Lionheart
Rooted superficially in
historic events, Lionheart follows the story of Robert (Eric
Stoltz), a young French lord shamed by an act of cowardice. Taking
to wandering as a knight errant, Robert befriends a pair of young
vagabonds, and soon finds himself the leader and protector of
a legion of children and adolescents whom he has rescued from
slavers. Inspired by the stories of King Richard's crusade, Robert
resolves to lead his "army" to serve the English king
in the holy land.
Written by Menno Meyjes (The Color Purple) and directed by Franklin
Schaffner (Nicholas and Alexandra), Lionheart is based on the
actual "Children's Crusade" of 1212. The film, however,
takes a fair degree of liberty with factthe real children's crusade
was led by a peasant boy named Stephen of Cloyes. The film also
provides the requisite happy endingrather different from the
fate of the real children's crusade, which ended with most of
the children being sold into slavery in Egypt or dying of disease
and starvation.
Despite its liberties, Lionheart has an appreciable sincerity,
its storyline somewhat reminiscent of Robin Hood and Spartacus.
The cast is ably up to the task, especially Eric Stoltz, as well
as Gabriel Byrne as the wicked "Black Prince," a slaver
who stalks Robert's army. Deborah Barrymore also deserves mention
for her portrayal of Mathilda, a feisty, Joan of Arc-like character
who dons battle armor and joins Robert's crusade. Jerry Goldsmith's
epic and deft score adds much to the film, often making the entire
production feel larger than it actually is.
Although not likely to be remembered as well as some of Schaffner's
other films (such as Patton or Planet of the Apes) Lionheart
remains an entertaining and heroic adventure of more than passing
interest.
Paul Andrew MacLean
Shelton CT 06484 USA
(800) 232-2224 voice
(800) 775-2729 fax
LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com