Movie Details
Set in the early 14th century, William Tell (2025) reimagines the legendary Swiss folk hero’s rebellion against the oppressive Habsburg rulers. The film blends historical drama with high-stakes action, following Tell—a skilled hunter and archer—as he becomes an unlikely symbol of resistance.
When the tyrannical Austrian bailiff, Hermann Gessler, raises taxes and enforces brutal punishments on the Swiss people, Tell refuses to bow. After a defiant act of rebellion, Gessler forces Tell into a deadly challenge: shoot an apple off his own son’s head with a crossbow. Tell succeeds but is arrested when he reveals a second arrow meant for Gessler if he had missed.
Imprisoned and facing execution, Tell escapes during a storm on Lake Lucerne, leading to a thrilling chase through the Alps. Rallying Swiss rebels, he sparks a full-scale uprising, culminating in the Battle of Morgarten—a brutal clash that changes the course of Swiss independence.
Title: William Tell (2025)
Genre: Historical Epic/Action-Adventure
Director: Ridley Scott
Screenplay: David Scarpa
Producers: Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam
Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski
Production Companies: Scott Free Productions, 20th Century Studios
Cast:
- Chris Hemsworth as William Tell – A fearless hunter turned revolutionary leader.
- Christoph Waltz as Hermann Gessler – The ruthless Austrian governor.
- Florence Pugh as Hedwig Tell – William’s wife, a fierce strategist.
- Tom Holland as Walter Tell – William’s courageous son.
- Javier Bardem as Werner Stauffacher – A key Swiss resistance leader.
- Ralph Fiennes (cameo) as Duke Albert of Habsburg – The power behind Gessler’s rule.
Visuals & Style:
Shot on location in Switzerland and New Zealand, the film captures the breathtaking Alpine landscapes with sweeping cinematography. The action sequences—including the iconic apple-shooting scene and a heart-pounding avalanche escape—are practical effects-driven, enhanced by minimal CGI for realism.
Ridley Scott’s signature gritty aesthetic blends with medieval authenticity, from the costuming to the brutal, visceral combat. The score mixes traditional Swiss folk motifs with epic orchestral themes.
Themes:
- Defiance Against Tyranny – A timeless story of standing against oppression.
- Sacrifice & Fatherhood – Tell’s love for his son drives his heroism.
- Unity in Rebellion – How ordinary people spark revolutions.
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