The Headsman

This movie is alright, but it could be a lot better. The majority of the film is excellent, with good camera angles and good acting, but near the very end a very cheap trick is used to show the passage of time that just made me want to kick the director. I am not revealing any spoilers, worry not.

The story could be stronger as well, with more developed characters. By the end of the film, I feel I barely know any of the characters. The film seems slightly rushed, and could have been plenty longer. The beginning especially could use some work, it also is rushed.

Overall, I've heard it is accurate, but accuracy doesn't make a great film.

The Headsman is a much better film than most of the IMDb ratings and reviews here. One problem is that people want to be entertained in a medieval film and having swordplay, gore, special effects, a princess and a hero all help. This film doesn't have that. One reviewer compared it with The Name of the Rose and it definitely falls into that category.

There really isn't much intrigue, however, and that would have made it a better film. It is more about the honor of Martin (Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau) who has a childhood friendship with Georg (Peter McDonald), marries an outcast (Anna played by Anastasia Griffith) and chooses an untouchable professional as an executioner. It is about human nature: betrayal, love, ambition, greed, honor, and the dilemmas that come when forces beyond one's control affects one's life and one is faced with undesirable choices.

Forces of good and evil are at battle as mistrust, superstition, crudeness and naivety dominate the Inquisition period. Not everything is within control but Martin lives honorable and his friend Georg does too but at times is torn by his conscience and what the town leaders and Inquisition ask him to do.

Unfortunately, Martin is unaware that Georg is willing to help but his hands are tied. Sadly no one questions the despicable, filthy Fabio (Eddie Marsan) about the truth although it certainly would made sense. But perhaps that makes heroes in the film, an outcome not preferred. And in those times, witches and heretics were hanged, executed or burned. Reason wasn't the norm but fear and superstition ruled. No heroes, things beyond our control, love and suffering. Even being the daughter of the emperor or son of the archbishop doesn't save anyone. For comparison, the Black Death nor Inquisition spared no one of title.

In the historical context, it's a graphically accurate film, not a Hollywood-type film (e.g, Braveheart). The set and acting were excellent. Cinematography and atmosphere were good, although I would have preferred sharper camera work and use of the landscape. But perhaps being low-budgeted, the filming was limited. Script was reasonable but could be stronger. Since reality isn't as dramatic as fantasy, this movie won't excite many unless you like a thoughtful period drama.

Shadow of the Sword is a good film with an interesting and different story that paints a picture of the Catholic Church and its cruel inquisition.

However, it doesn't give much of an understanding of those who were being persecuted, the Anabaptists (or other groups that are mentioned without being explained). It would have been a clear improvement if we were given a deeper portrayal of especially the Anabaptists as well as the other main characters.

The film should have been a little longer to give these better descriptions. It has a lot of good parts, but it is missing some depth in its character descriptions. The story is quite gripping and strong and it is a great period piece, but it lacks some depth and should give the viewer a better understanding of the background and develop the characters more.

Or Executioner's odyssey, this rather accurate history tale where action packed scenes are not priority but instead a good character depiction. Good settings, production design, some kind of details which you may find in most of series related to middle age period. Above most of Eastern Europe historical movies, submerged with CGI effects and lousy acting and directing. I did not see such a good picture since FLESH AND BLOOD, but Paul Verhoeven's film was more bloody and brutal. The common between those two features are the accuracy, though I am not a historian. But I am sure that most history buffs will be delighted to watch this film. Not so many movies were dedicated to heretic eras.

This movie gave me whiplash. It started off with about a History Channel Reenactment quality, then got pretty good through the middle, and then ended like an average B-Movie. I feel like the main issue was editing, there were moments where I laughed out loud. Like when the dude's life flashed before his eyes and they threw in a clip of the sex scene from earlier in the movie (a "we're definitely using that again" moment). I was expecting a movie more sympathetic to the church, but I liked the angle they took instead. Berkoff was doing some Star Trek bad guy acting, Coaster-Waldau was pretty good, and Eddie Marsen is always a pleasure.