William The Conqueror

Title: William The Conqueror (15)

Year: 2015

Running Time: 88 minutes

Director: Fabien Drugeon

Cast: Tiesay Deshayes (William aged 10), Jean-Damien Detouillon (William aged 20), Dan Bronchinson (William aged 40)

Notes: Also known as Guillaume La Jeunesse Du Conquerant. In French.

Rating: 9

Thoughts:   In 1066 William embarks from Dives-Sur-Mer to conquer England, having introduced his young son as his Ducal heir, should he not return.

The synopsis is based on the film's own promo notes. And it's a little misleading, as is the English title.

This film principally looks at the years before the invasion with just an opening ten minutes in the camp waiting to invade. But as we go back in time it all starts to look rather nice.

William's father dies on a pilgrimage plunging Normandy into chaos and William's safety is threatened. The young actors playing out his early years are excellent, with everything shot in great scenery and with a mixture of camera work.

Most people know a version of the 1066 story well but here we discover William's history and growth from boy to leader. There's lots of mood, good use of light, dark, and gloom, and the narrative keeps moving.

Even though we know William will survive the story introduces some real threat, and that's quite a feat. It's cleverly done although the film's French title is more truthful regarding what part of William's life this is about.

The subtitles could do with an edit, with a few sloppy mistakes, but overall this is a captivating historical film.