Review Tuesday: EXCALIBUR (1981)

 

EXCALIBUR

1981

Merlin assists Arthur to unite the Britons while evil builds. 

This is a movie I have had friends rave about in recent years. I haven't seen it in decades, and even then, it was edited for television. So I wanted to experience it properly as an adult. For a change, I talked my BFF into seeing this one. 

 

This is the classic tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table except largely told from the perspective of Merlin the Magician. While this film definitely has that 80s film on a budget feel, the script, cast, and direction made it wonderful. 

 

This film starts from the beginning of eh legend. Uther Pendragon (Gabriel Byrne) was in possession of the mystical sword Excalibur, but when he became a petty ruler Merlin and the sword turn away from him. So, in his final act, Uther drives the sword into a stone declaring the one who draws the sword will become the king of England. Time jumps years in advance and a young Arthur inadvertently pulls the sword from the stone, therein starting the myth. 

 

The rest of the story is how Arthur (Nigel Terry) goes on to become a wise and just ruler of England. However, there are forces at work to unseat him. 

 

 I adored this movie, and finally seeing it in its entirety was a delight! Like I said, great script, great cast. This is one of those times that something actually lived up to the hype. Highly recommend if you are a fan of the Arthurian legends.