lady Bertilak. In the poem, Gawain receives a girdle from Lady Bertilak, "I shall give you my girdle; you gain less thereby[...] For the man that possesses this piece of silk , if he bore it on his body, belted about, There is no hand under heaven that could hew him down" (1829-53). Upon entering the green chapel to fulfill the Green Knight's and Gawain's deal, Gawain keeps the girdle on his person, "belted about", up until the axe scratches his neck. This prevents Gawain from dying, however Gawain returns to King Arthur in shame. There are scholars that suggest the poem is a criticism against knighthood. Why or how? The girdle, during the medieval period, was typically worn by women-- aristocratic or otherwise. Gawain, by having this feminine piece on his person, returns to King Arthur, which is noted and becomes a symbol/coat arms/ etc. for knights. Thus, developing the saying that still presides over the British royal family, > that is, "Shame to those who think ill of it." Further, during the medieval period, knights were not honorable as we look back at them. They rarely ever fought in wars. In wars, it was peasants who mostly fought the battles while knights receive honor through jousting, servicing their queen, etc. This in context, adds more to the criticism against what it means to be a knight. Basically, so it is suggested by some scholars, that the original author, whoever they may be, was poking fun at knights. This does not happen in the film. Instead, Gawain, as we know, removes the girdle from his person to which the Green Knight responds as he does that Think Story reads as a joke, and some of us in these comments as a joke. But I do not think that the film suggests any open end-edness as Think Story believes et al. If we maintain the historical context briefly while also giving those who put work into this film some credit which they may not even deserve, we find that Gawain will die. How? Firstly, the girdle is one that, as supported by the poem and the film, will protect our knight from any harm. As we know, the girdle was removed, thus stripping any protection from Gawain. Secondly, during the medieval period, a lot deals, punishments, laws, and so forth were recorded orally. One's oath was to be taken quite seriously. Consequences would arise if one did not follow their oral oath like, for example, having their tongue cut off! Sir Gawain's and the Green Knight's deal was done orally, thus, binding both of them to fulfill the deal's conclusion. However, without the girdle, (film) Gawain will receive the same blow that he delivered to the Green Knight without cheating his way out of it (as he did in the poem). The film also speaks of destiny, a common trope leading up to the medieval period with characters from Oedipus to Everyman. One cannot escape their destiny, which this film repeatedly has suggested. But, Lowery twists the ending as he did with other themes. Instead of Gawain surviving as he did in the poem, he more than likely dies in this film's adaptation because of the destiny he himself had sewn once orally binding himself to the Green Knight's game. But my arguments and readings have several caveats and several counter arguments. (1) The post scene credit of the girl picking up the crown; (2) The supposed foreshadowing of Gawain's head blazing. If we keep these readings as true, I have one question: "Why or how does Gawain survive without the girdle?" One can suggest that the Green Knight was, in a sense, proud of Gawain for stripping himself of the girdle. But this is not what was prescribed in the game! Rather, as the Green Knight itself states, "What else ought there be?" The rules were simple, that the poem's Green Knight and the film's Green Knight both laid out. That stated, the ending at the Green Chapel in this adaptation is not open to interpretation that one thinks, at least I believe. Scholars like J.A. Burrows suggest (for the poem), to which I agree with, that the meeting with the Green Knight is one showcasing the sacrament of confession while also displaying last judgement. Theologically speaking, Gawain's secular confession is not good enough, one that is a cheat or lie. Because of this, Gawain must be punished. My personal reading of the film: I briefly argue that Lowery was attempting to criticize us, the audience, and our treatment against nature. Throughout the film, we see humans mistreating nature. Moreover, we witness the Green Knight to be a prominent figure made of wood and vines, as his axe gives life to cold stone of laid upon it. Most notably, in Gawain's adventure, we witness a mass deforestation occurring. I believe Lowery was making a statement here: Like Anonymous, we are the knights Lowery is criticizing. And his caricature of the Green Knight being nature itself as a Reaction towards humanity's action is subtle but important to regard. (Bound to be edited/revised. Please, respond!)
Well...You're explanation of what the meaning of the movie was sure makes more sense then what most, including myself, think about the poem. I did notice the massive amounts of effort to show off destruction of forests. I didn't really think much of it because I just had the poem in mind, but now that you mention it, even the Lady the castles speech makes more sense in that context. I don't disagree with your theory on the movies meaning. It does seem like there was some sort of message about being better to nature.
I liked it when he cut off the spooky knights head but the knight picked it back up
@@4scot623 lmfaoooo!!! You read that essay of a comment and just had this to say? Priceless
I think your commentary is great! But one thing I'm surprised you didn't mention is Gawain's mother and her role in summoning The Green Knight - what do you think her role represents in the narrative context of the movie? To me, because she is the instigator I feel like the whole point of the film was to help show Gawain that he can be better, despite his previous shortcomings and thus he does not die at the end of the film.
@@technojunkie123 Hello! Thank you for your lovely reply. I believe that Gawain's mother, Morgan le Fay, conjured a creature (the Green Knight) that has agency, autonomy, etc. In short, it is not Morgan le Fay who controls the Green Knight, it is the Green Knight itself that is autonomous-- much like ourselves as human beings! And so, this is a possible risk in the film that Morgan le Fay bears upon herself: That she conjures up a creature to aid her son to become honorable, yet at the risk that things can go very badly. And they do! As we see Morgan le Fay slowly strip the blindfold off her face when the Green Knight departs from the first Christmas (with his head decapitated), we see a woman whose face is expressing regret, remorse, and anxiety. This is why she became the fox. Being no longer in control of the Green Knight, she could at least be something she can control and still aid (or attempt to aid) her son, Gawain. "You're doom is at hand[...]" (paraphrase) Morgan le Fay as the fox says to her son. "Come home with me," she finally demands before Gawain swings his axe. Her role is of one thing: To use witchcraft to aid her son Gawain. But, her aid falls short because she underestimates her son and his cowardice, when he cowardly chops off the knight's head. Hope this helps!
Another thing I noticed is when The Green Knight said "Off with your head" he put his finger on Gawain and quickly sort of traced/flicked him, possibly implying that his blow that he will deliver will just be a scratch.
Doesn't make sense though. The letter clearly read that he will return what was given to him.
@@julia-xd8vo maybe it’s symbolic for the death of the person he once was.
@@buschtrout1499 That's a good idea. But if it's still a chop to the head ...
The Green Knight already delivered the blow... in Gawain's mind. Gawain, in his fear, lived an entire worthless life until finally dying. He has received as much of a psychological blow, as he delivered in the form of an physical blow to the Green Knight. What's that old saying: "A coward dies a thousand times but a brave man needs die only once."
@@olavops1000 Damn dude well said.
I too just finished watching it and was perplexed by the entire notion of chivalry is not dead, Gawin played by Dev Patel is the reflection of a man without virtues, everything he can become is never attempted by him, and everything he mustn't he entertains, the ending I'd say was conflicting because I really wanted him to die and be remembered only for his heroics. Because our life is finite but its memory is endless.. Great Movie for thought provoking introspection.. 🙏
This show was absolutely spell-bounding. One of the most intriguing films I’ve watched. Do yourself a favour and take 2 hours to watch it without distraction and you won’t regret it.
You must be someone who enjoys every bit of the Batwomen series
@@yoshimitsu8643 You must be someone who thinks people care what you think. If you don’t like the movie make your own post saying so or leave.
@@yoshimitsu8643 You could also consider the possibility that you're not quite bright enough to enjoy something a little more complex than your usual action flick.
It is indeed a movie that makes you sit to watch it to the end, curious of what will happen eventually. The story line and script are amazing. Indeed intriguing.
I took the “off with your head” line more him meaning he gets to leave his facial features change just slightly enough to an almost smile of proudness in the fact that he in the year he gave him couldn’t find a single virtue but in the moment that mattered found courage
It was a trippy film. The "bad ending" really through me for a loop because I knew the story. It was great seeing them flashback to the original interpretation. I would have love to see them actually do the normal ending. The axe comes down, leaving but a scratch, and Gawain is redeemed. We see too many horrible people these days it's actually refreshing to see someone who has the virtue of a knight.
I feel as though we do see Gawain's virtue shine in the end, albeit more subtly. It isn't as pretty or neat of an ending as the poem, sure-- but even whilst quivering beneath the Green Knight, Gawain does the honorable thing and tosses the enchanted sash. And when the Green Knight kneels down with a soft, almost kindly expression and says "Then off with your head," he emphasizes that line with a playful finger stroke across Gawain's neck, thus returning the blow Gawain gave him a year ago. It gets the same point across as the Green Knight leaving a nick on his neck, in my opinion.
I really enjoyed the complexity of this movie and small details. Lowry really went in depth with the story and I love it. This film might be the best of 2021 so far.
Thank you for this concise interpretation! The more I learn what others thought about this movie, the more I enjoy it myself.
Well considering that the movie doesn’t explain the end of the story, guess I’ll say it. The green knight doesn’t kill him, he just nick him in the neck and tells him that’s it. The tale is about doing your best despite not being perfect.
Well thats the original story. The movie is different and we don't exactly know.
The "Original" has a bunch of different versions. Most of the "Canon" versions people use come from le Morte d'Arthur. The only thing I dislike in the movie is that Lord Bertilak kisses Gawain once when in the poem Gawain Kisses him Six times.
THE ONLY REASON THERE IS A SCENE OF HIM TAKING OFF THE SASH BEFORE THE GREEN KNIGHT CHOPPED HIS HEAD OFF, IS TO TELL YOU "THE LORD" IS THE GREEN KNIGHT. . WITHOUT THE LORD ACTUALLY TELLING YOU "IM THE GREEN KNIGHT".
@@domcolliermusic6390 what? I can't hear you, did you say something.
I had a couple of takeaways from the movie, but the biggest one was that they didn't explore his time at the manor of the Lord as much as they did in the poem because that is where the most development was to happen for Gawain. I understand the decision they made in the film, but I also cannot help but wonder if it was a missed opportunity. I enjoyed the movie and it's a good retelling and adaption of the poem, but I also cannot help but feel personally disapointed as to why they did not do more with him at the manor other than screen time, which they replaced with his reflection as to what he would be as a man without honor when he became King. It was poignant and I will not take that away. Between the movie and the "original text", it amounts to the same moral as to what a Knight should be and Gawain's journey of becoming a Knight and a better man. I just can't say I agree with some of their directional choice, which were just two in my opinion.
I loved this movie. Such high production value in a film that requires contemplation by the viewer instead of hand feeding them its story and message. It's a fantastic supervision of expectations for a typical heros journey myth done in a masterful way. It's a slow burn but one I will definitely watch again.
So did I.
This makes so much sense. I did figure out what his life would be like if he ran. Thank you posting
I think "off with your head" is a sort of reminder that no matter how soon or how postponed Gawain's death is--he eventually does die. And it only matters how he meets his death and whether he's measured up to some standard (i.e. a life worthy of being told in story) by the time he does lose his head.
Ok so let me get this straight. Gawain wasn’t supposed to chop the Green Knights off in the first place, right? That’s why Arthur said it was a game. It was all a test or an attempt to mock the knights of Arthur’s court to see if they really lived up to their reputation. If anything, Gawain was supposed to just give him a little love tap with the edge of his sword or maybe just in the worst case, a tiny cut. Because a good Knight wouldn’t just murder somebody like that. Or at least, that’s what I’m gathering from the whole thing. I could be wrong.
That’s what I gathered from it too. When he beheads the green knight Arthur winces and sighs indicating that he had failed the test. He wanted instant glory and fame for vanquishing the green knight and reveled in it for a year learning nothing from the test.
I was thinking that Gawain probably thought that if he cut the green knights head off, that would be the end of it. He never expected the knight to get up and leave. At least that's what I gathered when I read about the original story of the green knight. Although I think I read a different version. Sir Tristan and the Green Giant I think.
If he hadn’t beheaded the Green Knight, he wouldn’t have received the fame / adoration he receives through the next year. Think about the puppet show they put on while honoring the event, they focused solely on the beheading. How good of a story would it have been if he had just nicked him? He would have gained no great fame. Arthur was 100% correct, and Gawain absolutely shouldn’t have chopped his head off, but he also put himself in a no-win scenario by volunteering for the game. He wanted to be one of the Great Knights so bad, and he would not attain that status through anything less than beheading the Green Knight.
@@grantglavin1950 that was probably his thought process, yes, though the actual knights didn't become knights because they were trying to get fame and glory. Lots of their stories focus on them being kind and wise and merciful when they could be violent, and they are revered and considered above other men for it. But Gawain didn't understand it, wasn't wise enough yet and wanted a "one honourable deed deal" direct line to being a knight, which goes against their very essence
You're right. The whole movie is a visual depiction of a Knights journey and test
I really wish I watched this before going into the film blind, it really needs context for it to be an enjoyable film imo. if not, it just feels like watching someone go on a trippy quest.
The movie needs to be seen, thought about and seen again. And again 20 years from now.
Read the original stories.
You know I was like "eh" when this movie ended, after watching this video explain the movie I felt bad for my reaction not realizing how deep it really was, and felt dumb for not interpreting half of what the story tries to tell, and just like that this actually became one of my favorite movies.
Wow I am so glad you explained this out, now I truly appreciate this movie for what it is instead of thinking it was just another beautifully shot weirdo artsy film.
Huge theme to help viewing experience: the protective love of a mother to her son and the pain involved with severing that cord. Fox is his mom (obvious) or at least her protective spirit. The giants are female, one his holding a baby. Their song mimics the protective fox’s howl. It’s a bittersweet tune that the giants seem to recognize because they understand the motherly love of the fox.
He removes the protective cord around him, like a babe discarding his umbilical cord...
This doesnt have much significance, but with the five knightly virtues, there was also Queen Gwen's blessing. 'May your five fingers be strong, may your five senses be sharp, etc."
Epic movie Well made Dev Patel sets a bar higher for himself with this one The movie is artistic , music is well made The direction is fresh and top notch All the artist are of a very skilled nature Loved the movie Will be my all time favourites to watch with friends and when on a date
your take on it is pretty sound. i saw it the other evening and thought it was brilliant. a mature and amazingly crafted version of a classic middle ages tale. dark and beautiful
Thank you thank you thank you! I was so confused throughout this movie and the ending left me saying "What?!". Your explanation makes more sense. I kinda guessed that the quest was to help me change his ways (a scared straight sort of thing) but I didn't understand what the interlude part of the movie was for either. It was visually beautiful, I will give it that.
In the original Medieval folklore, the Green Knight chastises Gawain for flinching then he was protected by the sash for the 2nd swing. He has to bear a small scar from where the blow landed and carry the green sash with him as a sign of his mistake. It's likely that the 3rd suggested ending is the intended ending. Edit: Also the Green Knight was supposedly the Lord disguised by the magic of his sorceress who turns out to be Morgan Le Fay i.e. the blindfolded woman in the background you mentioned. (in the folklore)
You are right. And, there is a brief after credits scene that gives weight to the 3rd suggested ending
@Funk Boii that's what i said bruv edit: joel edgerton is casted as "the lord"
@@jasonlevine8651 what happened in the after credit scene. Just went and saw the movie but didn’t think there would be one so I let
Literally was like "what the fuck." Audibly, like 3 times. 🤣 Friends were like "it's aight Probably never watching again." It somehow crept its way into my thoughts every day since we saw it. I love high fantasy stuff and hadn't watched a movie in a long time. After watching the trailer about 100 times, I expected there to be some crazy action nstuff. So when we left the theatre I felt a little bit disappointed, but at the same time I felt like I had just gone through something. x) and I was into it the whole time too! So I wasn't really sure if I actually dug it or not. That scene in the middle of the night after he falls asleep and he sees the Green Knight just staring at him for a looooong time and it just doesn't cut away from him. Maaaan that shot really stuck with me for some reason. It felt like I was RIGHT THERE! and then I just thought about the other stuff that happens more and more. And there is some fucked up shit in there I feel. Just trying to make sense of it! Like did I even really like the movie? What the heck did I watch? Went into a trailer post's comment section and everyone was shitting on it. My other friend who saw it because of his girlfriend also thought it was shit. I'm just like "dang.". And now! after watching this and kinda making more sense of it, I can more comfortably say that I fucking dug it! lololol Hell. yeah. I'm subscribing.👍 pog
I’m exactly the same minus the friends… I’ve never heard this story because we have other stories that are told in my country so this was never popular. I love books so might as well dig a little deeper.
I hate how nowadays everyone thinks a movie is boring if it doesn't have mindless action in it the entire time.
@@ziinx5899 Well, when a trailer advertises it that way, it's understandable.
You nailed the interpretation, I think the last scene where he saw old Essel and reflected on his life, finally woke him up.
Considering that "The Sword and the Stone" (which spun off a tetralogy known as "The Once and Future King") was written in 1938, I would say adapting Arthurian lore has become somewhat of a tradition. No, The Green Knight is not a pure rendition of the poem in film form, but it's a damn good take and works well with modern context. It took me a little bit to digest this film and make an opinion of it, but I loved it and I will be talking about it for years to come.
I hadn’t heard of the poem until after I watched the movie. It would have helped me appreciate the story much more, even with just noticing the differences. I did enjoy the visuals and score and acting. Now knowing the original story I like the movie more but also feel like it would have benefited more from a slightly more straightforward ending. Not knowing the material, you assume he died at the end, despite it not being shown. Knowing the story makes me believe he survived and went back a changed man. Also I like the idea of redemption in this story. While he fails at every turn, he in the end makes it right with one decision, passing one test. Sometimes it feels all our failures are staked higher than our triumphs. But just one triumph at the right time can undo many failures of the past.
This is not true. Actions have consequences and some can't be made amends for. He agreed to death and only his death will meet the requirements of his duel and he has done nothing to deserve mercy. He took off the sash so what? He still slept with the man's wife, reneged on his promise to give him the sash and book and cowardly ran away from the blow twice. Why would a pagan nature God have mercy for that? Besides the fox told him there was no mercy for him at the green chapel.
@@robertblume2951 if i follow your logic, why does the pagan nature God care if he dies or not? Why would the green knight care if he bangs a cheating wife? Why would the green knight care if he didn't return the book and sash? In fact, how would the green knight even know any of those things? The green knight doesn't give a damn about all that, he is just playing a game. Merlin read the situation right from the start. That's start. That's why Arthur and his mom even encourages him to go on the quest because it's a game.
@@bern9642 because the green knight is the Edgerton character. They even show you his face morphing into Edgerton's. Also the game is a curse meant to hurt the court. The green knight offers his head to be cut off to show the courts lack of the knightly virtue of mercy. By cutting off his head instead of offering a smaller wound Gawain shows his lack of mercy and establishes the rules of the following blow.
@@robertblume2951 I know of the poem and the original story that goes with it. That's the version where he is the Lord. If the green knight is that character, then he lets Gawain leave. He isn't trying to kill Gawain, he's trying to teach him a lesson about honor. There is nothing about him that shows he the green knight is a pagan god, or that he wants to curse anyone or that he has any quarrel with Gawain or king Arthur's court. Additionally we see Gawain's daughter in the post credits.
The Green Knight is the most thought provoking film I have seen in quite some time. Brilliant piece of film making!
For me, choosing the interpretation that he did in fact “get what he gave” makes the movie so much more powerful. Not in a justice sense but because he CHOSE his fate after seeing what his life would be if he went home. It takes so much more courage to die honorably than to live dishonorably.
Love the channel!! Keep up the awesome content
I thought it was very good, and well crafted. Also enjoyed the more open-ended ending.
I absolutely loved this explanation. I was quite lost watching this 3 different times trying to put my own understanding on this film but thank you for helping me understand this better.
I saw the Fox as his mother. Following him to protect and guide him. At the end when the Fox tries to convince him he has nothing to prove I assumed that was his mother speaking. I also missed his mother summoning the Green Knight and saw that as more of a prediction to come. Kind of like an oracle vs a mage. She did give him the original sash which I saw as preventing his death, but could be interpreted as giving him the choice for courage. Nice break down!
I loved the poem as a kid. Very mystical and dark but with a straightforward ending, namely Gawain who was the purest, is not perfect and he must seek redemption from his fellow knights upon his return. Here, Lowry gives us the opposite, a corrupted Gawain that must become chivalrous by suffering through his journey, along with a more ambiguous ending. What’s clear is that Gawain has grown into the knight he sought to be. I like this retelling. Was the Green Knight joking when he said “off with your head”? I’d like to say yes because that’s a nicer ending. But as the movie is somewhat skeptical of chivalry (aka showing the reality of the battlefield Gawain passes through), might Lowry have intended for us to reflect on the nihilistic theme of “it doesn’t matter”. He may have ended up dead because he made the original mistake of not playing it like a game. He could have just nicked the Green Knight but he went for glory and failed. Either way it’s been a week and I’m still thinking about it. That makes it a good movie to me.
The Green Knight was actually Joel Edgerton's character in the classic tale, but then again he only accepts a kiss from "the lady" in the tale. On top of that, Gawain isn't a whoring sleazeball in the classic tale either. In fact, the only test he fails is that of the girdle (sash, whatever you wanna call it), which is EXACTLY the same as the film. He only accepts kisses from the lady (so as not to offend her) along with the sash and never caves to her seduction. The knight swings near Gawain twice, before only grazing him with the axe on the third blow, which the Knight says is for his deception regarding the girdle, then revealing himself as The Lord which so graciously allowed Gawain to stay in his castle (having been turned into the green knight by a crone, who is also revealed to be Morgan Le Fay). Having passed and also failed his test, Gawain wears the color green along with the girdle to remind himself and others of his one failure. Just some fun facts for those who may be unfamiliar. The tale is actually about recognizing one's mistakes and flaws being just as important as living a noble/honorable existence.
Beautiful allegory in both poem and film! I love it! Even if the movie changes things up, it still tells a tale to be learned.
Lord Bertilak and Gawain kiss six times in the original. They sort of cut that out in the movie.
@@seawind930 I feel like five kisses would have been more poignant, given there are five points to the pentagram, which is his sigil and the five virtues of a knight.
@@mikesmith542 It would have been neat in the movie, but it was the number of kisses he got over three days increases by one each day and on the final day he gives him the three kisses instead of giving him the Sash the Lady gives him.
@@seawind930 exactly! One the first day, two the second, and three the third! Each of which he returns to the Lord (sometimes called Bertilak) as he promised to share "whatever he earned" in the castle while the lord would exchange his kill from the hunt each day.
To be fair that one coin that he gave that trickster kid probably could’ve bought 10 loaf of bread
The fact that I haven't seen a single online discourse of this mention Last Temptation of Christ is astounding
This is already a favorite movie of mine. Was awesome to see in theaters too. This breakdown and explanation was also really helpful.
This video helped my enjoyment of the movie. I’ve been hyped for this movie this whole year and left a little deflated. There was more A24 than LOTR than I was expecting. That’s on me, I should’ve known. Through this videos explanation I’ve looked at things more fondly and want to go back for a rewatch.
Same
The visuals and story along with the acting was top notch, the pace was the primary nemesis. I loved the ending where Gawain imagines what if and when the Green Knight said Well Done Sir, I smiled because a Knight can make a Knight besides a King. Therefore was this a test to see if he succeeds and is knighted by the Green Knight
Thanks for that summary. This completely different to the original green knight poem. In that story the green knight is the king and consort of the lady in the castle but enchanted by Morgan Le Fay. The king goes hunting for each of three days and leaves Gawain with his wife in the castle. The understanding is the king will give Gawain his hunting trophies each day and Gawain gives the king kisses obtained from the king's wife. On the third day the queen also gives Gawain the magic girdle which can protect his life but Gawain does not mention that to the king. So Gawain goes to the green chapel with his girdle on and accepts the axe blow from the green knight. On the first swing Gawain flinches and gets a slight cut on his neck and not dying from the second swing dances away preparing to defend himself, but the green knight stands back and laughs and explains he is really the king and is well aware of the magic girdle. Gawain is ashamed of his duplicity and wears a girdle to remind him of his moral downfall for the rest of his life. No alternative endings in the poem (or talking foxes and giants)
Something I loved about this movie is that The Green Knight and The Lord are two completely different characters, they aren’t the same as in the poem/book. Always found the lord to be a bit of a creep. This makes the green Knight much more mysterious and cooler.
Thanks for this ending explained. Sometimes a vague ending can be a cop out, but in this movie I think it works. 💜
My initial impression, before watching this video, was that this film was trying to challenge the perception of heroic myths. (Keep in mind im not as familiar with arthurian legend) We see Gawain, who isn't a very heroic figure, be challenged in the ways you would see a typical mythical figure be forced to undergo, and each time his attempts are either revealed to be pathetic, are subverted, or are undercut. When he fights the Green Knight, it's not a battle - its gawain taking a cheap shot in order to win. When asked to help a fair maiden, he doesn't do it out of genuine kindness or compassion and expects a reward, even when there is no difficulty in the task he is trying to accomplish. When he gets robbed he doesn't even put up a fight. At the end, Gawain fails in his mission, a mission mind you, that was completely unnecessary and benefitted no one. Yet when he returns he claims victory and is treated as a hero, even if nothing he did was particularly heroic. I think the movie was trying to consider the idea that heroes of myth we so often romanticise at the end of the day are just human - and to expect them to perform legendary feats is in of itself a form of wish fulfilment that can be harmful. We can end up idolising and expecting more of people than they are capable of. And this can be dangerous - especially if in the end all that ends up happening is a knight getting his head cut off. If we consider what the Green Knight actually is - "Rot" as the film describes it - then I think its a fitting metaphor for Gawain himself. As he meets test after test, he constantly fails, gets worn down, and rots over time. At the end of the film, he is the green knight.
I absolutely love the original poem (well, the adaptation into modern English by Simon Armitage) It is just perfect. I feel like there was no need to change anything for the movie. That being said, the production design (both audio/visual) was phenomenal and helped me (somewhat) accept this alternate take.
I wanted to see where the giants were going
The giants were a hallucination because he ate the weird mushrooms
Nah, we see this is a pretty magical world, The world of Arthur and Camelot and Morgan La Fay. But we also are bombarded with constant ruins, Arthur is an old and dying king, chivalry is not what it once was. I think the Giants are real and they are going away forever.
Yoooo watch my green knight review BRAH
@@Mr_Cinematic it’s probably trash since you have to promote in other reviews comment section
@@kevindecker4803 must be
My interpretation of the ending was that he realized he just didn’t have it in him and rage quit. Good flick, I liked it
Thats what i thought too, but this guy said he lived at the end, Im confused.
@@irmdog the green knight also thought he was being brave.
The ending surprised me!! I'm 100% sure Gawain didn't die and this was all a test by the GK. I'm totally in love with this movie!
Absolutely spot-on interpretation of both the legend, and the way the film seeks to depict the legend.
Anyone else notice the burning tower in the background during the Gawain introduction scene??
Lots of things in this movie just seem to appear without first noticing, and that was the first one I noticed too. When he was a skeleton on the ground, a beetle suddenly appear, and when he was walking there was a whale skeleton and in it, a bear eventually moves, appearing etc. I wonder what else I might have missed. Very curious to see it again
I think the scene was made to show Gawain's selfishness - while simple man managed to save the woman and took the sword to investigate the situation, the one who's meant to become a knight gives in to pleasure and hedonism.
The movie theatre in my town isn’t showing this movie. I’ll come back and watch after I’ve gone to see it.
It’s bad don’t waste your time
Don’t
David Lowery painted this movie. This was aesthetic as art.
I think the ending indicates consistent themes we see from Gawain --- youth/immaturity, ambition and impetuosity. None of the mature, experienced knights accepts the GK's challenge. Gawain sees this as short circuit to full knighthood. Ambition, immaturity and impetuosity. His mother tells him not to waste the next year --- but he's shown drinking and carousing with his buds. Irresponsibility. I agree with Think Story that Gawain failed in the knightly virtues. However, I don't think he gains honor in the end. When shown his post GK life, he sees sorrow and pain. He becomes a sad, defeated king abandoned by his people. He rejects these burdens of leadership. Irresponsibility. Gawain knows he doesn't want to go out like that. Gawain knows he becomes a legend by not returning to court. Choosing death allows him to remain the young, brave, vanished defender of Arthur's court. People will think he died, but also think he died for a noble cause. In my opinion, his ambition, impetuosity, immaturity and irresponsibility drove him to accept the GK's blade.
In my opinion the Green Knight was Arthur and the entire quest was a ploy by both Arthur and Morganna. In the beginning Arthur says how he regrets never having a hand in helping raise Gawain and knowing that his health is failing him and Gawain being his heir that's why I think he decided to give his nephew a bit tough love. Gawain was shown all his flaws and he was broken down to his core and that was the choice he finally had to make to give up all the protections he had been given and become his own man facing the consequences of his actions or remain a child protected by those around him.
I'm almost positive the Green Knight lets Gawain go at the end, because 1) Mom (Morgan le Fay) was pissed at her son for lacking ambition, but probably didn't want him dead, just learn a lesson 2) in the original story, the Green Knight forgives Gawain, just leaves him with a scar, and that seems like where it was going Liked the movie overall. Could have used a bit of editing (maybe 10-20 minutes less) and the score was loud- distracting at times. Silence in the woods is scarier
The secret ending confirmed that he lived.
@@pcgamer881 With the girl at the end playing with the crown?
@@dexm2010 yeah she was his daughter
One part I loved was A Meeting with Saint Winifred. The time the movie takes place would run concurrent with Winifred being martyred, but it feels like she hasn't been canonized yet, and no one knows of her. So the fact that the chapter title names her as a Saint creates this sense that we really are looking back in time through the lens of mythology. I find something about that so haunting.
Thanks for clearing it up
Just Returned to the theater for the first time in years to see it. Loved the movie and I’m okay with with either of those 3 endings
Also, the post-credits scene shows a little girl picking up the king's crown and wearing it; she has been theorized to be either Arthur's daughter, Grega, OR (More likely) Gawain's daughter
Glad I missed that
I knew that he was only seeing his life if he had run away, but when he took the scarf off and his head came off... that was a total surprise. Saved the ending for me.
Thanks for this! Well explained
Hold on hold on, when he goes to the house with the hunter and the seductive wife, she gives him a book, not the green belt thing that basically makes him invincible, she manifests the green belt when she asks if he believed in magic. The book she gives him was just a gift.
He was supposed to have given both to the lord
Caught the 12:15 show today. Great film. First one I’ve seen since “The Rise of Skywalker”. So glad I have a newer memory of the theater now 😆🤘
Watched mine at 19:30. First movie I see on the theaters since around March of last year. Here's to a swift end to the plague years.
@@olavops1000 Touché
Great stuff, thanks. Subscribed.
Thx for this thorough explanation! :-)
I subscribe to a theory I like to call: "The Two Gawains Theory" In it, it basically says that Gawain has this same quest twice. The first time, he fails far worse, eventually goes to the Chapel, but then cowers and over time becomes the Green Knight. This would especially explain the interactions with Winifred, who claims that her assaulter could be him (in which the first version was literally the assaulter), but would also explains her claiming that Gawain knows the Green Knight. Yes, the Green Knight has certainly mannerisms of Arthur, but even Arthur himself makes it clear that he does not really know Gawain... Besides, who does Gawain (the selfish) know better than himself? It also explains both the color green of the Knight, but also an odd physical detail. Maybe it is just me, but Gawain and the Green Knight have the same facial hair. It is literally perfect. (Weird point to make, but it is an odd choice in detail to not be important.) But the hue itself... green. One way the color may be seen is in avarice. Though this word is usually associated with money, it is a generalization of greed. Gawain spends the whole film doing anything, even accepting sexual advances, to keep the sash... which grants that he may take no harm. His fear of death draws him to running away in the vision near the end of the film. Green also is seen to depict cycles of life (the growth of nature, the death of nature), such as the newly sprouting trees or the decaying carcasses of those who perished on a battlefield. Either way, there is a strong correlation that could (please understand this is my wild theory 😜) link green with Gawain's fear of death. Finally, I want to talk about the ending, which got me considering this in the first place. That iconic "Up" style, basically no dialogue scene where Gawain runs off and watches everybody around him die so that he can have everything he wants (power, the role of a King, invincibility). What if this is the Green Knight's origin? What if this was the first Gawain? The one who violated Winifred, the one who fled, the one who kept the sash? This could also explain the gesture. Before the Green Knight says, "Off with his head," he gently puts his hand against Gawain's face. I understand that it could be Arthur, or it could be the Lord of the Castle, but for the sake of this theory, this gesture could still be Gawain. Yes, it could discredit this fun argument, but Gawain does know this gesture well as a sign of good luck and fortune. So, if the Green Knight were a version of Gawain, then of course he would know this gesture well (others have done it to him). Besides that, this gesture is intimate and kind, as if showing a sense of pride in the other. If the Green Knight were the first Gawain, then perhaps seeing the second Gawain (the one we follow for the majority of the film) reject what became the first Gawain's undoing made him proud... as if the cycle of his fear and pride and selfishness would finally be broken... Edit: Though they are most likely hallucinations, in the world of Camelot and its magical elements, it is also possible that even the mushrooms were projecting visions of what Gawain could become if he followed his greedy, fearful heart. Once he eats them, he sees himself being covered by moss and grass, similar to what happens on trees. The Green Knight undoubtedly is a complete overgrowth of tree and grass and moss, as well. (Though this could also just project Gawain's fear of dying, as carcasses rot away and are consumed by the Earth... or still just hallucinations.) Lots of love to anybody who actually read all of this! 🧡
I love this! One of the questions I still had was Gawain's exact connection with Winnifred so this could really explain it. In a world where he wasn't in a quest trying to act like a knight maybe Gawain really would violate and behead her without a second thought on the consequences
@@justlola417 Thank you! I am honestly surprised anybody took the time to read all of this. 😅
I love the speculation this movie is getting. Really cool theory!
best set of theories I've read so far. Well done, my knight.. haha
@@berraloks Thank you, sir. *takes a knee*
I was waiting for the Green night to say, "I am Groot!"
Probably the best breakdown I've heard
I thought from the vision at the end it was showing that the Green Knight was doing a great mercy by killing Gawain and preventing his rule of ruin, and his death would make him remembered fondly as a legend
This take! I thought the openness of the ending made the point that either he left having grown (because growth is making right decisions where you previously did wrong), or, he chose death and became a hero by confronting the true villain of the movie - himself - and saving others from him.
I agree with everything he says. I just watched the movie and was kinda disappointed at first because it was dragging so long. But after I started putting it all together in the car ride home I came up with the same conclusion. He was tested multiple times throughout and failed miserably until the end. Even when the green knight looked up at him a day or two before he moved it was a test to see if he would wait for his fate. Pretty good movie overall. Just had some really slow spots that would have normally had me sleeping in the theater
What did you make of the very end of the movie where his little daughter picks up his crown from the ground and puts it on?
EXACTLY..!! What about that..!?? Will she be the next “Fu*k up..?” 😖☹️😵
He doesnt have a daughter at the end of the movie
@@beneathawell I think they mean the vision of his future.
I take that as confirmation that Gawain lives, and goes home a proper knight. He succeeds his father, becomes king, marries honorably, and has a daughter who will succeed him in turn.
Best explanation by far!