Directed by:
Veith von FürstenbergCinematography:
Jacques SteynCast:
Christoph Waltz, Antonia Preser, Peter Firth, Leigh Lawson, Vladek Sheybal, Kurt Raab, Walo Lüönd, Molly von FürstenbergPlots(1)
A true lost treasure from the twilight years of New German Cinema – when it was still shining so brightly that not all shades and hues could be seen with equal clarity. Well 'lost', among enthusiasts of Arthurian fiction, the film always held a special place for being arguably the most faithful cinematic retelling of this mediaeval Celtic legend. It was also one of the more serious attempts at grappling with complicated subjects like the conflicts between the ancient Gods and Christianity. But still, few ever heard of it, for rarely was it screened, most likely because of the release of John Boorman’s Excalibur (1981), also set in Arthuriana and perhaps easier to embrace. Tristan and Isolde has a lyrical quietude – simple set design, a restraint in its use of colours, but also a will to tell an engaging and entertaining story. It is the first credited lead for Christoph Waltz of Tarantino fame and Max Zihlmann's casually laconic dialogues add another layer of uniqueness to the film's classical Hollywood-beauty. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)
(more)Cast
Christoph Waltz
Austria
Best movies:
Django Unchained (2012)
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Peter Firth
UK
Best movies:
Hawking (2004) (TV movie)
The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)
Leigh Lawson
UK
Best movies:
Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)
The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler (2009) (TV movie)
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1997) (series)
Vladek Sheybal
Poland
Best movies:
Shogun (1980) (series)
The Last Valley (1971)
Marco Polo (1982) (series)
Kurt Raab
German Empire
Best movies:
Der Zauberberg (1982)
Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
The Stationmaster's Wife (1977) (TV movie)
Walo Lüönd
Switzerland
Best movies:
The Consequence (1977)
Die Unsichtbaren Krallen des Dr. Mabuse (1962)
Hunderennen (1983)
Molly von Fürstenberg
Best movies:
Rio das Mortes (1971) (TV movie)