Directed by Peter Yates, Quixote is a 1972 film adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel, "Don Quixote." Starring Michael York as the titular character, the film is a story of an aging man who, after reading too many books about chivalry, embarks on a quest to become a knight himself. The film opens in the late 16th century in Spain, where we meet a retired old gentleman named Alonso Quixano (York), who spends most of his time reading books about knights and chivalry. He becomes so obsessed with the idea of becoming a knight himself that he dons a suit of armor, renames himself Don Quixote, and sets off on his trusty horse, Rocinante, to right injustices and defend the honor of his lady love, Dulcinea.
Along the way, he meets Sancho Panza (played by the late, great actor, Roscoe Lee Browne), a simple peasant who becomes his loyal squire and accompanies him on his adventures. Together, Don Quixote and Sancho travel the Spanish countryside, encountering all sorts of people and obstacles, from angry innkeepers to windmills that Don Quixote mistakes for giants.
Despite his good intentions, Don Quixote's actions often cause more harm than good. He attacks a group of merchants, thinking they are a group of evil knights, and ends up getting beaten and robbed. He frees a group of prisoners he believes have been wrongfully imprisoned, but they end up stealing his horse and leaving him stranded in the countryside.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Don Quixote is not living in reality but in a world of his own imagination. His knights and ladies are actually common laborers and prostitutes, and Dulcinea is merely an invented character created by Don Quixote himself. Despite this, Sancho remains loyal to his master and encourages him to continue his quest.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Don Quixote battles a group of windmills, thinking they are giants. He charges at them with his lance, but when he strikes one of the blades, he is thrown from his horse and falls to the ground, bruised and bloodied. This scene is a testament to the film's humor and to the timeless quality of the original novel, which has been adapted countless times in literature, theater, and film.
Another notable aspect of the film is its stunning cinematography. Yates and cinematographer Douglas Slocombe make excellent use of the Spanish landscape, capturing the beauty of the countryside in wide, sweeping shots. The music, composed by Maurice Jarre, also adds to the film's epic feel, conveying the grandeur and drama of Don Quixote's quest.
Quixote is a film that celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of following one's dreams, even in the face of adversity. Michael York's performance as Don Quixote is both comic and poignant, capturing the character's madness and nobility in equal measure. Ultimately, the film is about the enduring power of stories and the ability of individuals to create their own narratives, even when the world around them seems determined to crush their dreams.
In conclusion, Quixote is a classic film that captures the spirit of Cervantes' novel while adding its own unique touches of humor and beauty. Michael York is outstanding as Don Quixote, and Roscoe Lee Browne provides excellent support as Sancho Panza. The film's gorgeous cinematography and stirring music elevate the story to epic heights, making it a must-see for fans of the novel and lovers of classic cinema.
Quixote is a 2010 animated movie with a runtime of 28 hours.
