Excalibur
(1981)
Directed by John Boorman
nominated by @
Citizen Rules
Everyone knows the story of Arthur, son of Uther and Igraine. During the time of unrest after the Romans deserted Britain, the people were looking for a king. Uther, with the help of the Druid Merlin, begot the sword Excalibur and became King of all Britain. Because of Uther's lust for Igraine, Merlin took the child from them. Shortly after, Uther was murdered. Arthur was fostered by one of his knights. And it seems that Britain would not have their king as Uther, before death, thrust Excalibur into a stone. Legend told of only the one true king could release Excalibur and would bring peace to a country again at war. Arthur being that one true king. Arthur married Guenivere, created his fortress Camelot and had his knights of the round table. It was round so everyone would be considered equal as there was no beginning and no end. Guenivere fell in love with Arthur's most chivalrous knight, Lancelot. Lancelot being a faithful knight to Arthur, his king, he spurred Gueniever away. Arthur's half-sister, Morgan, became an apprentice to Merlin to learn the mystical arts. Arthur catches Lancelot and his wife Guinevere in a romantic embrace. Morgan cast a spell on Merlin and trapped him in a cave, she cast a spell over her half-brother and they create a son, Mordred. Mordred, with the help of his mother Morgan, brings destruction to Arthur and Camelot. The rest is of Welsh mythology.
I have seen many versions of this on celluloid and have read many versions on paper. I seen this movie back in the mid-'80s when it was released on cable tv. I feel the film has aged. There is to much shiny armor and swords. Even Camelot glowed above all. Some of the dramatic scenes were over dramatized. I had to chuckle about it at times. I didnt hate it but it was just there. One thing I did like was.....
WARNING: "My spoiler" spoilers below
Patrick Stewart as Leondegrance
Liam Neesom as Gawain and Ciaran Hinds as Lot
but my favorite was
Gabriel Byrne as Uther.
Patrick Stewart as Leondegrance
Liam Neesom as Gawain and Ciaran Hinds as Lot
but my favorite was
Gabriel Byrne as Uther.
Here are some historic places in South Britain.
Merlin's Cave, Cornwall
Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, which the birthplace of Arthur.
Glastonbury, Somerset, believe to be where Avalon existed.
There is even a burial site for
Arthur and Guinevere.
I even own this book.
for those interested, more reading material
https://www.glastonburyabbey.com/king-arthur-avalon.php
https://kingarthursknights.com/