Alright, mates! So, I just got around to watching “Ironclad” again. Do you remember that one? It’s that medieval action flick from 2011, directed by Jonathan English. It’s not the kind of film I’d watch on a sunny day by Vänern, but it has its own gritty charm.

First off, James Purefoy as Thomas Marshall! Man, what a presence he has. It’s like if you took Johan Falk and threw him into the 13th century, that’s the kind of intensity he brings. The film, however, took a bit to grow on me. It’s hella violent, almost too much at times. I mean, I enjoy a good sword fight as much as the next guy, but there were moments when I thought, “Do they ever stop and just, you know, hang out?”

But, look, it does capture the intensity of that time. Bloody brutal, to say the least—much like a wet November day in Stockholm, right? The story revolves around King John, who—by the way—is so wonderfully slimy, played by Paul Giamatti. I swear, this guy could make reading a grocery list sound menacing.

Now, historically, it’s a bit wobbly. Like that time my dad tried to explain the history of the Kalmar Union, and I’m just nodding along, half understanding. But it’s a movie, not a dissertation, så klart. So, I give it a pass on that.

Fun fact: when I was a kid, I used to go play knights with friends out in the woods near Dalarna, pretending the trees were our fortress. Watching “Ironclad” kinda brought back those childhood memories, only with a bit more blood and fewer pinecones.

One thing though, the pacing. It had moments where I felt like checking my watch, but then it throws you into another epic clash and I’m back, eyes glued to the screen. It’s like trying to listen to a podcast while doing the dishes—sometimes it just doesn’t hold your full attention, å andra sidan, when it does, it’s gripping.

To wrap up, if you’re into historical action films, give it a go. It’s not perfect, but neither is life, right? And who knows, you might find yourself inspired to grab a (plastic) sword and relive some childhood adventures.

Check out the trailer if you haven’t already: Ironclad