Review of Guinevere (1994) by Raelle K — 21 Nov 2017

I thoroughly enjoyed this vision of Arthurian England, mainly for its compelling storytelling and intelligent considerations of political, religious, and feminist issues. It suffers from all of the flaws one would expect from a mid-'90s TV movie.

The production quality is weak, with mostly stilted dialogue and performances, but the film is nonetheless anchored by Sheryl Lee's authoritative presence in the title role: successfully navigating an almost impossible political quagmire through deep personal sacrifice to unite England behind the values of peace, unity, compassion, and nonviolence.

Ahead of its time, Guinevere offers an inspiring feminist role model for today's viewers, as the need for an improved social order informed by feminist values becomes increasingly recognized. The script adroitly adapts the existing Arthurian legend of Guinevere, Arthur, Lancelot, and Morgan le Fay, maintaining the structure of those characters' relationships while re-envisioning Guinevere and Lancelot as groomed by le Fay to rule as High King and Queen of a Pagan and Goddess-oriented England.

As Guinevere recognizes that much of England has become Christian, she consents to marry Arthur instead, sacrificing her own love to unite Pagan and Christian England in peaceful harmony. The film forgoes the latter half of the Arthurian tragedy, ending on a note of inspiration, perhaps signaling modern viewers to apply Guinevere's wisdom to current world affairs - to imagine the beauty that could be, rather than dwell in the tragic gloom of Camelot's collapse.

Give this film a second look. It has a lot to teach us.