A Canterbury Tale

Chaucer's medieval pilgrims are incarnated as three modern-day characters who, en route to Canterbury, are waylaid by a bizarre incident and enticed to solve the mystery of the ‘Glue Man’. Constructing the film in the painterly landscape of his native Kent, Powell evokes the mystical power of nature and cultural tradition, espousing the fading moral virtues in a portrayal of the war-torn provincial life. The British director’s most personal – and his favourite – work, this faintly bizarre allegory captures the poignancy (and stagnancy) of war, while offering reassurance of the spiritual English identity and hope for salvation through the blessings of Canterbury.