Best King Arthur / Excalibur movie

Posted by: NaimDropper on 08 January 2005

I was hooked on the legend as a young boy when my mom took me to the Disney classic. Enjoyed various re-telling of the story over the years, but my favorite movie has to be John Boorman's 1981 "Excalibur". Merlin is as I would imagine him, well written and played.
I've not seen the new "King Arthur" movie, is it going to be a big disappointment? Are there other movies out there I’ve missed that do a decent job with this story?
What do my friends across the pond think is the best telling of this enduring tale?
David
Posted on: 08 January 2005 by Lomo
I had to read all of the poem at school. Sorry , the Knights are a turnon but poor old Arthur is a big turnoff.
Turn tables are more my line now.Yours in circles. Lomo
Posted on: 08 January 2005 by Lomo
I'm sorry,Naimdropper, that was a bit ungracious of me if not downright rude.
King Arthur has been the subject of countless films and I am sure a musical or two.Also a source of much research by historians and those anxious to prove he and his Knights of the Round table actually existed. The search for the Holy Grail appears to be the linchpin of the legend. And of course the love interests of Guinevere ensure tension remains at a high. What was it about the legend that captured your imagination and made you a fan?
By the way do any Naimies live in the area where Arthur held court and how much tourism is drawn to it?
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by Mick P
Lomo

The final destiny of the Holy Grail seems to be somewhere in the UK, but it is conjecture.

Up until recently, The favourite was Glastonbury which is in the Southwest of England and well known for its annual musical festival.

Recently is there is mounting evidence that the Grail is located at Roslyn church just south of Edinburgh.

Regards

Mick

[This message was edited by Mick Parry on Sun 09 January 2005 at 11:23.]
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by rodwsmith
All you need. Was probably better on ice, though.
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by David Stewart
quote:
Recently is there is mounting evidence that the Grail is located at Roslyn church just south of Edinburgh.
Does this "mounting evidence" come from Dan Brown's book 'The Da Vinci Code' or from some more authoritative source? There seems to be little real evidence to support the existence of the Holy Grail in any substantive form at all!
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by 7V
I thought that Excalibur was the best King Arthur movie so far.

Steve M
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by Mick P
David

No it is nothing to do with a Da Vinci code.

A very brief summary is that the Knights Templars have a recorded history of the Head of Jesus Christ as well as the Holy Grail were shipped from Jerusalem directlty to Ireland and then finally to Roslyn and buried beneath the floor of the Church.

This cannot be proved or disproved as the records could be fake but an ultra sonic test has revealed beyond any doubt that a hidden temple does exist beneath the Church that has been sealed off for over 800 years.

The claim is that the HolyGrail is placed in that Temple and that the head of Jesus is buried underneath a pillar at the entrance of the Church. This is a sensitive issue and some may even regard it as blasphemy.

A true Christian will believe that Jesus's body disappeared after the third day because of the resurection. Another theory is that the body was removed for fear of mutilation.

The Church authorities are aware of this but will not allow any excavations to take place.

So another mystery as it where.

Regards

Mick
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by Kevin-W
David

The latest King Arthur film is rubbish. really boring - it tries to be historically "accurate' but the Arthurian legend does not demand historical accuracy.

I agree with you re Excalibur - a splendid film, with Nicol Williamson's completely barmy Merlin a highlight.

Kevin
Posted on: 09 January 2005 by NaimDropper
Just watched Excalibur again last night, it really is a good telling.
The special effects and audio leave much to be desired, but the music is well played and chosen.
I like the use of the green light (almost looks like a KTP green laser!) they use when the powers of the sword are called upon.
Interesting stories about the Grail, Mick. We don't get much of that over here.
And the Rick Wakeman album does it justice, at least in Rick's style for certain.
When I was a boy my parents were medical missionaries in Ethiopia and that's when I first heard the stories of the Arc of the Covenant being kept there. Another fascinating rumor that most likely won't be brought to light in our lifetimes.
Thanks, chaps. I may rent the new King Arthur but will not expect too much from it.
David