Peace and penance...

...Pilgrim's progress

On the surface, A Canterbury Tale might appear to believe in divine benediction, but even the irreligious mind should have no difficulty appreciating what the film’s Canterbury eventually represents for the four main characters. It can be seen as a place where one comes to make peace with oneself, finding solace by recalling the struggles of other people who lived centuries ago – and thus momentarily becoming part of something larger (something that doesn’t have to be supernatural). Or even where mistakes might be acknowledged and a form of personal penance done. For the thinking believer and non-believer alike, there is more depth and complexity to be found in this film’s graceful climactic sequence than in all those dramatic scenes of our heroes berating or negotiating with their Gods in moments of crisis.