The Green Knight EXPLAINED - Why I LOVE This Movie

[@rolandbegaye]

Anyone else interpret the ending “Now off with your head” as “you can leave with your head”?

[@russellcunningham2781]

I do now!

[@derek96720]

I saw it as a parallel to when people say "now, off with you." But the green night is being cheeky in how he says it.

[@Alex-jz5yw]

I took it like the knight was acting as though the finger across G’s throat was “the blow”. It was a joke/saying he had fulfilled the game

[@bayonetababe9697]

@@Alex-jz5yw That’s how I took it too. Him putting his finger across his neck was him symbolically cutting off his head and the comment was his cheeky way of saying “off with your head” meaning away with you…go.

[@megtell]

But that wasn't the end. Did you stay for the post credit scene?

[@Primenumber19]

One thing that blows my mind is no one here has discussed that the original letter says after the green knight returns the blow in one year “we will part in trust and friendship.” This is literally how it ended, Gawain lived up to the trust by removing the sash and by playfully drawing his finger across his neck the green knight established friendship.

[@sharkitty]

"It's just a game." 🤯🤯

[@Primenumber19]

@@sharkitty they also say in the beginning with narration it is the story of a king, but not Arthur. That means the audience knows he survives from the beginning

[@dexm2010]

@@Primenumber19 Ah yes, I remember that now!

[@joelcunningham792]

I was thinking that also

[@joelcunningham792]

@@Primenumber19 your good

[@MoovySoundtrax]

I love the double meaning of the title. The green knight refers both to the monster and to Gawain himself, who is green in the sense of being immature, inexperienced, and naïve.

[@WerewolfKweef]

I appreciated this too

[@therealitywewanted]

I mostly viewed this as a representation that he failed the pentagram of Arthurian tests, I don't think he got partial marks, I think he failed them all at first. I saw the scene with the giants as Gawain wanting to cut his journey short by hitching a ride and the fox quickly shuts that down as it wouldn't be honorable. It happened after he ate mushrooms also, so they were likely a hallucination, either way he's an unreliable narrator throughout. He failed Courtesy by entering the home in the woods and sleeping in the bed and asking Winifred for something in return before fetching her head. Failed that with the lord in the castle as well, for not holding up his end of the promise to give him back what he received in the house (the sash, kisses etc). He failed the test of Generosity by not giving the vagrant money until asked ("wasn't enough"). Failed the Arthurian test of Friendship with the fox. Failed the virtue of Chasity with the woman in the castle and of course failed Piety before even going on the journey by being a drunkard who doesn't care for God. Basically he just failed all of his tests and saw where that would lead him in life just as he was about to receive his fate at the hands of the Green Knight. Once his life flashed before his eyes and he saw what he would become as a result of these failures, he knew what he had to do, which was to take off the sash and accept his fate as promised. When he did so he brought about a fragment of what his mother wanted in the first place by summoning the Green Knight: for Gawain to be honourable. Whether or not he gets his head cut off, we don't know, but I'd say No.

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

LOVE this!!

[@secretsix43]

Gawain was content to stand on the shoulders of giants rather than become one himself.

[@ashroskell]

✌️👍

[@Caperz.]

Makes sense with all the pentagram imagry throughout the film

[@therealitywewanted]

@@MoviesAndMunchies Love your channel!

[@TarePandaHelp]

The fact that no one clapped at the end of the movie was wonderful. Everyone was left bewildered, the feeling was palpable. Like fine art, the interpretation of the film was subjective which gives me much joy.

[@tropper15]

The people in my showing laughed, and loudly joked about getting a refund. It was infuriating, such a great film mocked undeservingly

[@heathmoore1004]

Audiences generally don't like to think when watching movies so it is unsurprising that this is getting mixed reviews. It was masterfully done and the cut to black was executed well. These myths and tales are supposed to evoke introspection and not everyone can see the beauty in it. To me, it makes the film more appealing.

[@Goldaction0]

Cause it's a boring ass movie.

[@taifong2560]

The fact that every one started laughing after I started laughing told us tis movie was whack asf

[@cameronmitchell8180]

People walked out of the theater in the middle of the movie when I went. Painfully slow for some people.

[@starrybenchstudios]

When you mentioned the grazing of the Green Knight’s thumb on Gawain’s neck, it occurred to me... If the Green Knight is a representation of nature, then maybe what’s revealed here is that Gawain chopping off his head IS equal to the thumb scratch. We think we are destroying nature to the point of its end, but nature will treat it like it’s nothing and continue without us. The Green Knight wasn’t destroyed by Gawain’s chop, and in turn, he did not destroy Gawain. It is how the blow is *felt* and not necessarily the kind of blow that matters. It really is a gesture of the grand power of nature and how it persists and thrives despite our destructive power.

[@starrybenchstudios]

Also, the final final line “Off with your head” may be metaphorical: that this whole entire game was to eliminate Gawain’s un-knightly mindset so he can actually become a true hero.

[@starrybenchstudios]

@@Michael-rd8wl thank you. This movie has been in my head for the past two days

[@IAmTheHutch]

You took the words right out of my mouth. Well described.

[@starrybenchstudios]

@@IAmTheHutch thank you

[@carlyraeepsom5525]

You did forget one thing that I found interesting. Gawain did ask winifred what he would get in return for the task. This shows that Gawain expected a return for this favor when he thought thanks was good enough for information with the thief. Basically with the roles reversed he was no better than the thieves.

[@janpauledwarddedios5366]

Yup.. every way he was tested but he only passed it when he decided to accept his fate and took the sash off.

[@justlola417]

I see this as he trying to apply what he "learned" from the thieves (good deeds should be rewarded), but then when he sees that Winnifred is offended by his question he does it anyways. The fact that he still helped her, even after being explicitly told there would be no reward, is why I think he succeeded in that test. I think he was going to do it anyways, but his encounter with the thieves made him feel entitled to compensation even if he sympathised with her

[@johngleue]

​@janpauledwarddedios5366 he wasn't accepting FATE he made a CHOICE to live honorably. In this case, it meant only living for about 3 more seconds because to honor this particular deal meant to receive the green knight's blow without the sash.

[@jonathanriley6442]

I'm curious as to what you thought about the scene where gawin died while tied up? Do you think that was just a dream? Why do you think the movie features so many split realities where we see the story briefly progress in different ways? I think it has to do with the development of Gawin's decision making skills over his gowth and his ability to consider potential consequences of his actions. The movie to me was the ultimate manifestation of the idea of never ending growth.

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

I think you're right that it shows what could be if he chooses to succumb to the weakness/defeat. He'll die tied up, but then chooses to act and get freed.

[@slapitandtapit]

I felt like every time the screen turned red or the camera spins counterclockwise. That’s actually him dying in his journey and his mother reverted the time for him.

[@CatManDoom84]

@@slapitandtapit good possible theory!

[@lindonramsey1732]

So. You know how you tell a story to a kid but they tell you to keep going. It's that. He died, but whomever was being told the story decieded it should go on. That's what I like to think anyway. Just like the near end flashbacks. "But what if?"

[@lindonramsey1732]

@@slapitandtapit this movie is written like a badass video game. Mass effect style with game over screens and all. Loved it.

[@ashroskell]

Thomas Mallory included Gawain And The Green Knight in his Mort D’Artur (The Death Of Arthur) which is where we get all of the traditional Arthurian Legends, but it comes from an older Celtic tale about the inevitability of death and facing it with courage and, of course, honor. In the original tale, Gawain is granted mercy for his honourable submission too. What this movie does is to play with that whole trope of, “Honor,” and explore fear rather well. As Kevin Costner says in Open Range, “You may not know this, but there are worse things than dying.” And this was always meant to be the point of the original tale, but this movie really drives that point home to a modern audience. It asks us to consider, “What if death truly was better than dishonour?” I loved it too. For that, and the great convincing performances. Hope you make more of these Explained videos. Really enjoyed that. ✌️

[@INCBlackbird]

Hi there, i've never seen any video by you before, but i really loved your analysis and your attitude about cinema. The acknowledgement that what resonates with us is personal is one that not a lot of people make and it's such an important one. Personally, i love this movie a lot. Absolutely my favourite movie of the year. On another note: i think there was a glimpse of the fox right at the beginning of Gawain's journey. Right before he gets attacked by the thieves, so i don't think the fox is Winfred, i don't have a theory of who it is, though someone mentioned that perhaps the fox is his mother (which would make a lot of sense) but i think it's implied that the fox followed him throughout his entire journey right from the start.

[@Lady_Vengeance]

Saw this tonight in a mostly empty theater in Oslo. I was enchanted. Going to see it again tomorrow at the earliest opportunity. The rest of the theater patrons jeered and snickered when the credits rolled, completely unable to process or think critically about what they have seen. I have very little faith left in humanity.

[@gregisom45]

Well, you are called Lady Vengeance....

[@LittleMsAlto]

Your review is the best I've seen--I really resonate with all you shared. I especially loved your interpretation as this being the story of a mother's love! I said something very similar right after watching. The tenderness throughout the story (from multiple characters too, like King Arthur and the Green Knight) felt like the mother's touch throughout his journey! I felt this film created such a beautiful atmosphere of mystery, fear, and ultimately, love.

[@smokebacca]

First off, the acting, the score and audial atmosphere, cinematography, color palettes, sets and locations, both practical and digital effects, and editing were all highly commendable. I agree with your assessments. I particularly enjoyed the film's use of metaphors and symbolism. For example: Gawain's wearing of the marigold (yellow) cloak throughout acts as a constant reminder this is a coward who lacks the five virtues of knighthood. Also, just as the film works as a coming-of-age for Gawain as he transitions from naive young man into an adult willing to face his fears and problems head on, unworthy to worthy, dishonorable to honorable, it also works as a parallel transition from paganism into Christianity. The so-called Christian court of King Arthur is bathed in pagan symbolism yet clearly they embrace the ideals of Christian morality. I especially like the way the sash of witchcraft is used in the film. The film almost tricks you into worrying that he has lost the only item that can save him from the Green knight's blow, so much so that you feel relieved when it is returned to him, yet in the end it wasn't what he needed at all, it was what he needed to rid himself of. Part of his journey is to give up his security blanket, if you will, and along with it the idea that something outside of himself can save him from what he must do. Gawain is shown that living a dishonorable life based on a lie, for the sake of greed, lusting after yet another woman, will all lead to his friends abandoning him, all his riches spent of defensive wars, and a sad and lonely death. Where the tale's interpretations (or embellishments) seemed odd was that his mother set everything in motion for her son's sake. Was she trying to help him become an honorable Christian knight when she herself was one of the prominent pagans in the story? And, what of the Green Knight, the noble green-man being a deep symbol of nature and earth-worship, did he spare Gawain because he saw merit in Gawain finally becoming worthy? I don't have the answers, but A24 is fantastic at this sort of thought-provoking cinema. I for one hope they never stop. Thanks for your review.

[@jonahsilverman8825]

Thanks for YOUR review

[@sharkitty]

I appreciate your take on the GK!! Such a neat way to interpret it

[@pinguselen6771]

Im pretty sure The green knight still chops of his head. As stated, green symbolises life and death, the green knight working as a grim reaper of sorts. Facing the green knight is about facing death, but also about facing life itself. Gawain is terrified of dying at first, and clearly lives a dishonorable life, maybe as a consequence of this. He is so afraid of death, that he clings to every worldly, carnal indulgment he can. He doesn't set out on his journey because of an intrinsic sense of honor, but because of his wish to be percieved as honorable, and the boons that come with it. Only when he accepts his own death does he truly reach the point of intrinsically motivated honor. He could've returned, like we saw in his vision, and been percieved as honorable, but he chooses instead to face his death. We can see that Gawain starts to question what honor truly means to him, when the lord of the castle asks him what he's doing this for, Gawain responds "honor?", as if unsure if he's even doing it for honor, or if only because of wishing to be percieved as honorable. Again, this idea of questioning his own honor comes to full fruition when he has his vision, and chooses to accept his death. Honor is not only how you chose to live, but also how you chose to die, just as green is both life and death, honor is also found in both.

[@pinguselen6771]

Also, a theory is that Gawains mother actually wanted him to usurp the throne like what happens in Gawains vision. She wants him to survive, which is why she gives him the green sash. That way he could return, be knighted, become king and his mother would probably indirectly gain power from this, maybe even revert back to paganism. I don't think his mom actually has any control over the green knight, rather that she merely summoned him. Considering how green is described as a force of nature, I assume the same can be said for the green knight, which is why he ends up killing Gawain even though it was his mother who summoned him. Gawain rejects his mothers attempt at preventing the way of nature, the way of death by throwing away the sash. It is likely that his mother knew of his wishes to be percieved as honorable, and used this against him for her own gain, but Gawain ends up subverting her expectations when it truly matters, dying with honor and therefore subverting her plot. She could definitely be seen as the villain of the story. After succumbing to the ladys temptation in the castle, the blind old woman, who is his mother in disguise, stands there "watching", almost as if ensuring that Gawain is still living dishonorably, in search of external validation rather than an internal sense of duty and honor, because this is what her plan relies on. After losing the sash, she ensures he gets it back, as him taking the throne can only happen if he cheats death with the sash.

[@brandensandberg6668]

I love that A24 produces stuff like this to shows like Tacoma FD, truly a masterful studio

[@ConnorAidan]

Not sure if you all stayed for the end credit scene but it showed a little girl (I think the same actress as his second child in the vision) playfully putting on the crown suggesting that he did live and returned to become king.

[@Cyba_IT]

If it was the same girl then that means he still married the red headed noble woman. I like to think that he married Essel and had a girl instead of a boy.

[@phamtq]

I noticed that a lot of people think that Gawain's sin with the scavenger at the beginning of the movie is that he doesn't give enough money to him or that he doesn't give his condolences. I couldn't disagree more. Gawain's problem is that he took a shortcut instead of continuing on his original path. The scavenger is clearly pulling a scam as seen by his two accomplices in the forest. No amount of money would have stopped him from being ambushed.

[@glowingsupernova]

Do you think that the fox could also be personified by Gawain's mother (Morgan Le Fay)? In our viewing, my friend group came to the conclusion that the moments the fox went from an observer to a guide mimicked how Gawain's mother interacted with him & set him up for the Christmas Game. For example, when the Fox spoke directly to Gawain, it felt very much like the warnings of a parental figure to get out of the fire while still supporting his success. Also, the fox communicating with the giants could be taken as Morgan speaking *for* Gawain to the "giants" in his life (especially King Arthur). A final thought, color symbolism is wonderful here, Gawain's cowl is very similar in color to the fox's fur. While the easy answer is "spirit guide" I think it's closer to home than that- that the orange represents Gawain and his Mother. I wish I could look at the costuming again to confirm for her, but I can't find any screenshots yet 😭

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

I really like that! I felt my correlation of the fox with Winifred was kind of reaching, and certainly an assumption. Your reasoning makes more sense to me. Thanks for sharing this!

[@CatManDoom84]

I also believed the fox to be gawains mother. watching over. same with the blind lady in the lords castle. But when the fox/his mother spoke to him near the end i didnt see it as her trying to tell him to leave as much as it was her challenging him a final time. Go home and youll be safe, and so will your secret of failure. One last test to give him the easy way out. But he kept on going.

[@Sarah-tn9iz]

When the fox speaks its the voice of his mother. Also a witch could use a fox as a familiar much like a shapeshifter, kitsune. She has magical abilities so it makes sense.

[@mattmccune5560]

Absolutely fantastic review and deep dive into the themes of the film. Thank you!!

[@snowflower7668]

Clear and concise explanation. I found other explanation videos to be rather vague and wordy and yours got straight to the point. Wonderful explanation!

[@kanyekubrick5391]

You didn’t mention how he asked the headless girl “what’s in it for me?” When, as a knight, he shouldn’t expect anything in return because it’s his duty to help the lady Great review 👍🏽

[@ginainseattle]

☝️ I thought of this too. I think the axe was returned to him tho, so he did get something out of it.

[@quest9133]

Agreed.

[@Guapogiboy]

I was gonna say the same. He failed that test

[@brianalonsoojeda]

I really liked that moment with Winfred where Gawain asks her something like "what will I get in return for this?" and she's like "why would you even ask that?" lol

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Juliet also responded indignantly to Romeo when she said, “what satisfaction canst thou have tonight?” Romeo had exclaimed, “Willst thou leave me so unsatisfied?” As per my memory.

[@jpplante7155]

I was waiting for a slowburn but beautiful movie like A Ghost Story! Didn't disappoint! Keep up the great work!

[@CatManDoom84]

YES! I loved a ghost story too. Just because a movie is slow dosent mean it isnt interesting and thought provoking.

[@mattg6243]

I loved the movie already but this was a great detailing of some of the more muddy details that are a little ambiguous in the film itself. Can’t wait to rewatch with this stuff in mind.

[@DiamondWoodStudios]

Loved the vid Chris!! This movie is soooo underrated but at the same time I see how not everyone is going to attain the same wisdom from this tale

[@Fullmetal_christo]

Excellent film. Thank you for the concise synopsis. I like how you had to think about the action/reaction of this film. It isn’t presented to you on a silver plater. Also the cinematography was brilliant along with the long take shots. I miss movies like this. Two thumbs way up. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@johngleue]

Very nice summation of the film with great insights. Keep up the good work.

[@onceuponatrocity1988]

I loved your interpretation! I really enjoyed the movie and after watching this review, i think i love this film.Thank you!

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

Right on! When I was collecting all my thoughts, it made me gain a deeper appreciation.

[@ashroskell]

Do you have a VPN? Like Nord, or one of those? It will be available sooner or later, somewhere? And soon. Just sayin’ 😉✌️

[@marcusgears1991]

Very accurate and well told review I understand alot better and appreciate it way more thank you!!!

[@honestcomments8053]

You did well. the movie was excellent and Dev Patel did an excellent job.

[@eyrelobo6390]

I loved this movie so much! I saw it twice in two days! I haven't done that since I was a kid!! I cried at the end. It's in my top films for this year. My favorite films so far are Pig and The Green Knight. Can't wait for these films to be nominated for awards season. Great video👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@stealthshadowsquid5674]

Great analysis!!! I think you really encapsulated the spirit of the movie and did a great job explaining all of the themes. Loved this movie. Might be one of my favorites.

[@georgiechadwick2124]

Phenomenal review and explanation sir! I appreciated the quality of it very much and hope to have hair that looks that good as I continue on my knights journey. Subscribed!

[@lordofthecrings]

Yes!!! Best movie of the year so far. Saw it twice more and am even more convinced now

[@hunterdean4766]

Great analysis. Just saw The Green Knight today and absolutely loved it. It's definitely my favorite film of the year so far.

[@Broery980]

For me personally, it's a story of a man coming to terms to the fact that he's dying and his choices through out the last year of his life. The green knight symbolizes a terminal illness (circle of life). Also, I really think embraces death and died in the end.

[@ashroskell]

That’s a really thoughtful, interesting take. Tolkien said of his Lord Of The Rings trilogy, that the whole theme of his stories was a, “meditation on death.” It is inevitable, but how we die is what matters. But, whilst knowing that adds to the fascination, seeing each character come to terms with and look death in the face, (despite many escaping it) in their own way - some slowly over time, some suddenly without warning - there is no character in those tales that actually, “depicts,” death, unless you count Sauron and his ever seeking eye? Yet, even that can only be interpreted as the banality and the blank, gaping horror of death. Nothing so meaningful as what you saw here. It’s truly fascinating when you can see a character taking on the mantle of our deepest fears, and your insight makes me want to watch the movie again, with that take more consciously in the forefront of my viewing. I always thought of the Anton Chigurh character, in No Country For Old Men, as the embodiment of Death, stalking. Like The Grim Reaper, with an internal logic that makes little sense to his victims, inexorable and unwilling to negotiate, leaving us with unfinished business, even taking away a central character off screen (though that wasn’t strictly speaking, him) and the viewer is left, just as in real life, with unanswered questions, shocked by some deaths, unsurprised by others, saddened by all of them. All this to say, I love it when people look at, appreciate and share their insights, into my favourite art form, film. It deepens one’s own appreciation and freshens it. And it’s inspiring to me, to know that there are others out there who really, “get it,” and have something to say, worth saying. Thanks for that ✌️

[@smokebacca]

@@ashroskellFascinating. I would agree that it has much to do with Death being inevitable, but merely accepting death may not be the whole of it. It is no secret we all will die, and while we may not know the manner or time like Gawain, I think the story of his journey teaches that who we are when we die is what matters. Would you want to die poor, friendless, a cheater in life, a liar, unworthy of remembrance? Or, would you die easier knowing you had lead an honorable existence, helping people when you could, defending the weak, standing against tyrants, etc.? Yes the Green Knight represents death, but the moral of the story isn't to accept death because it is coming or at-hand, it is to accept death whenever it comes knowing you are always ready to die without a guilty conscience.

[@ashroskell]

@@smokebacca : That’s certainly one valid way of looking at it, but note; at no time are we asked to consider Gawain’s death as, “natural,” at the end of a long life, happy and fulfilled, or otherwise? At least, not in any direct sense. Either murdered and betrayed, or a potential life, cut short. There’s nothing so important about our deaths as how we lived. This film, for me, asks us to consider the possibility that we may actually choose death, rather than dishonor. That, though we (most of us) think that unlikely, there are circumstances where it may seem the better choice. Gawain’s, “gift,” was to see how the alternative turned out, and chose honor as a consequence. Your take is as valid as mine, but different. But, that’s only because of what’s going on in our respective lives, and our inherently different worldviews. Both are equally valid, with no absolutes being necessary. When it’s great art, (and I really did value this movie) it’s not the conclusions you reach that matter, so much as the fact that it made you reach a conclusion, for yourself, at all. That requires that you thought about it. And an artist cannot ask for more.

[@daxbruce3491]

He let go of the fear of death to obtain honor

[@georgerustic3817]

thats what i thought to the green knight represents death sir gwain escapes death but the green says that he would meet him again in the future hence death is inevitable you cant escape death.

[@ariscreativerse6714]

At first, I was just in love with the Cinematography and the performances of all the actors. There were some grey areas in my understanding of the story, but after watching your video I understand it completely. Thanks...

[@unclefoydagod7052]

Loved your analysis. THANK YOU!!!

[@danielchambers7195]

This review was great because you understood the ending, and other reviews didnt seem to realize that running his finger across Gawains throat and saying, "off with your head", was the only blow he received. Somehow I didnt catch that at first either, I thought he just got his head chopped off. I watched the movie for the second time today, and it was even better than the first. There are so many minor details that can easily go unnoticed that make up Gawains character, as sharing almost no traits to that of an honorable knight. For example, at the beginning of the movie, he reaches his hand out to Essel to pull her up onto the horse, but yanks his hand away first. This is very flirtatious and I think she liked it, but he definitely wasnt being much of a gentleman. Also, the lady at the castle claims to have made the green cloth and enchanted it to protect whoever wears it. Hes confused by this, because his mother gave it to him. So if the lord is a human representation of the green knight, then the lady could be some manifestation created by his mother? (I'd say maybe it was his mother taking another form, but for obvious reasons I'm a little iffy about that). Such a good movie, probably the best theater experience I've ever had.

[@kf10147]

From the original tale we know that Morgan le Fay is the blindfolded woman in the castle. She had help making it from her coven so perhaps they took Essel's form to both seduce him while also saying that Essel could be a lady.

[@spaceyalter]

Ay can I just say, I wanted to say thank you so much for starting and ending this video by saying how open to interpretation this movie is and how it’s okay if you got it and didn’t like it. Too many people say their verdict is final and it’s so nice to here someone say “hey, I liked it, I think I understand, but let’s have a conversation.” I subscribed SO fast

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

Thanks! I try to do that with any of my "explained" videos. I have really enjoyed seeing what others took away from the movie and the meanings they derived. It has shown me where I was wrong in certain places and also given me new ideas to chew on, which is great because it makes me appreciate the story even more!

[@LawPoppy]

Thank you for explaining because I was confused confused but now that you explained it makes me like it more now

[@seawind930]

The Lord Bertilak scene annoyed me because they had all these transition scenes where he's just walking along and the one part where there is story they skip parts of it. Now I know they may not want to offend people by showing men kiss or whatever but that was what lead to Gawain punking out of his challenge. Bertilak gives him his hunt for the day and he gives the kisses he got from his wife, this happens six times and on the final day she gives him a belt that would keep him alive and he does not give it to Bertilak. Which shows how he is desperate to stay alive.

[@SkoloT]

agreed. would love to see how much they've filmed in an extended cut

[@ElectricIguana]

Theres a conversation with the Host about whether its the journey or the destination that makes him a knight and G answers incorrectly.

[@godbrz]

Just watched the film, this is a great video

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

I appreciate that, thanks!

[@nameisgillian]

I read the poem that this movie is based on in university and the bulk of the story takes place in the Lord's manor compared to the movie which spends a lot more time with Gawain making his way to the manor/Green Chapel. If I remember correctly, all the poem says about the journey is along the lines of, "Gawain went on his journey and saw many strange things on his way" so I like that the movie really expanded on that and was able to explore more of the themes that you discuss in the video. Another thing I noticed, tying into the comparison of the game with the Green Knight and the exchange of winnings with the Lord is how the he seems to know Gawain and calls him his friend almost right away (and the Green Knight did say that they would part with friendship and respect). It could be hospitality, but he seems to know Gawain a lot more than just hearing the stories of the man who slayed the Green Knight as he claims. I really loved this movie and it's one of those movies that gets better with each viewing as you notice new things.

[@hugopetruspons]

Totally agree with your review and feeling for this movie, I've absolutely loved it and seen it twice already. Also, thanks for clarifying the fox character, that was the one I still hadn't get.

[@alfirojascornelius6542]

I loved your review. I'll have to comeback and watch it again once I see the movie. Thanks so much 👍💛💛

[@DeniseJoanMusic]

I was super confused about a few things throughout the movie but still really enjoyed it. the Artsy feel and the long 'dragging' shots that aren't welcome in a lot of modern movies really made it feel more real and authentic? Also as soon as I started to piece things together and watched a few explanation videos I started to grow more fond of it. Great movie, great acting and some beautiful shots

[@patientdD420]

Hi Chris, I've just watched the trailer and it looks really good. This is right up my ally! Unfortunately it's not coming to UK any time soon (that I know of) but its something to look forward to. Thanks for the review 💯💚🍪✌️

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

I saw earlier this week that it was pulled from the UK calendars. The article I read was citing covid resurgence as possible reasoning, but since other films are releasing that doesn't really make sense. My friend Ruben at The Ruby Tuesday thought maybe it was a poor excuse to not have to go up against The Suicide Squad head-to-head. Hopefully it will release soon. I think you'll really enjoy it!

[@mosesduncan4786]

I love the way you explained this movie....thank you.

[@wadepahad4993]

I don't think he showed honor with lady Winifred, he asked what would he get when she asked for help and her reaction shows how unhonorable that request was. I feel like each scene and moment is a chance for him to gain honor but he continuously fails, until the end

[@ColletteisaBear]

I just saw this movie last night and IM OBSESSED. I’m so glad to finally see something in theatres that isn’t spoon fed to me or just a load of action.

[@ElectricIguana]

Very clever dialogue theought this film.

[@adamburling9551]

Loved the film. And great analysis. It's spot on 👍

[@GoddessFirstClass2882]

I loved your explanation!! Thank you for it !

[@MoviesAndMunchies]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bayonetababe9697]

I too really enjoyed hearing your interpretation and it helped solidify a few things I wasn’t totally sure about.

[@antwanrolllo]

Thank you, great analysis

[@Xanadu2025]

Loved the movie. I’m actually amazed that Hollywood produced such a quality morality tale.

[@unwashedheathen4897]

Don't be. They didn't. A24 is an independent studio. They always do stuff like this.

[@denderrant]

Absolutely love this movie too. I agree with most of what you said. I think the movie is doing all that, but I think it's also about humanity's relationship with nature. A little detail I loved was Gawain's cloak. It's not only that evocative yellow hue, but the patterning in it looks like tree rings. He chopped off the Green Knight's head, who looks like he's made of wood. This was driven home more in the early stage of his journey when he passes through that timber harvest, with a tree being chopped down on screen. When you chop down a tree, the remaining stump reveals the tree rings, which are a record of its growth and life. The implication here, with the tree-ring textured cloak around his neck, is that losing his head will leave the stump (Stumps are also then used as chopping blocks, and the end title card after the last scene is a tree stump as well.) . Had he lost his head at the end of the dishonorable life, as shown in his vision, the 'tree rings' revealed then would have shown a sad, poor, regretful life not to be proud of. His willingness to finally accept and confront death, and uphold his commitment with honor, are instead the start of new, healthier 'grown rings' for him. The growth rings also fit in perfectly with how saturated the film was with circular imagery. The green and red/fire/stone were the obvious color and visual cues representing nature or humanity, but blue (and occasionally white) featured really prominently as well. Blue was of course associated with water, but I'm not sure what exactly it represented, other than perhaps the medium through which the relationship between nature and humanity is mediated? Either way, Gawain was questing through progressively more and more water as the story progressed. Starting with the thick, smoke-like blankets of fog on the battlefield with the thief. Then diving into a spring for St. Winnifred. Then he was trudging through bogs and wetlands, then rained on with progressive intensity, until finally on the last stretch of the journey he got into a boat and let the water take him to the Green Knight. Now that I'm typing it, water as the mediating force make more sense, as the Lady in the manor was always dressed in blue and was the one who got the monologue that made the color themes the most explicit - explaining the connections between man and Earth.

[@SheydokGear]

I have a theory for this movie, maybe I'm completely mistaken, though. In the beginning, Morgan places a cloth around her eyes before summoning The Green Knight, later in the castle, we see the old lady with the same type of rag. I think this old lady is also a witch that is working with Morgan to orquestrate all of what happened in his journey (the scavenger, the giants, the beheaded lady...) to test his endurance through this "game"

[@lehicandido1257]

We can talk about this film for days in a row. Amazing piece of art!

[@SweetChariotOfFire]

Having never heard or read the poem before watching the movie, I reached the same conclusion when I saw it in theaters. Gawain is spared to run “off with your head.” I loved the ambiguity of it too. That is could be interpreted from multiple POVs. I’m thinking this is more or less a test of our characters. The decision we come up with is the reflection of ourselves and whether we can forgive ourselves. At the end of the film, the decision of what happens is built upon the viewers character, the options are present, but what path do we choose? Thank you for the review!

[@markgraves6441]

I need to see this movie about 5 more times. So much to take in! An epic journey from selfish boy to honorable man. Thank you for this breakdown!

[@davedavis1755]

Why is nobody talking about the mid-end credit cut scene? I feel like there are some major implications with that scene that is not being discussed.

[@dexm2010]

I haven't looked it up yet, but someone in the comments from another video said he looked over on IMDB and for that end credit scene, it lists the actress's name who played the little girl, described as Gawain's daughter at I believe 6 years old...it seems to be implied that the little girl is his daughter and that he survives.

[@ronin7997]

I will definitely have to revisit this movie. I admit that the pacing and ambiguous ending left me wanting, but you did a great job explaining the nuances I missed. It probably didn't help I had obviously bored people next to me constantly on their phones throughout the film, adding to my initial irritation watching this.

[@hosein_zare_m]

really helpful man. thank you.

[@windstormstrike]

WOW! I thought reading Joseph Campbell I had a good interpretation of mythology, but I had so much trouble making heads or tails of the Green Knight and it's symbology. Thank you for making this video! This made the movie make so much sense and endear it even more to myself. It will definitely go on my must-watch-again film!

[@CatManDoom84]

one part of the winefred scene you glossed over (i havent finished the video yes hah) is that he asked what he would get in return for getting her head. Something a knight wouldnt do, a knight would be there to help without expectation of compensation. man i love this movie

[@forevermarked5826]

How did she die, do you know? I cant figure that out

[@CatManDoom84]

@@forevermarked5826 she does explain in the movie what happened. A local prince tried to rape her, she escaped to her home but the prince found her while she was sleeping and beheaded her. Which is the same as the poem. The diff is the girl wasnt winifred in the poem. Just a common folk woman (as far as research tells me). In the movie she is st. Winifred (of wales), who has a separate story/legend of her own with nothing to do with the green knight poem. Check it out. Lowery (the director) just weaved her tale into the green knight tale/movie. Its essentially the same thing happening, just with added lore.

[@PKSiggy24wc]

Awesome analysis!!!

[@aziz-kashifmustafaaii5101]

Fantastic Analogy!!!

[@jeremycointin1996]

Maybe the giants represented the people he was surrounded by back home. All those legendary knights. And the feeling he had watching them making their way together without him ... with him going unnoticed ... till he forced them to see him. They almost crush him but the fox that represented his recent honorable success makes the giant stop and leave him alone. Anyway ... after hearing your interpretation of who the fox could have represented and who the Lord of the castle represented it made me feel better. ... still the indifference to the level of ambiguity left through the movie was annoying and hurt its overall score in my book. ... Like 1) Why was the "magic belt" given twice? Does it represent some sort of female offspring power of immortality? ... he came on the second one. 2) What was the "picture" the chick took? Did that represent showing him a far more accurate vision of himself than his previous exaggerated painted portrait? Especially knowing how she was going to test the "real him." 3) What was the blind old woman? 4) Why ( if the fox was the beheaded girl ) would she try to stop him from an honorable finish after she urged him in an honorable direction to start? 5) Since they veered so far away from the "kisses" of the old story I literally thought the lord of the manor was gay and wanted some booty. I thought "Gawain got some booty and now this dude wants some booty." I had to go back and learn the original tale to know what that was all about. And I didn't feel like he won the "battle of temptation" so I was confused as to what that was all about. In the original, he wins. Anyway ... again ... thanks for your explanation. After watching 6 "review videos" looking for an explanation YOURS was the only one that really explained things and I thank you for it.

[@eisenbergfilms9965]

I think the blind woman is Gawains mother!

[@kf10147]

1) this is an adaptation thing where in the movie Morgan le Fay (his mom) is kind of in control of everything so she gives him the belt too where originally it was just the lady bertilak. So perhaps this lady is just a coven mate enchanted to look like Essel. I also think the belt is a way to reassure him on the manufactured journey while also making sure he has a cop out that he isn't supposed to take. It also raises the possibility that the robbers were also manufactured and perhaps even more coven mates pretending which would explain the return of his items later on. I also super love your fertility metaphor idea though I think it is more that the belt becomes marked with his sin and thus more clearly representative of something bad to be cast off to gain honor

[@kf10147]

2) she actually uses a modified camera obscura which was known to medieval people but she went a step further to turn it into a room sized camera which is actually how early cameras worked. The Lord's house is meant to be futuristic with later architecture and a heliocentric map open in a book. I think the photo is meant to show this futurism more clearly to call attention to a world where everyone knows his name and Essel is a lady. I think it is both a more real portrait while also alluding to victorian death photography as he is about to die for all he knows. It is also worth noting that the picture hangs behind his throne in the vision of the future because that weak and cowardly version of him ruled and not the idealized portrait he had painted earlier.

[@kf10147]

4) I think the fox stops him so that he has to choose to go on. It isn't real honor if he couldn't have chosen to run away. She is a part of the quest and thus tryinf to better him. It is also important that winifred says it could have been him who raped her as in later arthurian legends Gawain was a rapist knight. This film bridges the glory and chivalry of earlier legends Gawain with the ignoble character he morphed into over centuries so that the cyclical nature of the film is also metatextual.

[@bloobabbebo]

thank you for your interpritation!

[@ZackBellGames]

It helps a lot to know the specific five attributes of a knight (they wear those pentagram medallions to represent this at the table). For example, charity (his first failed test) and chastity (“you are no knight”).

[@nfeeltraita]

Spot on!

[@Seattle_Kiwi]

I really like your analysis.

[@casey123curtis8]

You left out something very important that Gawain asked what he would receive in return that in itself is not chivalrous

[@mihirapte]

Brilliant video! Thanks so much

[@dantedowney]

Great video! I really like your point about the green knight running his finger over Gawain’s neck as being the only blow he gives him. This is a much happier ending and suggests that Gawain gets to live and return home to perhaps live a more noble life as the new King, and he won’t carry all that guilt that he would have if he had fled. Also I like to imagine he would choose Essel as his Queen in this scenario :^)

[@2game794]

Really great video. Thanks!

[@aidenruiz4807]

this video is so good! i loved the movie but after this I like it even more

[@thetrison]

The Green Knight totally passed my radar back when it got released. Then, I watched Ted Ed's short video about the legend (which came after the movie) and somehow stumbled upon the movie later. So, even though the film came first, I watched it after having known the characters' arc, which made me understand the story and the meaning behind both iterations better. Viewing in such an order made me feel the movie's deviations from the original lore have actually elevated the philosophy it was trying to convey. Also, I really appreciated the relationship between the mother and the son in the movie (though not explicitly portrayed, you can feel its presence throughout), and I think the uncle's (King Arthur) quote at the party reflects this best to Gawain: "Is it wrong to want greatness for you?"

[@gregisom45]

I see "now off with your head" as a reminder of a Zen story: two monks are having tea, one pours into the the cup, the other keeps rambling about everything he'd learned, so much that the tea is overflowing the cup. The pourer says, "How can you learn any more if your cup is so full." Empty your mind to accept more.

[@Pub2k4]

5:41 It seems you’re saying that Gawain’s actions in The Lord’s house is the reason the axe was returned, but I don’t feel that’s the case. Gawain’s axe was returned to him in the cabin after he retrieved Winifred’s head.

[@Gemstarks]

Did anybody else get the double entender at the end "off with your head" This can also means - leave WITH your head.

[@nswid5465]

Part of this movie reminds me of the song "Mother" by Pink Floyd. At the beginning of the movie, Gawain's mother shows to really love her son, so much so, that she wants him to come back home even if it means he flees from the Green Knight (although being the orchestrator of it all she wants Gawain to succeed). In the final moments of the vision of his ill-fated future, you could see his mother leaving his side which I think also depicts her disappointment because she knows deep down that he failed to be honourable. So although she loved Gawain, she was also still saddened by how things turned out.

[@loookris]

Another great vid. Did you happen to stay after the credits? One of my favorite parts!

[@ScottishTexan]

The idea of seeing someone’s potential but also his shortcomings is something I’ve seen before in the movie State and Main, written and directed by David Mamet. Rebecca Pidgeon stages an entire artificial courtroom scene in order to allow Philip Seymour Hoffman to have a chance to fail his quest for honor. And like Gawain in the green knight, he makes the right decision after he realizes he has a second chance to do the right thing. And that’s why I wish to believe the mother is acting out of love and compassion.

[@nicholasavalos4381]

Just watched it and firstly I’d like to say this was a wonderfully shot film with some great music and sound design. Honestly my favorite part might be that vision sequence at the end when everything is falling apart in the kingdom following his return because of his cowardice and his choice to run. It gives me very much Macbeth vibes of tragedy but also tragedy brought about via supernatural elements and because of a flaw within the main character. Much like our friend above said, I think Patel’s character is very much struggling with that sense of honor but at the same time this movie actually shows this quest of honor in a very human perspective that is hardly romanticized. Unlike tales of old where the protagonist makes every right decision and saves the day Patel’s character does not. He succumbs to list, cowardice, ambition, greed, selfishness, and is sort of green, no pun intended. At the same time he soldiers on, bearing the burden he casted onto himself so there’s something to say there. And all of that is in the pursuit of this thing called “honor”. For me the most important little conversation is what Joel Edgerton’s character says when Patel is staying with them during their talk by the fireplace. He says something along the lines of “so by doing this one thing you become a changed man?” It’s almost as if to mock Patel’s naïveté in thinking this quest will amount to anything, that one action can change a man. We see at the beginning of the film he’s sleeping with a whore, he’s living a bad life, and yet he still wants to be recognized, to be respected and told legends of. He doesn’t realize however that it requires work and strong morals. And thus to me that is the moral of the story. It’s a human tale of someone struggling with trying to be more than a man, but succumbing to the plagues of man nonetheless. The ending, whether he dies or not is not important to me, shows that maybe there’s a light for him. Or, at least, even if no one sings songs of him after he gets his head hacked off or if not, he’ll know, in his mind, that he made the right decision despite his past mistakes. That’s honor, human honor that is.

[@jennanewcomb3160]

I absolutely loved this movie!! Your insights helped me connect some dots that I initially missed upon my first viewing! I'm not sure if anyone else has posed this theory, but I find that Barry Keoghan's Scavenger character bears a strong physical resemblance to Joel Edgerton's Lord and The Green Knight, so I wonder if the Scavenger was ANOTHER representation of the Green Knight that appeared to test Gawain; hence why the axe was returned to him so easily after his trial with Winifred.

[@fatalradius]

The kiss from the lord, the belt's significance and disappearance and re-appearance, and the thieves magically disappearing are what confused me the most.

[@johngleue]

This movie really highlights the responsibility one has to themselves and their own happiness. Gawain is evading the responsibly of taking control of his life right from the very beginning of the movie. This movie does a great job illustrating the power our choices have in shaping who we really are and the importance of guidance/ knowledge. Free will exists, and because of this, we are beings of self-made soul. By the end of Gawain's journey he has become a better man after making the correct choice to honor the deal of the contest as opposed to living a longer life that's ultimately void of any real principles or happiness. When faced with a short life of purpose or a long life as an evading coward, which would you choose? Making the right decision can be hard and may very well mean dying for your most cherished values, i.e., freedom or a loved one in the most extreme circumstances.

[@lizikakizil]

In his journey to death, he comes to understand mortality, not just his, but in general. And to understand mortality is to understand the weight, privilege, and fragility of life. Thus, while traveling to his death, he learns what it means to live. I understand some not liking this film for its stylistic choices, but I hope there is more discussion on what this film is saying. Thank you for making this. This film was such a beautiful experience and I don't know if I will ever stop thinking about it.

[@markbarrera6807]

this helps A LOT. Only wish they had showed Sir Gwain leave head in place.

[@Vengfoul]

Love this as with all other interpretations. Here's another one from the POV of someone with a narcissistic, controlling mother - the ending hit hard and made me laugh with empowered, rebellious joy. I took it as a mother who never wanted her son to be involved in such a dangerous line of work, so she takes advantage of the insecurities of her son by ensuring he has a "safety blanket" she knows he would never take off. The blanket to me resembles a Mother's overbearing love, a love that prevents a man from being a man if they cling to it, regressing into the warmth and protection of their mother's womb, forever in the fetal position; forever in her controlled, meaningless life. Or do they rip it off, truly severing their umbilical cord (interesting the sash goes around his belly/waist as opposed to an arm band, leg band, scarf, medallion, etc.) and telling the universe they are ready to live by accepting death, fear and all. My first interpretation: As soon as he runs away from the knight (not knowing the myth nor what would come next) I thought the message was that striving for "honor" was just a sense of pride and ego among the knights, that none of them actually go through with it all because to do so would get you killed before your life even started. As the fox stated, "all the others" would run away at that point, never facing the Green Knight. After all, NONE of them offered to stand against he Green Knight, nor lend their sword to the only one to do so. So his "cowardice" at running away I saw as an awakening to life and humility. He didn't fully appreciate life until he truly faced his death. Now... if all that unfolded afterwards was a manifestation of his mindset, which was that he was a coward, then perhaps if he had THIS mindset instead, I'm sure things would have turned out a little differently. I figured this was what the mother wanted, to show that this "honor" these knights so cherish was just a myth; the ideal self with unrealistic expectations to always strive toward, but never to fulfill to it's ultimatum and to do so is just being prideful and is a waste of life. That the point of it all is to learn to appreciate life.

[@justlola417]

I agree, it's when his objective changed from wanting honor because it would bring him glory and power to doing the right thing because he sees the intrinsic value in it and to honor himself and out of true respect for the green knight that his journey is truly completed. Not some idealistic idea of honor and doing things because he was told to/it was expected of him but striving to be a better man and focus on personal growth

[@tommyvasquez2708]

upon watching the ending, i had this really heavy feeling in my stomach thinking that after the green knight congratulates him, gawain still gets his head chopped off. however after watching this and other people's videos interpreting it more as the green knight letting him go and live an honorable life, that last line of "off with your head" seems a bit more wholesome

[@zachramsey4799]

I'm not sure how many people stayed till the end of the credits, but there was a scene at the very end of a child playing with the crown and putting it on. I interpreted this as it being Gawain's child after he has returned and lived his life as king.

[@craiggoodman7]

Excellent analysis and yes you got everything absolutely Right! I after seeing this film which was stimulating and more importantly, thought provoking in the interest always of personal growth to be spread freely to all others that are worthy and conscious! I have watched several other KZbin videos regarding the ending or even the whole film as to what it all perhaps means! To us the filmgoers... Out of everyone else, I give my official Stamp of Approval. Cordially, Dr. Craig Goodman

[@Guapogiboy]

It’s really about a mom preparing his son to be a better man and not to make the same mistakes his father did. That was a great review. Just missed the part about how he failed another test of knighthood when he asked Winifred “what’s in it for me” before retrieving her head. And I missed the part where the Green Knight ran his finger thru his neck to show that’s the blow he was gonna give Gawain. Need to rewatch that.

[@alrocky]

"same mistakes his father did" What mistakes did Gawain's father make?

[@thedawsonian9094]

Watched it on mushrooms w/ a buddy of mine, and it was such an incredible/epic movie. Absolutely insane. Loved every min of it and was legit sad when it was over.

[@inquisitorlev8456]

I kind of saw the whole thing as a metaphor for life. Gawain is sent out by his mother (who summons the knight) and a father figure in King Arthur. They prepare him with love, wise council and various tools, but it is up to him to make his own way. While failing at many points, he doesn't give up and finally passed the test--he fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.

[@umbasamufasa9676]

He does fail a test with winnefred when he asks what he will get in return for retrieving her head as opposed to doing it selflessly. Great analysis i drew many of the same conclusions and loved the film!

[@jacobclark2532]

This video helped a ton. I loved the cinematography but was so lost haha

[@graemeirwin9957]

Thank you great video

[@jpmoench21]

Did I miss something at the end? I thought the movie ended with him say, "off with your head", not the green knight running his thumb across this neck.

[@henrychinaski]

EXACTLY, this guy is full of shit. Dev Patel got his head chopped off at the end.

[@forevermarked5826]

@@henrychinaski not true On the story original story, he doesn't and in this film is the same, just not seen. Hit there is an after credit scene of his daughter picking up The crown and putting it on her head. Showing he lived and had a daughter who will become a queen