The Canterbury Tales

Synopsis

The Canterbury Tales is a 1972 film adaptation of the classic collection of stories by Geoffrey Chaucer. Set in medieval England, the movie follows a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket. Along the way, they take turns telling tales that range from romantic to comedic, showcasing the diverse characters and stories that make up the fabric of society. Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, the film captures the essence of Chaucer's original work while infusing it with Pasolini's unique artistic vision. With a mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, The Canterbury Tales explores themes of love, betrayal, and the human experience.

Cast

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  Hugh Griffith

  Sir January

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  Laura Betti

  The Wife from Bath

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  Ninetto Davoli

  Perkin

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  Franco Citti

  Devil

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  Josephine Chaplin

  May

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  Alan Webb

  Old Man

Reviews

The Canterbury Tales has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its faithfulness to the source material and others critiquing its unconventional storytelling. Variety calls it 'a colorful tapestry of tales that entertains and educates' while The New York Times describes it as 'a bold and daring adaptation that captures the spirit of Chaucer's work'. On the other hand, The Guardian criticizes the film for its slow pacing and lack of character development, stating that it 'fails to fully engage the audience'. Despite the divide in opinions, most reviews agree that the film is a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece of cinema that stays true to the spirit of the original tales. IMDb rates The Canterbury Tales 6.4/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 60%.