There has been a sudden awakening to films that transport us back in time and give us a good understanding of how far human civilization has advanced. For the longest time, epic, historical films were reduced to little more than shallow sword fights. They depict a grim picture of by-the-sword societies of the past. An era filled with grand vistas, palace intrigue, and plenty of romance would always be fascinating to see.
The historical epic Medieval by Petr Jákl looks to be a hit with fans of biopics and grand historical pictures. The plot revolves around the early years of the legendary Czech warlord Jan Ika of Trocnov, who destroyed troops of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire. Ika, one of only seven generals in history to never lose a battle, oversaw a force of courageous mercenaries that sent shivers down the spines of the most powerful Kings in Europe. The movie gives further light on how his religious views and political ambitions overlap while a building romance with an unusual hostage. He is seen in history as a man of honor driven by high moral principles.
The Medieval performance from the Czech Republic, written and directed by Petr Jákl (Ghoul), will center on the turbulent days before to the Hussite Wars (1419–1434). To learn all we currently know about Medieval, including the cast, release date, and trailer, check out this guide.
Watch the Trailer for Medieval
The first line of the movie sets the tone for most of what to expect from the rest of the movie: “Power, dictatorship, Violence; Europe is embroiled in war, plague, and starvation.” Lord Boresh (Michael Caine) recruits Jan Zizka (Ben Foster) to assist in the abduction of Lady Katherine, Lord Rosenberg’s fiancée, from France. The French retaliate against this move by sending an entire army to find Katherine. Zizka and Katherine fall in love while they are in custody, which causes a sequence of emotional interactions that further complicates issues.
When Will Medieval be Released?
On September 9, 2022, a restricted theatrical run of Medieval will begin. Additionally, it is expected to be available on VOD on October 31, 2022.
What is Medieval About?
Before the Hussite Wars, in 1402, Hussite commander Jan Ika of Trocnov emerges in opposition of the rapacious impunity of the power-hungry, greedy aristocrat Henry III of Rosenberg. Medieval follows Ika’s early childhood. All hell breaks loose on Ika and his group of mercenaries after he is hired to kidnap Lady Katherine (fiancee of Rosenberg and niece of the King of France).
Here is the official synopsis:
Inspired by the true story of Jan Žižka, one of the greatest warriors in history. After the death of its reigning emperor, the Holy Roman Empire is plummeting into chaos while feuding brothers King Wenceslas of Czech and King Sigismund of Hungary battled for control of the empty throne. Daring and righteous mercenary leader Jan Zizka (Ben Foster) is hired by Lord Boresh (Michael Caine) to kidnap the powerful Lord Rosenberg’s (Til Schweiger) fiancée, Lady Katherine (Sophie Lowe), to prevent Rosenberg’s rise to power alongside the corrupt King Sigismund.
Inspired by the real-life exploits of one of history’s greatest fighters, Jan Ika. The Holy Roman Empire is in disarray following the death of its current emperor as rival brothers King Wenceslas of the Czech Republic and King Sigismund of Hungary fight for control of the vacant throne. Lord Boresh (Michael Caine) hires brave and honorable mercenary leader Jan Zizka (Ben Foster) to kidnap Lord Rosenberg’s (Til Schweiger) fiancée, Lady Katherine (Sophie Lowe), in order to stop Rosenberg’s ascent to power with the dishonest King Sigismund.
Kings, in Jan’s opinion, are God’s right hand and ought to be revered and obeyed at all costs. Jan falls in love with Katherine when she is entangled in a risky political game between the kings because of her bravery and commitment to save the populace. He fights back with a rebel army in a valiant effort to free her, taking on the rampant corruption, greed, and betrayal among those vying for control. Jan has come to understand that his love for Lady Katherine will determine the fate of the Empire and that his fate is not in the hands of the Kings, but rather his own people.
Who is Playing Who In Medieval?
Ben Foster will play Jan Ika in a Czech production with a global cast. He played Tanner Howard in Hell or High Water and Warren Worthington III in X-Men: The Last Stand, respectively. The Program, Leave No Trace, and Lone Survivor are a few of his other filmography credits. Lord Henry III of Rosenberg will be portrayed by Til Schweiger. In the love story New Year’s Eve, the German actor portrayed James Schwab. Additionally, he had appearances in Muppets Most Wanted, Head Full of Honey, and The Three Musketeers. Lady Catherine is portrayed by The Slap actor Sophie Lowe.
In Once Upon a Time in Wonderland on ABC (Rake Season 6), Lowe portrayed Alice. The Butterfly Tree, Above Suspicion, and The Returned are a few of her more filmography credits. Lord Bore, King Wenceslaus IV’s right-hand man, will be portrayed by Michael Caine. In his more than six decades of professional accomplishment, Caine has been honored with two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In the Dark Knight trilogy by Christopher Nolan, he portrayed Alfred Pennyworth.
Roland Mller, Matthew Goode, William Moseley, Karel Roden, and Werner Daehn are other cast members.
