Excalibur Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

[@nicegan8902]

The whole thing about Perseval being reluctant to throw the sword into the lake and returning to Arthur to be told to do it again is taken directly word for word from the 1485 Mallory book. Their "I saw nothing but the wind on the water" conversation is literally word for word.

[@PantherUK]

After seeing this in my teens in the mid 80's, I have never bothered to watch another film on the legend of King Arthur... This is the pinnacle and retelling can never be as good... Excellent review...

[@juniorramos1437]

A masterpiece of film. Really liked it as a kid, love it as a masterpiece as an adult. The greatest movie of the Arthurian Legend

[@MrAlsgaard]

This channel deserves a lot more subscribers.... great review as always

[@mikelezcurra810]

KZbin algorithm doesn't like this channel for some reason

[@pantaleonpizzaparte3338]

I also want to see more of Justine, please. She adds a lot to the show.

[@kramalerav]

I can’t quite glean if her accent is Scots or some kind of northerly English burr.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Yes,it would be great to see more of her.I always find it interesting when you bring in other people to comment and analyze various movies.

[@CESSKAR]

Perceval is the fool who becomes wise, he who perseveres.

[@avalangrin4904]

Just watched this review again. You need to invite Justine Hardie back. She offered such in depth insight to the review. Her metaphorical observations of parts of the movie as well as her sparring with Iain made this review quite enjoyable. 🙂🙂🙂

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very true.

[@mikeyj.3605]

The scene where Arthur and his knights are riding out of Camelot and the land is reborn is one of my favorite scenes in all of cinema. This film is a beautiful work of art. Enjoyed the review very much.

[@LeanderNadeltanz]

20:17 the MOST HILARIOUS scene in the whole movie - Merlin: What are you afraid of? Arthur (acts and sounds like a village idiot): I don't know! Merlin: Shall I tell you what's out there? Arthur (still acts and sounds like a village idiot): yes, please!

[@sarahwade6720]

"The dragon! A beast of such power that if you were to see it whole and all complete in a single glance it would burn you to cinders." "Where is it?" "It is everywhere! It is everything! Its scales glisten in the bark of trees, its roar is heard in the wind. And its forked tongue strikes like..like.. ::lightning strikes tree:: Whoa, like lightning yes that's it."

[@warpstormstudios]

28:26 I think you've missed an important thing about this scene. It seems out of place, but it really isn't. Merlin is actually answering Arthur's question. "Look at him. So beautiful. So quick." (and the camera even cuts to Lancelot briefly as he says this). Then after the fish escapes "Remember, there's always something cleverer than yourself!". Consider what happens immediately after this scene - and what it sets in motion in the long term - and you can see what Merlin was trying to warn Arthur about.

[@Damacles9]

Foreshadowing and conflict through Arthur's misinterpretation of who Merlin was referring to -- the fish -- a misinterpretation that led to him to be jealous of Lancelot. Where in the end Arthur admits his pride/vanity and eschews his ego in his contrition. His confession and repentance causes The Lady of the Lake heal Excalibur. Character is action and conflict.

[@NylonStrap]

My favorite scene is when Uryens knights Arthur in the water. It stirs such great emotion to have enough trust on Arthur's part towards Uryen's honor and shows he can recognize great character in others.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

10:36 "Looking at the cake is like looking at the future. Until you've tasted it. What do you really now? Then of course, what do you really know?" Arthur eats the cake. "Too late". LOL

[@putridsunrise192]

Still the best adaption of the Arthurian legends to date!

[@legmanpv72]

Kay's father is Sir Ector, I am so happy and thankful that you have done this review, in my opinion the best Arthurian film ever made, it had such a affect on me and my love of films and the love of the myth

[@mikelezcurra810]

And yes, Justine is a great addition to the discussion.

[@hbomb3780]

“If a boy drew the sword,then a boy shall be KING!”

[@VespoLiveGaming]

"If you pledge yourself to the King, all the land from here to the sea shall be yours" Patrick Stewart: "DONE!"

[@ScreamingScallop]

Nicol Williamson was always a trip. This was my first exposure to him, and I love his performances in Venom (1981) and Return to Oz. (Both of those would be interesting choices for Off The Shelf, as they tend to be pretty polarizing.)

[@thechosenones4375]

Gary's faces, sitting in the middle, are hilarious lol

[@BenGreen1980]

Just want to say I especially appreciated Justine's analysis and thoughts this film.

[@sadlobster1]

For years, I've considered this the definitive King Arthur type film and I still do. But what I mean by that is this is one of the few examples where it actually FEELS like a King Arthur story (in all the right ways.) It has sorcery, the creation of Camelot, the strong bonds between the knights (particularly Arthur and Lancelot's friendship,) it has one of the best versions of Merlin AND it has great action scenes. This stands as No.1 in my Top 5 favorite King Arthur movies; alongside Knights of the Round Table, Sword in the Stone, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and more recently (as in the last couple of years,) The Kid Who Would Be King. Other King Arthur movies try to focus on making his story "realistic" by adding in the legend's supposed "Roman origins." But the examples I've listed help keep King Arthur as a fantasy, Excalibur being chief among them

[@rockonallnight]

Would really love for you guys to review Kurosawa's epic adaptation of King Lear, 'Ran'. And by all means bring along Justine as well. She's just so ultra lovely I think!

[@deb7457]

I loved this review about one of my favorite movies!! Except for Justine’s rabid denial of Guinevere’s duplicity, and betrayal to Arthur, was nerve-racking!!!! GEEZ.....

[@Blobby192]

she didnt chase after merlin to get her child back because she was dealing with merlin even uther knew not to mess with merlin

[@adampoll4977]

Great discussion, great dynamic. Bring on Justine for more in future :)

[@jscottupton]

One of my favorite movies of all time. But until I saw this review I had no idea that Nigel Terry played the YOUNG Arthur as well as the older Arthur. I thought the young guy what someone I didn't know!!!

[@MB20978]

I get excited when I see one of your videos pop up in my feed! :) Always very entertaining and insightful.

[@BrettOwen71]

Justine just nailing it with one great, articulate insight after another. Except, she is dead wrong about Lancelot and Guinevere.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

"How many years has it been. Naw, it's not happening." Well, there is Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince George. One of them might retrieve the sword, Calibourn Excalibre.

[@jeremybrooks7415]

None of you caught onto the fact that Igraine was played by the director's daughter.

[@Damacles9]

Nice catch!

[@leadingblind1629]

been watching this since I was 8. LOVE it. Nicol and Helen couldn't stand each other but you can barely tell. and LIAM NEESON AND BYRNE! SO amazing! and I always throw people off by using the charm of making lol

[@leadingblind1629]

"Ah na nath'rak. Ooth'vah spith-ood. Dorthyiel dienvey."

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@leadingblind1629 yehnthis was acthullt brynes first film in fact

[@vittekantilles4178]

This movie freaked me out as kid. All I wanted to see what cool wizards and knights duke it out, instead I got to see sex and crows picking out eyes. Still love the movie today though.

[@andrewsreed03]

Totally. I watched this film way too young. I will watch this again though and appreciate it much more now.

[@Sure0Foot]

love this film. And, I think the criticism (at about 0:10:00) of Nicol Williamson's performance is unfair. Of course Merlin is going to behave differently than Uther; Merlin has this mystical power & otherworldly wisdom. If he DIDN'T come across as that, that would have been a problem!

[@chadatchison145]

I find myself agreeing with Iain on the Guinevere Lancelot trist thing, they both did Arthur dirty, lust is often mistaken as love or in their case, love is used as an excuse to justify lust. Actions have consequences and if two people disreguard them then they're just shitty people.

[@lonewolf8271]

Greatest Arthurian film, ever!

[@dt9913]

"For it is the doom of men that they forget"

[@theunbeliever603]

They definitely forgot how to pronounce Urians. Uris?

[@nivekian]

The one knight early on with the beard is the King beyond the wall, Ciarán Hinds.

[@skellan34]

one of the greatest films ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cheers guys

[@hopelessedgelord]

God this episode was like watching a episode of Jezza 41:09 I don't understand all the defence of Gwen's actions sure those actions could be considered treasonous and could lead to death but going and cheating on Arthur is not excusable even before it all happened if they both new it was that bad then they should of done something anything but go and cheat on Arthur who has done nothing wrong in the situation

[@bassliveevil]

My favorite film,since I was a kid.

[@Monkismo]

Loved this film as a teen in the 80s, I need to watch it again immediately. Cracking good review.

[@bb1111116]

Best King Arthur film. Interesting debates in the review.

[@vizitorluu9263]

This is still the best Arthurian legend movie ever !

[@mrsanatra1]

This channel is one of my favorites, Keep up the excellent work guys!! Also can you guys review: The void, session 9 or Pin (all horror movies)

[@jenniferwill1656]

Session 9 gets my vote.

[@ManDuderGuy]

Sorry Pindar, gonna have to cancel your vote with my vote for The Void.

[@JustinStoutArt]

It was cool for me to see how actual English people view the movie.

[@handsomestik]

Remember when the Undertaker recited the charm of making in 90's WWF

[@AarenJable]

Definitely a classic, great review folks!

[@yodieyuh]

Merlin is the Dragon. Excalibur is thrust into "the spine of the Dragon"

[@brucemfvane4148]

O shit you rite

[@danielcrick8871]

Love this movie, amazing music, cinematography and sets. I truly miss movies like this 😪

[@MrDannyArroyo]

Still the best movie done about King Arthur and the sword, Excalibur. More credit needs to be given to Nigel Terry for the nuanced way he played Arthur as a teen, an adult and an older man. Lots of depth and emotion in his eyes. Some great acting by him and the rest of the cast, who many later became very successful actors. The set, locations, and tone were terrific. The music was outstanding. Scenes that were already good became great with the music enhancing it. Definitely a fave film of mine. I have an original poster framed hanging on my wall. 😎

[@danielwilliamson6180]

Excalibur is pre Game of Thrones.

[@trevorfuson715]

Still the best!! I know Star Wars is loosely based on Artherian legend but isn't it kinda funny that Nigel Terry looks like Hamill or Like Skywalker..

[@theunbeliever603]

The person doing the most talking is the person who least understands the film.

[@drcreppler]

Igrayne was the Duchess of Cornwall not a Queen & Sir Kay was Arthur's foster brother not half brother.

[@wdbeckiv]

The child that stole Kays sword is Merlin

[@Damacles9]

Hmmmmm......

[@williamdufort176]

Can we please get a Lifeforce review?

[@rouge3031ify]

Awesome reviews. You guys made me watch this again and made me look at this on a different perspective. First time I saw this is when I was on 5th grade and my friends enjoyed it so much, we reenact some of the scenes then sing that old spice theme song while we battle it out with woden sticks. Then watched it again so many times when I was in highschool and wished the fight scenes where longer. Now present day being 37 more mature. I started noticing the great acting along with the theatric elements that made me understand why the movie was done this way. I must say this was so well done, other movies based on this falls flat and not even worth rewatching.

[@KiddCrowley]

Man, being like 9/10 years old and seeing the Uther, Ygrainne rape scene. No wonder this movie and it's imagery stuck with me all my life.

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

If you think about it, this movie has two rape scenes. Morgana raped Arthur too.

[@KiddCrowley]

That is true. I guess my child mind didn't even consider that as rape at the time. But yeah, disturbing stuff.

[@bobbyshaddoe3004]

this review is awesome. I was hoping for some sort of analysis of this film as its one of my favorites.

[@Toshigawadotcom]

Holy Cow! The denial from Justine on this one is Crazy! lol! Guinevere was to the Knights of the Round Table as Yoko Ono was to the Beatles! Awesome review. Keep it up!

[@voxdraconia4035]

Lancelot could have told her to piss off though, if he had some restraint...just like Adam could have said nope, no apples today...but its the girls tempting the men being accused, never the weakness of men not simply saying nope, not interested, bitch ... ^^

[@Optics2024]

@@voxdraconia4035 well he did basically go and live in the woods to get away from her 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jklein17]

Still my favorite and most watched movie of my life. I saw this when it first came out and have watched it a few times every year since.

[@CESSKAR]

I really liked the review. And felt like the lady was the best.

[@lorenwoirhaye4687]

There was a full original soundtrack I think, but Boorman used classical pieces he liked in the editing room because it wasn't done, and he preferred the music he used so he discarded much of the score. It would not surprise me if Boorman held up the composer because he wanted the score to match his editing.

[@davidpadilla3025]

Hey guys, your fan from Spanish Harlem here. Great review of a classic movie. I watched this movie also at a very young age. I would play with my toys watching the action. When Arthur gives the sword to Urian ( I think, the accents are pretty strong, lol), and the other knight says take it, take it. The expression on that actors face as he picks up the sword and holds it up. At the same time, Merlin says "What's this, what is this?" and my other favorite when Arthur calls for Merlin. My mom passed away in October and playing the scene really hits close to the chest. You guys keep up the great work. I got a couple more movies you guys should check out. Shock Waves with Peter Cushing and John Carradine. Tusk with Justin Long and Haley Jo Osment (Weird movie). Hell of the Living Dead ( Its those ripoffs of the Romero but it was pretty good). Last on is Zombie, all I can say is there is a scene where a sharks attacks a Zombie underwater. Peace.

[@acwolf92]

Percival's hesitation to throw excalibur into the lake is accurate to Arthurian legend the only inaccuracy of the scene is it wasn't sir percival it was sir bediviere

[@this_is_my_scrambler]

Great review of a great movie. Well done!

[@momcolorloveallcolors474]

THIS VERY BEAUTIFUL MOVIE...

[@jdzencelowcz]

Yeah, it's set in the 14th-ish century, & they're using early Renaissance Italian-ish armor, but I don't think it detracts from the story. Although the tv series did have period correct armor, so check that out. The Adventures of MERLIN, on DVD & Blu-Rey.

[@zainhartono7193]

I actually loved the Sam Neill Merlin miniseries. That’s the Arthurian story I grew up with.

[@TheBeird]

Nice review guys. Justine always contributes an interesting perspective whenever she joins you.

[@AdrianMendoza23]

What regional accent was a young Arthur doing?

[@iidirectxii7545]

23:20 - going into a battle like this wearing all that armour is going to slow you down and drain you, probably better off going in like how Arthur did ?

[@iidirectxii7545]

Funfact- This was the last movie Bruce Wayne watched with his parents before they were murdered outside the cinema (Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice)

[@drlarrymitchell]

Funfact: BvS also stole the double-stab ending.

[@sgtjarhead99]

I saw this movie in the theaters when it first came out. I thought it was a pretty bad, but loved it just the same due to the visuals, violence, and sex. It was the Spartacus of it's day and bought the VHS as soon as it was out. Looking back, I'm amazed at the number actors who later became big names in this film. Helen Mirren was incredibly hot in this flick.

[@kramalerav]

It’s a very classical looking epic of the Arthurian legend..told on meth. So yeah, the movie is kind of bad, but that undeniable frenetic energy to it is where it has earned the cult status.

[@bassliveevil]

John Boorman has had the ultimate up and down career. This was his Zenith. But he did make a great film later with Hope and Glory

[@kramalerav]

I’m surprised he was able to get this movie made after a). the huge critical backlash from Exorcist II: The Heretic and b). making a serious retelling of the Arthurian legend after Monty Python’s hit version.

[@kramalerav]

Excalibur is a beautifully lit film. The cinematographer on this movie would go on to photograph Labyrinth, Legend, Leviathan and Alien 3; all very gorgeous looking flops.

[@mikelezcurra810]

Great review as usual

[@JuJo-rx8jb]

I'm surprised this movie has not been banned yet in contemporary Briton for it tells a tale of hope for the British people.

[@sarahwade6720]

Dame Helen Mirren is absolutely beautiful in this. Even now, in her 70's, she is lovely

[@harlequincat]

This looks like an amazing movie! I love Merlins gleaming helmit, reminds me of Robocop :-D

[@sadlobster1]

Arthur's foster father's name is either called Sir Hector or Ector

[@azraelswrd]

Ah, another fave. For me, it was the music that cinched this for me. Sir Kay was underrated. =)

[@sarahwade6720]

Trevor Jones is a genius in his work

[@50goingon15]

Wagner's funeral march of zig fried adds so much power to the film. Mary Stewart's Crystal Cave series is the best Arthurian literature out there. Great review guys!

[@xenablossom4682]

Another great review. How about reviewing classic kaiju films like the original Godzilla, Mothra, and Rodan? Or general giant monster films like Attack of the 50ft Woman?

[@TheYamR6Sp]

The actres that plays Igrane is the director's doughter. Is that not strange?

[@mayozippo]

I just watched A cure for wellness. It would be great to hear what you have to say about it. I enjoy your reviews big time.

[@jdzencelowcz]

Honestly, I consider Mists of Avalon to be a close second to Excalibur.

[@mikelezcurra810]

Speaking of John Boorman, how about reviewing "Hell in the Pacific", with Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune?

[@blaze556922]

I love your guest and love this movie but she is in denial about the affair.

[@nodinitiative]

Yautja Prime Just like most women.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

She's the only one explaining everything that's happening on the movie trying to make any sense; nevertheless, the guy with the batman t-shirt is who's in denial about everything and speaking nonsense like if they were talking about the last Marvel crap put on the screen...

[@allenbrown591]

Guards! Knights! Squires! Prepare for battle!

[@lrg1984]

Love the channel !

[@OlympicLeprechaun]

Anybody else find it a little disturbing that Boorman had his own daughter do that scene?

[@RichiEnglish]

Is Justine somewhere from the North or Northern Midlands?

[@kungpip]

Long live Justine! Not one thing you said that I disagreed with. Keep it up!

[@stingray4980]

I think Patrick Stewart had hair when he played the evil Sejanus in I Claudius.

[@stevenbratz7333]

Saw this movie at the perfect age, 18, when the world was still magical, promising and dangerous. This movie was captivating for all those reasons. I would say the movie is perfect, except for one missed opportunity by Boorman.

[@OurRooks]

Any chance you guys will review the green Knight?’ It was a super interesting Arthurian tale movie that will have this beat for best adaptation IMO

[@willlyon7129]

Will you be doing a review of Legend from 1984 for future episodes?

[@whoawtf7419]

I had this movie when I was around 13 with the same kinda experience as justine lol. Was super excited when I saw this in my feed! Please do Monty Python and the Holy Grail, quit teasin xD

[@avizueta]

Now did you guys do a Krull review?