Excalibur

For me, this isn't the ultimate version of the Arthurian legend, but it's pretty close. I can't help it, I always preferred this legend with a greater amount of fantasy elements. It just works for me. And probably less God, but it's clear that the topic will simply belong to the Holy Grail. Still excellent after all these years. (16/11/2016)

Excalibur is considered by my generation as the first contact with the fantasy genre, and its influence on shaping the ideas of Western cinema fans was undeniable and very strong. This can reliably be traced in nostalgic comments made by others. During my youth, questioning the quality of Excalibur was unthinkable, but it's 2019 and everything is different now. Anachronisms in weaponry and attire leave me unfazed this time, as it is after all a fairy tale and not a historical story. The omnipresent clumsiness, whether it concerns the way the Arthurian legend is told, the theatrical performances of the actors led by Nigel Terry, or the movements of the extras in shiny metal imitations of armor, is undeniable and at times truly painful. Where the film strives to be enchanting and mystical, it now appears kitschy and unintentionally funny. The music has withstood the test of time, and the camera can leave a decent impression, but otherwise, there are few reasons to revisit Excalibur. Within the genre, not only the adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones have convincingly surpassed it, but also a number of other lesser-known projects. Overall impression: 55%. The lackadaisical nature of Boorman's direction is evidenced by a scene where two running knights have lit cigarettes in their mouths... (12/11/2019)

Some very good to excellent scenes (Arthur's duel with Lancelot, Perceval's search for and finding the Grail...) are unpleasantly spoiled by downright boring scenes, during which I had a hard time not reaching for the remote and pushing the tired plot forward a bit. It is the same with the actors - some act well, others overact badly, the music is only good when Wagner or Orff (sorry, Trevor Jones) are blaring, and the set sometimes looks spectacular, sometimes suspiciously cheap and almost Monty Python-esque. I'm only half satisfied with the vaunted Excalibur in every respect. (23/11/2014)

Fantasy the way it should be. If you insist on historical authenticity, Excalibur can be described as a god-given fiction in which absolutely nothing is true to the times. However, Boorman made the legend into an atmospheric spectacle that doesn't worry about any of this. This fantasy flight will be hard to overcome, although it is quite ridiculous at times (intercourse in armor is part of the golden fund of film erotica :o))). Orff's musical undertones are powerful, the visual stylization impressive, the acting performances are very good, and the story... I don't think it will ever get old. (09/06/2004)

A classic fantasy of the highest possible level. Nowadays, it might feel a little silly, but it had to be pretty epic back then. Especially the war scenes were flawless. Sure, it had a greater impact on me when I was a kid, but I still think that as far as fantasy goes, Excalibur is unparalleled. (24/04/2018)