Watch Excalibur

Excalibur is a 1981 epic fantasy film directed by John Boorman. The movie is a classic retelling of the King Arthur story, with all of the familiar characters including Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and of course, the sword Excalibur. The film is visually stunning and features an impressive cast, including Nigel Terry as Arthur, Helen Mirren as Morgana, and Nicholas Clay as Lancelot.

The movie begins with the birth of Arthur, the future king, and follows his journey as he grows into the legendary leader of the Knights of the Round Table. Arthur is immediately faced with turmoil as a baby, as his father Uther Pendragon is killed in battle and he is taken away from his mother to be raised by Sir Hector. As Arthur grows up, he discovers his true identity and eventually becomes king.

Throughout the film, Arthur faces many challenges, including battles with his half-sister Morgana, who wants the throne for herself. Morgana is a powerful sorceress who uses her magic to try and defeat Arthur, but he is aided by Merlin, a wise old wizard who serves as his advisor.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is the scene where Arthur pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone, which is a symbol of his destiny and his right to rule. The sword itself is a powerful weapon that can only be wielded by the true king, and it becomes a symbol of Arthur's power and authority.

As Arthur builds his kingdom, he is joined by the best knights in the land, including Lancelot, a brave and loyal knight who becomes one of Arthur's closest friends. However, their friendship is tested when Lancelot falls in love with Guinevere, Arthur's wife. Their love affair leads to betrayal and tragedy, and Arthur is forced to face the consequences of his own actions.

Excalibur is known for its stunning visuals and epic battle scenes, which were groundbreaking for their time. The film was shot on location in Ireland and features sweeping landscapes, towering castles, and intricately designed armor and props. The music by composer Trevor Jones adds to the epic feel of the movie, with its sweeping themes and haunting melodies.

The cast of Excalibur is also a major highlight of the film. Nigel Terry is perfectly cast as Arthur, bringing both strength and vulnerability to the role. Helen Mirren is stunning as Morgana, bringing a fierce intelligence and a sinister edge to the character. Nicholas Clay is great as Lancelot, bringing both honor and passion to the role. The supporting cast, including Patrick Stewart as King Leondegrance and Liam Neeson as Gawain, are also excellent.

Overall, Excalibur is an epic and visually stunning retelling of the King Arthur story, filled with memorable characters and stunning visuals. It's a must-see for fans of the fantasy genre, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Excalibur is a 1981 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 56.