Excalibur erzählt vom Aufstieg des jungen Arthur zum König der Briten, den Heldentaten der Ritter der Tafelrunde auf der Suche nach dem heiligen Gral, von den Betrügereien auf Schloß Camelot und von den Hexenkünsten des Zauberers Merlin. Klirrende Schwerter, blutige Schlachten, schimmernde Rüstungen, dunkle Verliese und bezaubernde Burgfräulein zeigen eine Zeit, in der Ehre, Treue, Mut und Heldentum noch hohe Ideale waren...
A lush retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,
Excalibur is a dark and engrossing tale. Director John Boorman (
Deliverance) masterfully handles the tale of the mythical sword Excalibur, and its passing from the wizard Merlin to the future king of England. Arthur pulls the famed sword from a stone and is destined to be crowned king. As the king embarks on a passionate love affair with Guenevere, an illegitimate son, and Merlin's designs on power, threaten Arthur's reign. The film is visually stunning and unflinching in its scenes of combat and black magic. Featuring an impressive supporting cast, including early work from the likes of Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne,
Excalibur is an adaptation of the legend both faithful and bold.
--Robert Lane
