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Ivanhoe is a historical adventure movie set in the 12th century, directed by Richard Thorpe and released in 1952. The movie is based on the famous novel by Sir Walter Scott and stars Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Fontaine. The story takes place in England during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart. In the midst of political turmoil and danger, a valiant knight named Wilfred of Ivanhoe (Robert Taylor) returns home from the Crusades, much to the surprise of his family and friends. His father, Sir Cedric (Finlay Currie), is disappointed to see his son has fallen in love with the beautiful Jewess Rebecca (Elizabeth Taylor), who is also loved by his own squire, Ivanhoe's childhood friend Brian de Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders).

The main conflict of the story is between the Saxon and Norman forces. The Saxons, led by Ivanhoe, are fighting for their independence from Norman rule, while the Normans are led by Prince John (Guy Rolfe), who is trying to seize power from his brother King Richard, who is being held captive in Austria. The Normans are also trying to destroy the Jewish community, who they see as a threat to their power.

The movie unfolds with a series of battles, intrigues, and romances. The main characters encounter a cast of interesting characters, such as Sir Wilfred's loyal servant Wamba (Emlyn Williams), Cedric's ward Rowena (Joan Fontaine), and the swashbuckling outlaw Robin Hood (Harold Warrender).

Ivanhoe's valor is put to the test when he is challenged to a joust by de Bois-Guilbert, who is in love with Rebecca but also wants to take her to his leader, the powerful Templar Grand Master (Robert Douglas). Ivanhoe wins the joust but spares the life of his opponent, which leads to a series of dramatic events that eventually culminate in a siege of the Norman castle.

One of the highlights of the movie is the spectacular battle scene, where the Saxons and Normans engage in a fierce fight, complete with horses, swords, archers, and catapults. The battle is a visual feast, with hundreds of extras and amazing camera work that captures the details of the fight.

Another standout scene is the heart-wrenching trial of Rebecca, who is accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. The scene is beautifully shot and acted, with Elizabeth Taylor delivering a very emotional performance that highlights the injustice and cruelty of the persecution of Jews in medieval times.

The costumes and sets are also impressive, with attention to historical accuracy and detail. The movie captures the essence of the medieval period, with its feudal system, chivalry, and religious conflicts.

Overall, Ivanhoe is a classic adventure movie that delivers on its promises of action, drama, and romance. It has stood the test of time and remains a popular favorite among fans of historical films.

Ivanhoe is a 1953 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 75.