Excalibur Movie Information

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Movie Information

Overall Rank: 2849

Average Rating: 2.8/4

# of Ratings: 105

Theatrical Release Date: 04/10/1981

Language: English

Genre: Adventure, Drama

MPAA Rating: R

Director: John Boorman

Actors: Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Nicholas Clay

Plot: The legendary sword Excalibur is plunged into stone and only the chosen King can remove it. A squire named Arthur removes it and the tales of Camelot, Merlin and Lancelot begin in the time of knights and magic. -- CJP

Ian - wrote on 09/25/2015

A great movie and probably the best on the subject of the King Arthur legend. This is your classic word and sorcery story full of as realistic portrayal of these elements as was possible. The soundtrack is exceptional and really brings does the film justice. This is not for children, there is a scene in which a knight in full armor has sex with a lady, which isn't appropriate for all audiences. Regardless, I watched the movie at a young age and was highly impressed.

Yojimbo - wrote on 07/02/2012

Possibly the best telling of the Arthurian legend (The Holy Grail aside!), this deconstruction of the myth adds an element of realism missing from most of the competition. Grittily filmed, gory battle sequences counterpoint the mysticism and the characters are much more three dimensional and human. Nicol Williamson's portrayal of Merlin as a bumbling eccentric rather than the usual enigmatic mystic is particularly memorable.

CJP - wrote on 01/25/2009

Action: 3/3 + Comedy: 0.5/2 + Good vs Evil: 1/1 + Love/Sex: 1/1 + Special Effects: 1/1 + Plot: 1/1 + Music: 1/1 = 8.5/10 or 85%. Excalibur stands the test of time well. The special effects do not come in abundance, which makes many fantasy films from 1981 dated, and the acting is commendable. The story does jump though- where one scene can end while the next begins 5 years later. However, it covers the tales in quality and is a better film than LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring, though not much shorter and not as enjoyable as LOTR 2 or 3. The fact that it has been virtually forgotten shows that the public wasn't ready for such an epic scope of fantasy in 1981.

Norrin
Producer

An All Time Classic

Norrin - wrote on 11/11/2013

Still the definitive motion picture regarding King Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin and company, this is also one of the best fantasy movies ever made. Great acting across the board (look for many future big stars like Liam Neeson, Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne and Patrick Stewart) along with a tour de force performance from the late, great Nichol Williamson as Merlin. John Boorman creates a stunning visual look to the movie and covers every important aspect of the Arthurian legends from the birth of Arthur through the quest for the holy grail. At all times Boorman shows utmost respect for the legend, but also delivers realistic violence and sex. Just an outstanding movie on every possible level and a true classic. Not to be missed by fans of historical epics or fantasy.