Click to read the article
The Reckoning (2004)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:84
Fresh:34
Rotten:50
Average Rating:5.6/10
Consensus: A talky, ponderous movie.
Theatrical Release:Mar 5, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: Set in England during the late 1300s, Paul McGuigan's THE RECKONING follows Nicholas (Paul Bettany), a young priest literally running from his past. After encountering a band of wandering actors,... Set in England during the late 1300s, Paul McGuigan's THE RECKONING follows Nicholas (Paul Bettany), a young priest literally running from his past. After encountering a band of wandering actors, Nicholas is grudgingly allowed into the fold by the good-natured Martin (Willem Dafoe). When the troupe reaches an impoverished village, they get word of a strange murder and look into the story as the basis for a new play. However, Nicholas and Martin uncover more than they'd expected, and soon a deeper mystery emerges. Meanwhile, as Nicholas attempts to find justice, he also struggles to come to terms with his own troubled history. A medieval murder mystery in the vein of THE NAME OF THE ROSE, THE RECKONING is based on the Barry Unsworth novel MORALITY PLAY. Under the artfully somber direction of previous collaborator McGuigan, Bettany turns in an excellent performance as a guilt-ridden priest struggling to atone for his sins. In addition to Dafoe, the film also features fine supporting actors such as Brian Cox and Gina McKee. Utilizing its historical backdrop to the fullest extent, THE RECKONING immerses the audience in its medieval setting, revealing the period's many hardships and enhancing the drama of this intriguing, unfolding mystery. [More]
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Paul Bettany, Brian Cox, Gina McKee
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Paul Bettany, Brian Cox, Gina McKee, Ewen Bremner, Vincent Cassel, Simon McBurney
Director: Paul McGuigan
Director: Paul McGuigan
Screenwriter: Mark Mills
Producer: Caroline Wood
Composer: Adrian Lee, Mark Mancina
Studio: Paramount Classics
Get This Movie
Reviews for The Reckoning
While the basic idea of this really old-school detective story seems admirable, the plot and the period just don't jibe.
Sustains an appropriate pacing for what is, after all, not an action flick, but, rather, in the tradition of the historical epic.
Paul Bettany and Wuillem Dafoe make this often dreary middle age whodunit worth watching.
Belongs to an impressive breed of suspense thriller that wrings tension not from gunfights or explosions, but from examining issues of personal integrity and morality.
Celebrates the craft of acting both in its story and in fine performances by Paul Bettany, Willem Dafoe and Brian Cox.
A dark, compelling story with a segment that doesn't quite fit the period piece, but the costumes, make-up, and overall tone brings the dark ages to life.
The filmmakers expertly capture the 14th century in wrenching detail, all its bleakness and misery, down to the dirt-caked fingernails of peasants and priests alike.
As 'The Reckoning' shifts from being a simple period drama to a whodunit thriller, it actually loses energy.
Latest News for The Reckoning
June 22, 2005:
Trailer Bulletin: MirrorMask
It may not be as high-profile as many of 2005's A-list fantasy flicks, but "MirrorMask" is something that fans of fanciful cinema will absolutely want to keep an eye... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 82% 82% | Paranormal Activity |
| 58% 58% | 9 |
| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
| 58% 58% | A Perfect Getaway |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- The Reckoning at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Reckoning at IGN
- The Reckoning at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Last week, MSN gave us their top 09 films. Now see what their favorites of the decade are!

Here's a list of the 50 best movies of 2009, according to the good people over at Moviefone.

Hollywood.com takes a stab at determining who in movies will be on Santa's naughty list in 2009.

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



