John Boorman's epic version of the King Arthur legend takes all the important elements - the sword in the stone, the Knights of the Round Table, the quest for the Holy Grail, the love between Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot - and holds them together in a single sweeping story. Nicol Williamson stars as a camp Merlin and Helen Mirren makes a suitably sinister Morgana, but the most memorable aspects of the film are its art direction and cinematography.
"Dark, Bloody and Brooding" -
PAUL RONAYNE on 7th October 2009
A dark, bloody, brooding and at times, strange rendition of the Arthur legend set in verdant, mystical locations in Ireland and Wales. Boorman's 1981 film has maintai... more >
A dark, bloody, brooding and at times, strange rendition of the Arthur legend set in verdant, mystical locations in Ireland and Wales. Boorman's 1981 film has maintained pole position within the genre mainly because of its fine Shakesperian cast, limited special-effects and good old-fashioned, blood and gore.
Nigel Terry plays a slightly miscast Arthur in a fairly straightforward storyline of the Excalibur, Round-Table tale. Nicol Williamson is an outrageous Merlin and Helen Mirren a seductive, witch-like Morgana; Cherie Lunghi, Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne can all be found in early career roles. Carl Orff and Richard Wagner's atmospheric music add majesty to the battle and love scenes.
Not one for those looking for a Sunday afternoon matinee, this Arthur story is dark, violent and sexy late-night entertainment for adults only; watch it, enjoy.
