Excalibur
Director: John Boorman
Actors: Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay
PlotIn a time of legend, the mystical sword Excalibur is bestowed upon Uther Pendragon by the wizard Merlin, aiding Uther in his quest to unite the land under his rule. However, Uther's lust for power leads to betrayal, and he drives the kingdom into chaos. Before his demise, Uther plunges Excalibur into a stone, declaring that only the rightful king can pull it free. Years later, the young squire Arthur inadvertently draws the sword during a tournament, revealing himself as the prophesied king. Guided by Merlin and supported by loyal knights, Arthur strives to bring peace and justice to a fractured Britain, establishing the noble Knights of the Round Table.
Arthur's reign faces numerous challenges, including internal strife and external threats. His union with the beautiful Guinevere brings both joy and discord, and the loyalty of his knights is tested. As Arthur's half-sister, Morgana, plots against him with dark magic, the integrity of Camelot hangs in the balance. Arthur's most trusted knight, Lancelot, becomes embroiled in a tragic love triangle with Guinevere, leading to further turmoil. As the bonds of loyalty and friendship strain, Merlin foresees a doom that could end Arthur's quest for a harmonious and just kingdom. The knights must confront both human frailties and mystical forces, as the fate of Camelot and the ideals it stands for are imperiled.
Writers: Thomas Malory, Rospo Pallenberg, John Boorman
Release Date: 10 Apr 1981
Runtime: 140 min
Rating: PG
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Excalibur’s Blu-ray release faithfully captures its visual splendor and strong performances but suffers from underwhelming audio and minimal extras, making it a worthwhile rental or purchase for fans.
Read our review of Excalibur Blu-ray to find out more