Ten Gift Ideas for People Who Love Medieval Fantasy Movies

Everybody knows one: The nut-job that has to attend every Renaissance and/or Fantasy Faire they hear of. They have closets full of cloaks and bodices and thigh-high pirate boots, along with a wall filled with swords and shields and battle axes... You find yourself hard-pressed to think of something to give them each holiday and birthday because you do not share this obsession. That's where I come in. I am such a freak, and as such, I feel qualified to give you some ideas on what to buy for them.

This list is not necessarily based on production values, or true-to-period anything. It is based on simple enjoyment of each movie. Nothing more, nothing less. Feel free to argue with me on my choices.. you may even remind me of something I missed!.

(This list does not include any King Arthur movies or any based on Dumas novels. I'll do separate lists for both of those since they are so filled with great selections on their own.)

A Knight's Tale
This is the movie that holds a permanent spot in my DVD changer. It's been there for almost a year, and I don't see it leaving that spot anytime soon. This is about a man's childhood dream of becoming a knight..and through various instances of dumb luck, this wish comes true. What most folks dislike about this one is that it blends the old with the new. For example, playing Queen's We Will rock You at the beginning of a joust... but this what I love most about it.

The Princess Bride
One of the most hilarious adventures you'll ever see. Tis about this lad, see, and he falls in love with someone above his station..so off he goes to seek fame and fortune so he can win Buttercup's hand.. but along the way she gets kidnapped. This movie is TOO fun! Stars such big names as Billy Crystal, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Peter Falk, Carol Kane, Andre the Giant, and Chris Sarandon, just to name a few. (this full review was updated 2/11/03)