This movie, about a knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague, is a weak psychological drama movie.
It is definitely a visual joy. Great cinematography with excellent lighting, and the costumes, locations, and practical effects are effective. However, the tiresome story easily overshadows the positive elements. I understand some parts of the story, but I guess I did not get the whole thing. Some of the pieces come together in the third act, but other than that, I do not get much out of it. I have nothing against elevated languages, but with an incomplete understanding alongside the slow story and pace, my experience gets pretty dull, unfortunately. Maybe a rewatch will change my mind.
Though beautiful, the slow story, complex dialogue, and cryptic elements of this movie make it a drag. A rewatch might help, but the initial effort may be a turnoff.
It is definitely a visual joy. Great cinematography with excellent lighting, and the costumes, locations, and practical effects are effective. However, the tiresome story easily overshadows the positive elements. I understand some parts of the story, but I guess I did not get the whole thing. Some of the pieces come together in the third act, but other than that, I do not get much out of it. I have nothing against elevated languages, but with an incomplete understanding alongside the slow story and pace, my experience gets pretty dull, unfortunately. Maybe a rewatch will change my mind.
Though beautiful, the slow story, complex dialogue, and cryptic elements of this movie make it a drag. A rewatch might help, but the initial effort may be a turnoff.