Review of Excalibur (1981) by Martin F — 29 Jan 2012

John Boorman's spellbinding, visually stunning rendition of the King Arthur legend is a magnificent production that truly captures the medieval age. Arthur, played by Nigel Terry in an superlative performance is the bastard son of the cruel Knight Uther, played by Gabriel Byrne in a solid turn who is given the mystical sword Excalibur by the powerful wizard Merlin, played brilliantly by the late Nicol Williamson in a terrific scene-stealing performance.

When Uther is ambushed by his enemies and is mortally wounded he buries the sword deep within a large stone before he dies. Whoever removes the sword from the stone shall the King, years later Arthur draws the sword from the stone and becomes the King who is guided by the mysterious Merlin that will becomes a father-figure and mentor to him.

Arthur uses the sword Excalibur to defeat evil; he marries Guenivere, nicely played by Cherie Lunghi and gathers his great Knights of the Round Table in fellowship, but dark times are coming when Arthur is betrayed by his best friend and finest Knight Sir Lancelot, played excellently played by Nichols Clay who could not resist his deep sexual attraction to the Queen Guenevere, who desires him just as strongly.

Arthur's evil half-sister Morgana, played by Helen Mirren in a wonderfully wicked performance casts a spell on him to have sex, she soon sires an evil son, well-played by the director's son Charley Boorman that may prove to be the fatal down of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Astute direction by John Boorman, there are superlative supporting performances by Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Cherie Lunghi, Paul Geoffrey, Ciaran Hinds and Corin Redgrave. Gorgeous cinematography by Alex Thomson, with a marvelous score by Trevor Jones, impressive visual effects by Wally Veevers, and a magnificent costume design by Bob Ringwood.

A unique motion fantasy. Highly Recommended.