Excalibur (1981) Retrospective / Review

[@OliverHarper]

Hi everyone, some of my viewers pointed out a couple of silly errors I made in the Excalibur Retrospective I published on the 29th March, which I've now corrected. I've re-uploaded the review with the corrections in place. Thanks to everyone who left feedback and commented on the previous video it was very much appreciated.

[@Kenshiro3rd]

Oliver Harper was about to ask who screwed you over and forced you to edit and reupload. XD

[@masenko2006]

should have kept original , stone in the stone :p

[@rocknrollkid90]

Back in 2011, Bryan Singer was supposed to do a remake with Warner Bros. and Legendary, but it was cancelled.

[@CybershamanX]

As much as I liked the first video should I watch it again for the changes or are they just minor quibbles? :/

[@darknessviking]

oh soe that is why boorman could ride around on a motorcycle because he is son of a famous director that explains everything

[@joshuasheetz9253]

To date, the best take on Arthurian legend. Hammy and bizarre, but so damn beautiful. One of the best fantasy films ever made.

[@markusorth5450]

King Arthur, with Clive Owen, is very good if much less fantastical.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I snuck into the theater with two friends to see this when I was 10 or 11. Best damn thing ever

[@sadlobster1]

I never really saw the acting as "hammy," just dramatic

[@lincoln3x7]

@TheEriczeppe Dude, were we separated at birth?

[@muddlewait8844]

Made several changes (making Excalibur the sword in the stone, and the outcome of the duel with Lancelot) that are definite improvements on earlier versions of the legend

[@psy2mentor]

Saw this in the theater by myself when I was just 11. Mom gave her wave of approval to the ticket window from her car, since it an R Rated movie. Totally warped my mind, it was so amazing! One of the most memorable movie-going experiences of my life! I still can't hear O Fortuna without thinking of Excalibur.

[@davidadams2395]

I was also 11 when it arrived in theaters, and my mom gave her approval for me and my best friend to see it by ourselves. He hated it, but I was enthralled. It's remained one of my favorite films.

[@reidycruise]

It’s on the doors movie soundtrack as a bonus track 👍

[@nebohtes]

My friend's mom used to send us to the store with a note for us to buy her cigarettes. Generation X is the "you had to be there" generation.

[@johnv6806]

I was probably a young teen when I first saw it. It started a life long fascination with swords armor and history. Though ultimately I like the roman peroid more.

[@thecocktailian2091]

@@nebohtes Lol, my dad just sent me to the corner store to pick up a carton. As it was then, we were all very friendly with the shopkeep and everyone knew everybody. Even in the BIG city. Shopkeeps name was Sam, he was Iranian.

[@MasterJediDude]

Yes, the best King Arthur movie ever made. My favorite scene is the exchange between Arthur and Uryens, just before he knights Arthur as king. Gives me chills every time. Damn fine acting.

[@majesticfool]

so many good moments like this. so many good character arcs, even for minor characters like Uryens.

[@worldchronicles4818]

I get that same feeling towards the end when Sir Percival Brings the Grail back to King Arthur and Arthur drinks and is healed, then he assembles his knights and they prepare for battle and "O Fortuna" stars playing....Best cinematic experience i think i have ever had.

[@bronzeager1298]

Gotta admire the actors delivering such a good scene in REALLY deep water

[@johnnyblade2052]

Yes, that scene was fantastic! Such an unexpected reaction by Uryens who submitted to Arthur so suddenly.

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

Yes, that was really thrilling. That's a true King there, and Uryens a true Knight. Inevitable as his death was, later in the movie (as only Perceval could succeed in finding the Grail), it saddened me greatly.

[@willlyon7129]

Excalibur is probably the best interpretation of the Arthurian legends ever made.

[@BigDollars360]

False. Sam Niels Merlin has just the right amount of Martin Short.

[@theartistguy2668]

Both are extremely good and I wish more people knew about the '98 Merlin, it's an overlooked masterpiece.

[@Pikkabuu]

Nah. Monty Pythons version is the best!

[@NelsonStJames]

Amazing that many movies with 10x the budget of Excalibur don't look nearly as good.

[@danrgoodnight9345]

THIS

[@alexfurnas1263]

Excalibur is a masterclass for gaffers. Just the use of light turns every scene into pure art, from the omnipresent green glow through the bulk of the film to the smoky sunset tone of the final battle.

[@scottypp8205]

Art transcends all.

[@amaxamon]

Looks better than that Peter Jackson crap.

[@because_the_internet]

John Boorman's films always look amazing

[@ecurb10]

That final scene of the Excalibur being held vertically by The Lady of the Lake, before she pulls it down.......with that Wagner music!!!!!! Pow!!

[@mimi31268]

i played that scene over and over and over...so beautiful! i was and still am mesmerized by The Lady of the Lake as she descends with Excalibur perfectly vertical ...the POWERFUL music... everything...CHILLS! i love, love, love this movie 🦄❤

[@boedilllard5952]

Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government

[@funkenstien1155]

​@@boedilllard5952I thought we were an autonomous collective

[@boedilllard5952]

@@funkenstien1155 Right, right! See the violence inherent in the system!

[@roberteckenberg1129]

I wept.

[@manueldeabreu1980]

Still the best portrayal of Merlin in ANY version.

[@because_the_internet]

Immensely powerful, intensely flawed, sometimes playful and often a bit of a prick, as it should be.

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

Yes, by far. Like everything else in this movie.

[@ardalla535]

For me, Williamson IS Merlin. Same way Lea Salonga IS Eponine and Elaine Paige IS Grizabella. Can't improve on perfection.

[@wonkothesane8691]

Absolutely!

[@journeyman1218]

Definitely the inspiration of the technomages from Babylon 5 too.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

"You have broken what could not BE broken! Now hope is broken." "My pride broke it. My rage broke it. This excellent knight, who fought with fairness and grace, was meant to win. I used Excalibur to change that verdict. I've lost, for all time, the ancient sword of my fathers, whose power was meant to unite all men, not to serve the vanity of a single man. I am... nothing." That scene struck me deeply as a child. I watched the movie over and over until the tape wore out and I had to buy a new one. Arthur, heady with the power of Excalibur & his authority over others as king, is taught humility. He learns his role is not just leader, but servant of the people under his care. He learns stewardship.

[@dunnmax1]

Spot on.

[@LovingTinha]

Yes, weird that it was a movie that taught me this. And haven't been the greatest student, since our world is far from honorable and requires a different approach to defeat evil.

[@roughcity1859]

Might be the best scene. Its also the point in the film the Knights change their armor from dull black like Uther, to silver like Lancelot.

[@Zero_Point_Energy1]

A politician who admits when he’s wrong and learns from his mistakes. Arthur 2024.

[@mphrdldn]

Sadly if Arthur had allowed Lancelot to beat him, Lancelot would have pulled up the stakes and moved on. He would never have met Guenevere.

[@IggyStardust1967]

Excalibur is a movie that I consider to be "Epic" before "Epic" was a thing. I don't find it "boring" by any stretch, and to be honest, I do think it's one of those rare movies that would be better with a much longer runtime. A movie of this scale would be worthy of a near 3 hour runtime. That way, we could get more of the Arthur/Lancelot interactions during the second act. I will say that I had no idea so many of the wonderful actors in this movie had died. I did not see this in theaters, though I dearly wish I had. I first saw it on HBO back in the early-mid 80s, and instantly loved it. I'm happy to say that I have a replica of this Excalibur sword hanging on my wall. It is the pride of my (rather small) sword collection.

[@IggyStardust1967]

DragonlordWarlock My first wife bought me this sword, I don’t remember the price, but it was reasonable for the quality. I wish I could include a picture of it.

[@brianmcmanus4690]

Classic.

[@BrettEPierce]

Yeah, this movie is an endurance test to watch, and I wish it was longer.

[@howieduwit2551]

Having been a fan of this movie since 1981-2, I completely agree with you. I would gladly welcome additional time added to this true gem!

[@reidycruise]

So much better than the lord of the rings in my opinion

[@michaelkirkpatrick7483]

Loved everything about this movie. Beautifully shot, great soundtrack, excellent acting, list goes on.. I found myself totally immersed into it as a 19 year old who loved all kinds of movies. Watched it too many times to count, and never got tired of it. To this day, it still holds a special place for me. Thank You John Boorman for bringing your vision to the screen.

[@superbilly7160]

One of my favorite films of all time! The definitive King Arthur movie!

[@clightning9703]

one of.?? you mean the best ever King Arthur, nothing compares, bar none.!!!

[@Cosminen]

Same Here!

[@kenchun24]

Yup same here...seen it as many times as all the other '80s action/scifi/fantasy entries no doubt.

[@willlyon7129]

Totally agree with you.

[@bulbafett5001]

This Movie, Dragonslayer, Kull and Krull, Beastmaster, Conan. I need to do a sit marathon one of these days of all the old 80's Sword and Sorcery movies again.

[@Plathismo]

In more than four decades this adaptation of Arthurian legend has never been surpassed. It's one mesmerizing image and sequence after another, accompanied by an incredible use of some of Wagner's best music. I've had every eccentric, loudly looped line of dialogue burned into my brain since I was a kid.

[@the_dizzy_piper5261]

To my mind, I always thought this film was the best told visualization of Arthurian legend, and had the best depiction of Merlin out of all the films/series. They truly can't make them like this anymore

[@Strideo1]

I love this film's sincerity. It takes the subject matter seriously without any winking at the audience or unnecessary cheeky jokes or characters.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Peter Jackson (who made LotR) should adapt a new version of the story but Borman's film will always be a legend.

[@MrAndyBearJr]

The_Dizzy_Piper Nicole Williamson did a masterfully definitive rendition of Merlin. The best I’ve ever seen IMHO.👍🏻😀

[@alexandresobreiramartins9461]

They don't know how to make them like this anymore. Sometimes, you get a really stellar character (Ford, played by Anthony Hopkins in Westworld, Mads Mikelsen's Hannibal), but that's getting increasingly rare.

[@dungeonsanddobbers2683]

@@alexandresobreiramartins9461 Yeah, it's really upsetting to see film (and TV) go more and more towards spectacle over substance, especially in the era of streaming where an underperforming movie (or even a flop) can't recoup it's budget from VHS/DVD sales like they used to.

[@jimsinister13]

Arther: “Are you a dream ?” Merlin: “a dream too some, and a nightmare too others !”

[@brianmcmanus4690]

"Alh nah roc nah, ooth vah speth ood..."

[@NickRowsell]

I’ve used that line myself

[@Der0Nibelung]

Still gives me goosebumps

[@gregkral4467]

That dude played merlin awesome, I was just thinking of this quote...... brings back so many memories of the 80's, oh how I miss those days.

[@jimsinister13]

@@gregkral4467 good time to start a classic movie DVD collection

[@SuperRayW]

Excalibur, Conan, Krull, Beastmaster, The Sword and the Sorcerer, Dragonslayer, Ladyhawke, and Red Sonja; the movies of my childhood, and the Golden Era of fantasy films.

[@rubensanchez1018]

SuperRayW great list but don't forget Willow and Flesh + Blood too.

[@timothymarchant9079]

Not forgetting Ralph Bakshi's flawed but wonderful attempt at The Lord of the Rings. Or Fire & Ice which was pure, high fantasy cheese but much loved. Ahhhh, wonderful times.

[@MCCrleone354]

Ridley Scott’s Legend

[@mariosiaven2965]

How about Dune

[@richardadorno9187]

Great movies , beastmaster as well.

[@alexkaye108]

“One day a King will come and the sword will rise again.....” Fantastic legend brilliantly told. What an amazing film....

[@PeaceDragon9]

I'm a believer.

[@warpig372]

The moment when Arthur rode through the land one final time with the land rebuilding with the music still sends shivers down my spine.

[@Dominic-fd2wz]

warpig372 “You and the land are one.”

[@ross1880]

GUARDS, KNIGHTS, SQUIRES, Prepare for Battle!

[@NullStaticVoid]

Orff's Carmina Burana, specifically "O Fortuna" I believe. To bad about it's nazi association. It's lovely music.

[@curtisrodriguez938]

@@NullStaticVoid Fortunately, it has been used so many times since "Excalibur," most people would be unaware of its association. Most people recognize the music if not its source.

[@sandrasteward3920]

I AGREE CARMINA BURANA HAS A EXCELLENT SONG WITH O FORTUNA AWESOME THEME I HAVE IT AS A RINGTONE SUCH A GREAT MOVIE DANG ARTHUR GOT BETTER LOOKING AS THEY MADE HIM AGE VERY UNDERRATED ACTOR HELL THE WHOLE CAST WAS GREAT

[@Lwilibert]

I love how the poster actually depicts the movie. Looks like those old starwars posters where the vader suit looked like something the artist saw once and tried to represent by heart 2 months later. But this poster shows it like it is.

[@captainharris8980]

Yeah, they don't make movie posters like they used to. Good art there.

[@sinjin90ful]

I am 48 and have watched this movie many times if i could wear a DVD out it would be this one. This movie has so many good things i get emotional in to this day like the scene when Arthur drinks from the grail and is renewed the music and his brother yelling "guards knights squires prepare for battle" gets me every time. And when younger arthur steps out and says "any man that would follow a boy that would be a king follow me" and the siege on Le aun da grance's castle is awsome. There are so many good scenes that i can not type them all. When arthur had Uriens knight him and you hear someone yell " keep it Uriens" and you see Kay step closer to him and the love in Uriens eyes for his king after he swears to him is just so moving.

[@Minzalin]

What also stood out for me in that scene was Merlin's reaction. Someone who has witnessed and performed many acts of wonder, is amazed at Arthur's courage and purity of heart, and Uriens' honour and victory over his ego. "What's this? What's this?! I never saw this!"

[@Gorilla_Jones]

One of the best scenes ever put to film.

[@JAGtheTrekkieGEMINI1701]

How can a Person get BORED by watching this epic yet wierd movie is beyond me!

[@danilonascimento9866]

@Imago Gestalter You know Cinema as an art form, and therefore this or any movie, is one of the most distinctive features of Modernity, right?

[@danilonascimento9866]

@Imago Gestalter First: If you want to talk about conceptual definition, Modernity refers both to a Historical Period and a colection of paradigms. The "oposition to tradition" is only a colloquial, and often wrong, use of the word. Second: Are you implying that there was Cinema, as an distinct art form, before the invention of...welll, Cinema?! Like, before modern (as a historical period) audio and image capture techniques?!

[@kingcurmudgeon8685]

Or maybe it’s just boring

[@lindenstromberg6859]

@@kingcurmudgeon8685 You should get tested for covid. A lack of taste is a symptom.

[@jackmehoff7430]

Simpletons these days need Michael Bay explosions and CGI lasers. Meaningful storytelling has taken a backseat sadly.

[@originaluddite]

"Merlin, are you a dream?" "A dream to some, a nightmare to others!"

[@anteldrobat3880]

that was so magical. it was such a simple scene but so well performed.

[@originaluddite]

Sometimes too much scenery chewing is the right amount, especially if you're Merlin. :)

[@davidolie8392]

A friend of mine came up with his own take: "A dream to some, a nightmare to the sound technicians!"

[@bryantsmith2061]

had to comment they used that in Ready Player 1 and no one knew it came from this movie

[@williamstoner3865]

Bryant Smith I did 😉

[@nodarkthings]

This film has a strange dreamlike quality which lifts it above its flaws. I saw it around 1985 when it was shown on TV. I was studying English Lit O Level at the time and I remember discussing it with my teacher the next day. I remember the whole class were really enthused and raving about the rousing soundtrack. I was feeling ill at the time and sometimes when you're unwell dreamlike films like this gain a strong foothold in your subconscious. I wanted to escape reality at this time and was not very happy in myself so it came along at the perfect time. I was also really into Lord of the Rings. I saw Jabberwocky shortly before or after this too. Great fantasies! I miss those days of cinema

[@hurinsteadfast7826]

One of the greatest movies ever made. Beautiful film.

[@Toshiro_Mifune]

"It's bad for your health, you know?" "What is, Pinche?" "Me!"

[@brianmcmanus4690]

Yup.

[@marionpurnell5003]

I agree

[@thomasthompson6378]

Nigel Terry had the daunting task of having to play Arthur as a young man, a middle aged man, and an old man, too. I can't think of anyone else who would have risen to the challenge as well as he.

[@nicholasjanke3476]

It's a shame he never made it to superstardom. Terry was an underrated talent. Foreign actors often have a tough time finding work in Hollywood, being the rationale is that U.S. viewers are put off by stars with foreign accents. A few exceptions-Charles Boyer, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Connery, Laurence Oliver,

[@Shadi092986]

@@nicholasjanke3476 I wonder if anyone even recognized him as one of the chief Trojan prophets in Troy.

[@rickyj5547]

He should have got a Oscar.

[@johnv6806]

@@Shadi092986 i certainly didn't. I did recognize merlin in spawn but only because of his voice.

[@rogersjgregory]

Thomas F Wilson did a fantastic job of playing the various Biffs in the Back to the Future trilogy. He also had a tough job.

[@TheGoldenChile]

yes! my favorite scene is when Arthur cheats to defeat Lancelot and immediately regrets it. I have a soft spot for people who embrace the severity of their mistakes on the spot and do their damndest to fix it.

[@Nemoticon]

And in that moment, you realise Uther would have not regretted it. Arthur is the better man and the one true king.

[@TheGoldenChile]

yes, and in general, would rather have men terrified of the power than those who hunger for it, be king

[@TheGoldenChile]

@Paul its why its all the more commendable if you have the balls to recognize your moral failings and reverse your course immediately, self incrimination be damned.

[@TheGoldenChile]

@Paul well yeha, i agree. what inspires me is the emotional turmoil between what you know is right and wrong, and if you can wrestle your powerful demons into submission, then good for you! Now, I agree, its HARD to turn yourself around in the heat of passion, it takes a kind, intelligent and strong man to do that. But we all make mistakes, and good folks are often tempted to do things the quick and easy way. But, its a fantasy picture. They condensed this possibly complex and torturous moral evolution into one scene.

[@antoniogiorgiosgoldenmetal844]

A Wagnerian masterpiece in every sense. The best movie of Boorman, One of the last True Visionary filmmakers

[@Wolfsheim23]

That use of green filtering really did PERFECT on giving the desired magical effect. It's something that stuck with me throughout my life when remembering this great film. The green shimmer of the sword and the lady in the lake among other great shots. It was so subtle yet so perfect for the desired effect. People new to the movie, it's kinda too deep for one viewing. It is so textured with so many themes and metaphors. It really requires deeper study to fully appreciate. I'm amazed it clicked with me like it did when I was very young. Even Dune didn't click with me like this film did. Blade Runner didn't either.

[@howieduwit2551]

I believe I was 13 when I first watched this masterpiece! It has, from that moment, become my favorite film. I am 54 now and I still find it captivating.

[@thecocktailian2091]

Curious to lump this film in with Blade Runner and Dune. Are you making a cult favorite connection? Otherwise there are literally scores of films you can throw in if were just throwing in memorable films of the early 80's.

[@Wolfsheim23]

@@thecocktailian2091 Yes Im throwing lasting cult films that stuck with me strongly growing up. These movies left a unique impression on me. More Surreal, Spiritual feeling. Limitless. Alien could go in that category too.

[@cheerdown87]

This film never grows old for me; still refreshing after all these years, and the best take on Malory put to screen.

[@Gojira777]

For a limited budget Boorman delivers an epic re-telling of the Arthurian legend. Though it is not flawless, it is the best of the Arthur movies in my opinion. Thank you for this excellent review!

[@CinemaMacabro]

I saw this at a theater in NYC in TImes Square in 1981 with my parents, This film had a huge impact on me. I cried at the ending shot of Arthur being taken away to Avalon, especially the soundtrack by Trevor Jones.

[@oscarstainton]

Nicol’s portrayal on Merlin is my favourite part of the film, and kind of gives you an idea of how John Boorman could have directed Gandalf in his proposed adaptation of Lord of the Rings. Ultimately, Excalibur captures the spirit of the King Arthur mythology the best, because when you really look at it the whole saga is surprisingly messed up with dark magic, lust, incest and patricide. It certainly feels like a darker tale than say the Robin Hood story.

[@ScarecrOmega]

good point, Nicol would have been a great Gandalf

[@Clay3613]

They would never have had enough extras to do the battles in LOTR justice, especially not in 70's Hollywood. Plus condensing three books into one movie is never a good move.

[@phillippatryndal4255]

The period of time the legend of Arthur comes from, is earlier than that of Robin Hood, ~550AD, (rather than a later medieval period ~12-1300AD) - before the Norman invasion and their ideas of Chivalry, so it's grounded in a more 'primitive' time - (and it was the the combination of such earlier legend and later ideas of chivalry that went into Morte D'Arthur, many ingredients of which were then further added to the legend (Camelot/the round table etc.)). So the difference in context for Arthurian legends and later tales of Robin hood etc. cause differences in setting and morality. It's a shame we've yet to see a 'proper' historical Arthur film, though, now we know and understand much more about the original time, place and person the legend is based upon. The funny thing, is that it might still include the holy grail(s), given the idea that Joseph of Arimathea brought them to Wales.

[@denisdaly1708]

Ya, Nicole was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant, deep and humerous.

[@alucard624]

@@Clay3613 True. There was just no way to do that story justice back then. Hell, it's a miracle that it even made it to the screen at all when it did finally starting in 2001 with the first film.

[@majesticfool]

This film has so much depth after rewatching it many times. Great character arcs, tragedy, music, cinematography, casting. The waning of paganism with the advent of the new religion, and thus the fading of merlin and the magic and mystery of the esoteric. The slow, ponderous battle scenes in the ahistorical but aesthetically perfect armour. The spooky and tragic quest of the knights. Mordred's mask and armour! So good!

[@dhollsynthmusic]

good post, agreed!

[@nadavmeron4491]

One of the most passionate movies ever made. It sizzles with the love of cinema, music and emotions to a point fantastic. Never matched.

[@reidripley1221]

Patrick Stewart and Liam Neeson are both in this. That's me sold.

[@armynation31B5V5P]

You have to watch it if you get the chance

[@Nemoticon]

Helen Mirren never looked better here.....

[@alucard624]

@@Nemoticon Mirren is a straight up hottie in this film. There's just something about her that keeps her hotness going for some reason.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Lol. It’s full of British talent. I mean Helen Mirran naked! Holy Jesus. As a kid my lions were enlightened !

[@lrdr5404]

It's Ciarán Hinds' first film role as well.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

John Boorman made two of my favorite films, ‘Excaliber’ and ‘The Emerald Forest’ absolutely incredible films.

[@kathieprater2431]

Me too. Both movies are in my top ten!

[@michaeldonovan4793]

deliverance, too

[@PeaceDragon9]

I love them too. It's been ages since I've seen Emerald Forest. Really amazing film. I also like Zardoz.🎉

[@clauderain4888]

I am still baffled after 38 years at how they achieved that effect where Lancelot gets accidently speared with his sword , looks so real... and btw I adore this film, every aspect of it

[@peterlewerin4213]

Stuntman? No, I don't know either.

[@pennygadget7328]

Trick blade with spring-loaded retractable tip, combined with a separate blade tip affixed on the other side. Steve Johnson recreated it for the pencil-through-the-hand gag in Fright Night.

[@garycooper8130]

"let us embrace" the sound of the sword going in.amazing.

[@edgyguy5553]

you really need to have seen this film in the theater back in 1981. Mind blown. If Star Wars reshaped Sci-fi, Excalibur really reconceptualized this genre of film, along with Conan. I remember it was actually playing in a theater with a re-release of Star Wars. I went one day and watched 3 consecutive screenings of Excalibur, and the next day did the same with Star Wars. The power of the film is the underlying psychological space created by the director's interpretation. It's similar to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight. Don't get bogged down in the surface expectations of traditional, plot driven action films. It's metaphorical and allegorical.

[@SumDumGy]

If one of my local theaters brought this back, I’d be all over it! I have a local second run theater that does this; perhaps I’ll suggest it.

[@LancetFencing]

I just love this version of the sword. No extra embellishments a simple cross hilt that flares elegantly at the forte ant the ends of the quillons. A simply ornamented disk pommel and a handle that bulges in the center and tapers equally from there to the pommel and hilt. Gently lit in the film communicates magic without hard silly auras. It almost makes the whole film for me.

[@adampoll4977]

To this day, still the definitive Arthurian saga put to screen. So glad you mentioned the effect of Lancelot being run through with Excalibur - it's flawless.

[@crazysnarfy861]

It wasn't Excalibur, it was his own sword he stabbed himself with while he was asleep. I agree, the effect of Lancelot removing the sword from himself was great!

@@crazysnarfy861It wasn't an effect, it was real! They made sure it was the last thing they filmed with the actor. They had a Doctor on set that anesthetised him before the scene, then they slowly inserted the sword into his body and then quickly shot the scene before stitching him back up! When casting they said to Nicholas Clay, if you take this role we want to stab you, for real, is that ok? And he said yes!

[@crazysnarfy861]

@ What actor in their right mind would do that?! That is taking dedication to your craft a step too far!

[@Pelopen3bc]

@@crazysnarfy861 *The Robson Experience* is just goading you, haha. Boorman explained it: it's a spring loaded blade in the front, the back part just fell off.

[@SimonAshworthWood]

I’d like to see a longer version of Excalibur. When I watched Excalibur, I found myself wishing it was longer.

[@IndyCrewInNYC]

Nicol Williamson. The greatest Merlin ever! Sam Neill gets the silver medal for his interpretation in the TV mini-series "Merlin."

[@colinmackenzie6277]

How John Boorman tied all the imagery and concepts together with a modest budget is a miracle worthy of the Grail itself. Paganism vs Christianity, the natural world (and hence the green tones) vs Mankind's ambition to build castles and weapons, and all of Mallory's classic grail imagery wrapped up in almost caricature (exaggerated ) personifications of the main characters, whilst visually imbued with overt neo romantic imagery (especially in the armour). A feast on any level. No other adaption comes close.

[@LittleWeeWees]

Excalibur!!! Sending chills up the backs of men since 1981.

[@dogbadger]

You fail to mention just what a huge force the music of Carl Orff's O Fortuna , Wagner's Tristan And Isolde and particularly Siegfreid's Funeral is to the emotional impact this film has.

[@zoesdada8923]

I want to see the three hour version

[@TheBlackswanwhite]

where is it????

[@TheBlackswanwhite]

where is it????

[@SumDumGy]

Yes!!! With hopes that it smooths out the rough edges from the edited cut.

[@baginamonolog]

Same!!

[@kingkong5483]

I MUST have it!!!!!!!

[@Gorilla_Jones]

I was 16 when me and my mates went to see this wonderful work in our cinema. It blew us away and to this day remains one of my favorite films for its beauty, grit, and wonderful acting. Simply the greatest Arthurian film by miles and miles. I'm glad to have it in my extensive collection and watch it every couple of years. Thank you for this review.

[@jagvillani338]

One thing that I really liked about the setting was the mix of druidism and early Celtic Christianity -- Merlin and Morgana both reflect on how the old ways are being lost and over the course of the film there is more and more appearance of the newer religion.

[@thomashiggins9320]

I was 17 when this came out, and I've loved it, ever since. That said, I have to agree with most of Oliver's review. The first act would've been better with a teenager, and the second act did drift, a bit. However, the third act delivers like a boss, and Boorman's amazing visuals (practical effects!) found it firmly in the realm of mythical.

[@shawnn7502]

Nicole Williamson gives us one of the greatest roles in cinema history. And I also think Nigel Terry is straight awesome as King Arthur. His goofiness as a teenager didn't bother me at all. As a sudden king, the young man is a fish out of water, and his awkwardness works well. His voice alone makes him a better fit for Arthur than Percival would have been. The middle act centered around Sir Lancelot is slow and seemingly directionless, and then the final act centered around the quest for the Holy Grail is just enigmatic and baffling. However, the movie ends brilliantly, which does much to make up for the slower last hour of the movie.

[@ninapri5456]

Totally agree

[@Pendragon667]

Everybody: the best movie handling the Arthurian legend First Knight: am i a joke to you? Everybody: YES!!!! ^^ Excalibur may have it's flaws but it's still one of the best fine damn movies ever made. Period.

[@Kieran84ire]

My Dad worked on this!

[@anteldrobat3880]

what di he do?

[@Kieran84ire]

@@anteldrobat3880 I think in the lighting or rigging department

[@countofdownable]

I knew a guy from work who was an extra. He was 27th peasant to the right.

[@monkeybuttslap]

@@countofdownable No Way! And just think, two inches to the left and he may have had a lead role.

[@gustavoa.belfiore4701]

The best Arthur movie. Period.

[@chris_wicksteed]

I rewatched this recently. Loved the scene where Guinevere returns Excalibur to Arthur. She's got it swaddled in cloth and hands it to him like it's a baby. His line is something like 'You kept it!' On top of the stunning production, there's some fairly deep subtextual stuff going on in this movie, which in my eyes makes it worthy of classic status..

[@jbcbhbrb]

Love that scene too, but it was Guinevere that said "I kept it." And Arthur says something like "In all these years, I never dared to hope that it was in your safe keeping." That scene really encapsulated the dynamic between them.

[@curtisrodriguez938]

It just occurred to me that if Guinevere took Excalibur from the ground where Arthur planted it, is she the ruler of England?

[@usedfuzzbox]

One of my favourite films growing up. Beautiful to look at. Astonishing soundtrack that works so well with the classical parts.

[@effsinthechat1766]

I saw this on channel 4 in England sometime in the mid eighties when they used to show films like this at the weekend. Alongwith escape from New York blade runner Android and Time bandits. It was an instant favourite

[@GjVj]

Same! Taped it off the tv and practically wore out the VHS, I watched it so many times. :)

[@Vitobratta1]

How on Earth did they make a masterpiece like this for $11 million ?

[@hetalianotaku7103]

They were talented people who knew how to use it, something of a lost art now.

[@evertonporter7887]

This film is a lot bigger than it's supposed to be...and it's all the better for it!

[@Adino1]

@@hetalianotaku7103 It didn't hurt they had the who's who of British acting talent also.

[@stoogefest16]

$11 million in late-70s dollars. Adjusted for inflation, that’s almost $38 million in today’s value.

[@LuckyBastardProd]

Star Wars was 12 mil. No coke head producers but mature adults and that’s how they pulled it off.

[@Amrah75]

Just for covering Excalibur you get a thumbs up, "I doubt you no more"! Still one of my favorites.

[@Beavernator]

That scene at the end, of the sword going straight back down into the water, always gave me chills as a kid...

[@Frisenette]

There is no ham acting or bad casting in this. This is to a large extent filmed theater done on purpose. The style is a wonderful breath of fresh air compared to almost everything done today, and was an extremely brave and a avant-garde move by Boorman, in a movie that went head to head with some of the (other) best movies ever made. It’s a far, far better movie than any of Peter Jacksons shit. It handles what is the real core origin of Tolkien’s universe with superbly, intuitive expertise. You just can’t go literally, on the nose with something as outlandish, poetic and weirdly structured as original fantasy.

[@purefoldnz3070]

Some excerpts from John Boormans LOTR adaptation Frodo becoming intimate with Galadriel before gazing into her mirror. A kabuki-style play to explain the history of Middle Earth, notably Sauron's creation of the rings. An expansion of Gimli's character. Gimli is beaten "to utter exhaustion to retrieve his unconscious ancestral memory," giving him special insights into the ancient dwarven kingdom. A duel of words between Gandalf and Saruman: GANDALF: Saruman, I am the snake about to strike! SARUMAN: I am the staff that crushes the snake! GANDALF: I am the fire that burns the staff to ashes! SARUMAN: I am the cloudburst that quenches the fire! GANDALF: I am the well that traps the waters! Sorry you were saying about Peter Jackson? lol

[@Frisenette]

Purefoldnz that his movies are utter crap and Tolkien is spinning in his grave every time they are screened? If you can’t hear how Boormans ideas are absolutely wonderful, or at least get your curiosity piqued, then you are in a very sorry mental state. You don’t ever do justice to a book by doing it one to one. You don’t capture the essence and spirit of a work by interpreting it verbatim. Jackson managed to both do things on the nose, totally not get any of the atmosphere and gravitas of the original work, and shit all over what it tried to achieve. Boorman on the other hand captured the dreamstate and ethereal mindset of the disjointed, eclectic Arthurian legends with great great expertise. You can’t be too serious in tone or take such an endeavor too seriously otherwise you’ll come off as overbearing, pompous and as a blowhard. Neither can you go total goofball or impose too much of your own or generic style over such a work.

[@orinanime]

@@Frisenette I disagree with your assessment wholeheartedly

[@orinanime]

@@Frisenette Wrong. Take it seriously and you get epics like the LotR trilogy, which apparently the vast majority of critics and audiences (aside from you) love. Don't take it seriously and you get the unfortunate Hobbit trilogy. John Boorman's LotR would have been an atrocity.

[@chrisdiokno5600]

@@orinanime I liked the Hobbit trilogy. Granted, the Hobbit did just start out as a bedtime story for Tolkien's son I believe

[@bronzeager1298]

Man, I really want to see the 3 hour cut of this. I just watched it on DVD and liked it a lot, but it also feels kinda like a cliff notes version of the saga, particularly in the middle third. Fleshing out the different story pieces more would have really helped.

[@dunnmax1]

Thank you so much for your closing 2 minutes or so. I thoroughly enjoy it.

[@johnfloydman7735]

Don't forget ' the beast master '. As a classic film from that era ....

[@jh6495]

My favorite movie as a kid. Hope he does an introspective on it

[@zzygyy]

Beast Master= extra cheesy fun!

[@MatsMovieReviews]

I’ve done one if your interested 👍

[@johnfloydman7735]

Cool ✌I'll have a look...

[@MatsMovieReviews]

Johnfloyd man77 I’d love your feedback 😎

[@drjthornley]

Excalibur is just beautiful. This film can haunt you for years and I don't think cinema gets any better than that. Forty years on and I still love it. Is it a legend? A myth? It feels like a truth we might want for todays world.

[@thealaskan1635]

One of the BEST movies of all time. I never cared for the story til this movie

[@Sniper_Cat_71]

I love this movie so much. It has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager, and I'm almost 50 now.

[@beepster991]

I'm impressed he was able to talk about John Boorman without once mentioning "Zardoz".

[@richardjones7984]

I actually like that movie as well. A depiction of times just a little in the future now.

[@baskervillebee6097]

This is a movie that needs to be seen more than once to appreciate. Looking back on it I'm amazed at the talent. The actors went on to incredible careers! Love Nicole Williams voice. It stands the test of time very well.

[@mrmrgaming]

Amazing film, the dirt and grit feel is what stuck with me way back on VHS days and beyond. Funny thing is I have always remembered the words to the spell.

[@brendandrislane4560]

Tales of the ancient mythic past do not speak to the cerebral cortex, they speak to the Id, from the realm of dreams. They are not meant to be linearly consumed by a computer. They are necessarily twisted affairs of briars, thorns, and chaos. This movie is a delicious feast for that dark portion of the soul.

[@alexhamilton4084]

This is one of my favourite films ever. I find it very moving especially with the music. Maybe I'm a big softy but the ending always makes me cry.

[@SierraSierraFoxtrot]

The sword in Lancelot's side is truly amazing. I can't figure it out, it doesn't look like it was a simple trick sword as some people suggest.

[@ziggystardust4627]

If you watch closely (I just went through frame by frame), it is a trick sword, with a spring loaded tip, and pulled out fast enough that it's hard to notice. And for the other end of the sword coming out of Lancelot's back, that was probably a small tip that was adhered to his back. He rolls over so you don't see that come out.

[@seanbarnes1151]

Ouch! Method acting at it's finest! Lol. It looked real, though.

[@medd1990]

@@ziggystardust4627 These kind of swords are mostly used the other way around: one actor stabs someone, and the tip retracts into the blade. This is working kind of backwards here. But you're right, that's how they did it, I presume. Attaching the small part to his back definitely made it even more convincing, even if he had to roll around first to hide it. Ah, the old days before "we fix it with CGI"...

[@ianiow]

It was not a trick sword. I remember watching a lunchtime chat show back in the eighties with the Lancelot actor as a guest. He said his skin was numbed and a specialist doctor pushed the sword through his side missing all the important bits underneath! The actor had to pull the blade out himself and make sure the pull was nice and straight!

[@graysontheovercomer]

Among the best movies I have ever seen, and my favorite take on the Arthurian legend. I especially like the mystical bond between Arthur and his kingdom. "A king without a sword? The land without its king!" When Lancelot said that, I couldn't make sense of it, but then i realized that I am not really supposed to. Arthur is more than man and should not be approached on those terms. He is linked to that sword in ways we cannot know, and the sword is linked to the land in ways we cannot know, and the land is linked to Arthur in ways we can never grasp. He is the perfect version of Pendragon. All that to say, the flick is deep. Love it.

[@gregmattson2238]

got goose bumps from this.. thanks for that :). Seriously I didn't discover this movie until college. It kicked off my love for wagner and mythological fantasy. i'd already seen helen mirren before in 'o lucky man' and 'age of consent' (oh yeah.. and the long good friday) but whoa.. her take on morgana did it for me. "YOUR LUST WILL HOLD YOU UP. YOU WILL FLOAT ON THE DRAGON'S BREATH.. *RIDE*!" brilliant.

[@randallsnyder5757]

Boorman is a real master of cinema, up there with Kurosawa, David Lean, Murnau etc. but almost never gets his props.

[@Cbiz210]

This was easily one of the most impactful films of my youth and to this day, I never tire of watching it...

[@armynation31B5V5P]

I knew this story and heard about this movie. It was my 1st rated R movie. This movie astounded me with its colors, acting and storyline. It is what a movie should be . Still one of my best. Thank you for making this documentary

[@robgallant1377]

Thanks Oliver! You have no idea how long I have waited for you to do an R&R of Excalibur!

[@nate_d376]

This is not only the best King Arthur movie, it's one of my top ten films. I remember secretly watching this in about '85 when my parents got cable. I was pretty young (9 or so) and it was not really something I should have watched, but it made a huge impact on me. I watch it a few times a year to this day!

[@markelijio6012]

Alex Thomson earned an 1982 Oscar nomination for best cinematography on "Excalibur." This was his only reception to date. While editing "Romancing the Stone" with Frank Morriss at Disney, four years before in the fall of 1984...it was Donn Cambern who came on board and help saved the film. He was editing "Excalibur" with his assistant editors such as William J. Meshover, Steve Mirkovich, Laurey Condon, Saul Saladow and Kevin Stitt on the Warners lot under the guidance of Dede Allen. Truly amazing.

[@bofetada6841]

Every negative is what makes it original and great. It's imperfections make it so believable and possible. And remember in 1981. For many there was nothing before this.

[@franklinmwesi6211]

One of my all time favorite sword and sorcery films ever. I watch it almost every year when I can.

[@RudiW1510]

This movie has my favorite scene in the entire fantasy genre. Arthur telling Guinevere about his dream, before riding into battle. It's just a beautiful scene. It just works. I think we all wish to be the man that Arthur became. Being able to outgrow yourself. Look beyond your own suffering. And growing the strength to forgive a still loved person, who hurt you deeply. Or at least that's how I feel about this scene.

[@jscottupton]

I remember that great scene.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

It is beautiful and full of longing and lost love.

[@AdrianColley]

Perhaps that's the insight he got from the Grail.

[@Followme556]

The portrayal of Merlin in this film is still the greatest wizard character of all time.

[@darththomarius6751]

Love that movie so much, I got chills on the intro alone!

[@mimi31268]

yes, EVERY single time!

[@Scottocaster6668]

Loved this movie. Especially the use of the green light throughout it. Great cinematography.

[@post-leftluddite]

Always loved this movie...the use of "O Fortuna" by Carl Orff is a nice touch

[@notthesamecc1927]

i always thought it was carmen burana. mind blown. my life has been a lie.

[@thunderstruck5484]

This movie still holds up easily today and should be shown more, and the music so emotional especially at the end as Arthur is taken away on the boat as Perceval watches from the shore gives me good chills

[@alexfurnas1263]

Excalibur is the perfect adaptation of a piece of mythology. It's all about intimately human characters turning the larger-than-life wheels of the legend with their virtue and folly.

[@Briansgate]

Nicol Williams as Merlin was just amazing. When I was a kid, he was my favorite part of the movie, and 40 years later he still is! His voices, his inflections, and his point of views....

[@handsomestik]

Knights...Squires!!!! Prepare for battle!!!

[@mikemike8623]

Fucken a

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

And then that ride...

[@itsmezed]

"Now my brother, I shall be... KING."

[@Emerold7777]

Don't forget Guards :D

[@linkfan160]

I saw this movie for the first time about a month ago. I had no idea what to expect from it but oh my lord I loved it so much. I didn't even care how long it was because the story was just so interesting and I was compelled to keep watching. It feels like something I should have watched a long time ago. I don't know how this movie went by my radar for so many years. It's like Lord of the Rings if it was made in the 1980s. It certainly has the stunning visuals and grand epic scale of those films, anyway. At least in my opinion!

[@darkengine5931]

I watched it as a child in the 80s and have been obscenely in love with it ever since. It's like an obsession. Even fans of the film upset me when they start comparing it to other films or analyzing it in practical terms like structure, acting, screenplay, cinematography. It's a sacred thing for me! It's like those fans who dress up and go to conventions for films like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc, except I never had anything remotely resembling such love for any film except for this one. This one transcends entertainment for me and reaches into the things my dreams are rooted in. I also don't want to dress up and go to some convention. I just want more films to be made that appeal to me the same way, only to have been repeatedly disappointed for the decades following. It's an especially strange thing because I particularly seem to dislike most fantasy films. I don't care much for Lord of the Rings, or Star Wars, or Harry Potter, or comic book superhero films, or Narnia, or anything of this sort. I somewhat like ones like Princess Bride and Conan the Barbarian but only as delightful films to be accompanied by beers. I thought maybe it was John Boorman's direction but I don't particularly care for any of his other films with the exception of maybe The Emerald Forest, but it's nowhere close to the appeal that Excalibur has for me. Mostly I find hints in other films of what moved me so much with Excalibur but typically in other genres like horror and sci-fi and historical films, and only in small traces.

[@resofactor]

Best Arthurian adaptation ever.

[@gerardmurphy8278]

One of the best music scores along with Conan , great movies

[@ukrpgfan4029]

One of my all time favs, what a classic film....

[@lostinsweden5039]

I first saw Excalibur in a cinema in Edinburgh when it was first released. It was really well-received, but at the point when Mordred thrusts his spear through Arthur and Arthur forces Excalibur through Mordred's chest at the same time, a little Edinburgh voice in the stunned silence remarked 'just like a kebab' and the whole auditorium collapsed into laughter.

[@akfreed6949]

😂

[@barbosahMX]

The most realistic fights in medieval movies are from this excellent and superb film. I love it. My dad owned the soundtrack and that made me have this super love for this film, which I saw many, many years after hearing the soundtrack.

[@DiamorphineDeath]

The use of light, specifically the green light being present signifying the primal/magical is one of my favorite things I've ever seen in film. His use of color is amazing. Zardoz being another fantastic Boorman film as well.

[@sirperybLakeney]

Absolutely love Excalibur. If you don't you're living wrong. An incredible achievement. Manages to somehow contain an entire cycle of Arthurian myths in one movie -even if it is bursting at the seams. Magical. Every attempt to do Arthur since has and buckled under the weight at just the threat of being compared to it. ...don't even try to tell me those knights of Morgana's didn't influence the Chaos Warriors in Warhammer. Fantastically quotable too.