In a kingdom where lawyers replaced knights, one boy fights to restore chivalry
In short: Justin and the Knights of Valour is a 2013 animated fantasy film about a boy in the kingdom of Gabylonia who dreams of becoming a knight. Despite his father’s insistence that he pursue a legal career in a land where knights are outlawed, Justin embarks on a quest to reclaim his grandfather’s sword.
The film, originally titled Goleor: The Scales and the Sword, was produced by Kandor Graphics and features a star-studded voice cast including Freddie Highmore as Justin and Antonio Banderas, who also served as a producer. The story follows Justin’s journey after the death of his grandfather, Sir Roland, at the hands of the treacherous knight Heraclio. Following the King’s death, the Queen of Gabylonia outlawed all knights, a decision she later regrets when she realizes the kingdom lacks defenders against the returning Heraclio and his criminal army.
Justin’s path to knighthood is far from traditional. He trains under monks and a former knight, Sir Blucher, eventually facing a mechanical alligator named Gustav in lieu of a real dragon. Along the way, he is joined by Talia, a former barmaid who becomes his companion and love interest, and the quirky, split-personality wizard Melquiades. They must contend with the opportunistic thief Clorex, who poses as a knight to gain fame, and the villainous Heraclio, who seeks retribution for his exile.
Upon its release on 13 September 2013, the film struggled significantly with critics and at the box office. It grossed only $19 million against a $30 million budget, and Rotten Tomatoes reports a 13% approval rating based on 15 reviews, with an average score of 3.9/10. While the writing, pacing, and character development were widely criticized, the voice acting and musical score by Ilan Eshkeri received praise. Ultimately, the film concludes with the restoration of the knights and Justin’s triumph over Heraclio, proving that his determination to honor his grandfather’s legacy was not in vain.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Justin and the Knights of Valour
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