The Ribald Tales of Canterbury : Exploring the 1985 Cult Classic Updated for a New Era
Reviews of The Ribald Tales of Canterbury (1985) - Letterboxd
But time has been kind. In the modern era, where adult animation is dominated by Rick and Morty and Big Mouth , the version feels less shocking and more foundational. Critics now argue that it does what Chaucer originally intended: it uses the vulgar to critique the powerful.
Imagine the visual wit of The Great (Hulu) or The Favourite applied to a ribald road movie. An updated version would keep the intentionally anachronistic costumes—imagine medieval lords vaping, or pilgrims using iPads with cracked screens—but rendered in stunning 4K. The "classic" feeling would come from practical sets and in-camera effects, but with modern lighting and sound design that makes the jokes land harder.