What is the movie Excalibur about?
The magical sword of Excalibur starts off in the hands of British lord Uther Pendragon (Gabriel Byrne) and then, years later, finds its way to his bastard son, Arthur (Nigel Terry), the knave destined to become king. Aided by the sorcerer Merlin (Nicol Williamson), Arthur fulfills his fate by bringing together the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot and unifying the country. However, this flawed monarch faces greater tests ahead in pursuit of love, the Holy Grail and his nation’s survival.Excalibur / Film synopsis
Who is the villain in Excalibur?
Morgana le Fay (or sometimes just Morgana) is the main antagonist in the 1981 live action fantasy film, Excalibur. She was portrayed by Dame Helen Mirren, who also played the Snow Queen in the film of the same name, Eve Tingle in Teaching Mrs.
Is Excalibur a good movie?
“Excalibur” is the best version of the Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table ever made by the cinema industry. John Boorman´s version has inconsistencies with the legend but it is a perfect blend of fantasy, drama and adventure. Visually stunning, it is worthwhile watching this film in Blu-Ray.
Who is the wizard in Excalibur?
Scottish actor Nicol Williamson, best known for his role as the wizard Merlin in the 1981 film Excalibur, has died aged 75, his family has announced.
What does Excalibur represent?
Excalibur is a legendary sword, in the mythology of Great Britain. It was owned by King Arthur. The sword and its name have become very widespread in popular culture, and are used in fiction and films. Excalibur is a symbol of divine kingship and great power.
How accurate is the movie Excalibur?
How accurate were Hollywood’s previous attempts? Excalibur (1981): “A pretty good representation of the story as it was told in the middle ages. It doesn’t bare any resemblance to any kind of historical events that would have occurred around 500 AD.” King Arthur (2004): “About as realistic as Xena the Warrior Princess.
Who removed Excalibur from the stone?
Some believe that The Excalibur was the same sword that Arthur pulled out of the stone to claim his right to the throne of Britain. However, the more popular belief is that Arthur received The Excalibur from the enchanted Lady of the Lake, after he broke his original sword, known as Caliburn, in a battle.
Is King Arthur based on a true story?
Some people do believe that King Arthur could have been a real person, but despite the occasional news story about an archaeological discovery that may provide clues, experts on Arthurian legend tell TIME that there is no evidence — no primary source from the time — to confirm that King Arthur was ever a real person.
What makes Excalibur special?
The scabbard of Excalibur was also deemed to have magical qualities protecting the wearer from serious injury or from any loss of blood if injured. When Arthur falls at Camlann, Excalibur is returned to the lake by Bedivere in Malory’s account, and by Girflet in the Vulgate ‘Mort le roi Artu’.
What happened to Excalibur?
Pulled from a stone by King Arthur, the sword is associated in legend with the “true” king of England and is said to have magical powers. According to the story, it has been lost since it was thrown in the lake after Arthur’s death.
What does Excalibur symbolize?
How long is the Excalibur movie?
140 mins. Excalibur is a 1981 film which retells the legend of King Arthur. Excalibur was directed by John Boorman and stars Nigel Terry (King Arthur), Helen Mirren (Arthur’s half-sister Morgana), Nicol Williamson (Merlin), Nicholas Clay (Lancelot) and Cherie Lunghi (Guenevere). The film features some noted actors in early screen roles.
Who are the actors in Excalibur?
Excalibur is a 1981 film which retells the legend of King Arthur. Excalibur was directed by John Boorman and stars Nigel Terry (King Arthur), Helen Mirren (Arthur’s half-sister Morgana), Nicol Williamson (Merlin), Nicholas Clay (Lancelot) and Cherie Lunghi (Guenevere). The film features some noted actors in early screen roles.
Is Excalibur a true story?
Excalibur is a 1981 American epic fantasy film directed, produced, and co-written by John Boorman that retells the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, based on the 15th-century Arthurian romance Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.
What is Excalibur in King Arthur?
Merlin the magician helps Arthur Pendragon unite the Britons around the Round Table of Camelot, even as dark forces conspire to tear it apart. The myth of King Arthur (Nigel Terry) brought once again to the screen. Uthur Pendragon (Gabriel Byrne) is given the mystical sword Excalibur by the wizard Merlin.