Knightriders

Knightriders is a unique blend of drama and adventure released in 1981, directed by the renowned George A. Romero, and starred a young, charismatic, Ed Harris in one of his earliest leading roles. The film co-stars Gary Lahti, Tom Savini and the talented Amy Ingersoll. With a running time of 146 minutes, Knightriders thrills its audience as it combines modern times with medieval storytelling in an extraordinary and radiant way never seen on celluloid before.

The story centers on Billy (played by Ed Harris), the King in a travelling troupe of modern-day jousters who perpetuate the age-old tradition of dueling on motorcycles. The characters use these motorcycles as their steeds, replacing the classic horses, which provides a thrilling contemporary twist to the usual chivalric orders of the medieval era.

Everyone in the troupe believes in the code of chivalry and holds it paramount in their lives, which they demonstrate through their knight-riding renaissance fair performances. The camaraderie and mutual respect among the group add a depth and charm to their operations and performances, going beyond mere theatrics towards a representation of an idealistic society.

King Billy, who embodies the romantic spirit of Arthurian legend, struggles with retaining his position and upholding the principles of his 'Kingdom'. He is a charismatic leader, grappling with his duties and his dreams, resisting the commercialization of his troupe's unique lifestyle and also dealing with an internal rebellion.

In a counterpoint role to the idealistic Billy, Morgan, played by Tom Savini, seeks a more pragmatic route: fame and fortunes over chivalric principles. This creates tension within the group as different troupe members align differently, provoking intrigue while serving as a critique of commercialism, fame, and materialism in contemporary society.

Throughout this high-octane drama, the audience is not only treated to a unique concept of modern jousters, but also privy to some intense action sequences. The scenes of combat are pure adrenaline, as knights clad in traditional armor duel with lances atop roaring motorcycles instead of galloping steeds, giving the film a electric pace. The stunt work and choreography in these finely crafted sequences are commendable, offering an engaging and entertaining visual spectacle.

Fantastically shot, Knightriders provides a rugged and earthy portrayal of life on the road for the troupe. It’s a semi-nomadic existence, ripe with the drama and dilemmas that such a lifestyle entails. Amidst this backdrop, the film delves into the dynamics of community, leadership, friendship, romantic relationships, and individual struggles, drawing both laughter and tears.

The performances are exemplary. Ed Harris shows his developing range playing the troubled, deeply-committed Billy with a mix of authority and vulnerability. Tom Savini renders a grand performance, providing the perfect foil to Billy's idealistic demeanor. It is also important to mention the support cast, who breathe life into the story with their engaging performances and quirity characters.

Knightriders is not your typical medieval adventure or motorcycle movie. It does not follow standard tropes, rather, it’s a bold experiment which combines them to create a cinematic experience that's both novel and nostalgic. It's an exploration of idealism and realism, amalgamated with action and drama, skilfully presented in a unique storytelling format. Entertaining, philosophical, and visually arresting, Knightriders is a movie that leaves an imprint, thanks to its unusual premise, strong performances, and Romero's thoughtful direction.

This movie is perfect for viewers seeking a unique, thought-provoking narrative with high-energy motorbike jousting sequences. It provides a rollercoaster of emotions, adding depth to the adrenaline rush, making it a gem of early 80s cinema. Knightriders, with its theatrical charm, captivating performances and distinctive narrative, delivers an entertainment experience like no other, nestled within a fresh reinterpretation of the age-old tale of knights and kings, honor and duty. This film remains a cult classic, a must-watch for both action lovers and drama enthusiasts.