User reviews highlight the film's unique balance of explicitness and genuine storytelling. One reviewer notes that while it "takes significant creative liberties with its source material... the film makes no apologies for its playful interpretation". Others praise it as a "winning film for couples" because the plot and humor are strong enough that both sexes can enjoy it. While some scenes may be prolonged for modern viewers, the overall consensus is that it's a "fun and frisky adventure that delivers on its erotic promise".
The Ribald Tales of Canterbury stands out for its ambition. It was a big-budget costume epic, one of the last X-rated films shot on glorious 35mm for a theatrical release. Unlike the gritty productions of its era, it was lauded as a "well-made, lavishly produced" film. With its playful tone, catchy theme song, and engaging "story within a story" structure, it was nominated for three AVN Awards (the "Oscars of adult entertainment"), winning one, solidifying its place as a classic. the ribald tales of canterbury 1985 classic updated
Reviewers often categorize the film as a "high-point" of the genre, though it has some dated elements. User reviews highlight the film's unique balance of
The 1985 classic often forgot it was based on Chaucer. An update would lean into the literature—but viciously subvert it. Imagine the "Wife of Bath" reimagined as a polyamorous lifestyle influencer live-streaming her pilgrimage. Imagine the "Pardoner" as a televangelist selling crypto-indulgences. By updating the tales to critique 2020s greed, vanity, and hypocrisy, the film would become what the 1985 version wanted to be: a timeless satire using filth as a vehicle for truth. Others praise it as a "winning film for
The film follows a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury Cathedral, each with their own story to tell. The tales, ranging from bawdy and humorous to poignant and insightful, reveal the complexities of human nature and the social commentary of Chaucer's time. The film features a diverse cast of characters, including the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner, and the Miller, each bringing their own brand of humor and wit to the screen.
In , the definitive "updated" version was released as a Region Free Blu-ray double feature with Tasty . The limited edition slipcover run was limited to 2,000 units and quickly sold out, but the standard edition remains available. This release also includes a wealth of new bonus features that make it essential for collectors:
The film's brilliance lies in its simple but effective premise, which is lifted directly from its literary ancestor. Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a collection of over 20 stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling from London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. To pass the time on their journey, the pilgrims engage in a story-telling contest, with the prize being a free meal at the destination.