It’s a medieval Magnificent Seven that promises wham-bam action, epic emotion and gore. Lots of gore. Empire was fortunate enough to visit the Welsh set of Ironclad recently – braving the blood and, more pressingly, mud, to see Paul Giamatti in action as blue blood bastard King John, laying siege to a castle defended by James Purefoy and his brave/foolhardy/brutal/ginger* warriors. Based on the real life siege of Rochester Castle, the movie aims to blend some historical substance – they were fighting for freedom, dontchaknow – with grubby, authentic action. As you can see, Purefoy gets his hands dirty. “The promo slipping out a few weeks ago was slightly premature, as the sound and picture were still rough,” says producer Rick Benattar (Shoot ’Em Up), referring to an online leak of an unfinished showreel. “But the fans out there seemed to embrace it anyway and in light of that we thought we would share, officially, the teaser one-sheet that will be used exclusively for the European Film Market.” The EFM runs alongside the Berlin Film Festival from February 11 and Benattar promises further Ironclad teases and treats as the year progresses. “Expect more footage soon,” he says. “And thanks to everyone out there who has been following the film. It will kick some ass!” * Hello, Jason Flemyng. | 
