King Arthur

Starring: Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd, Stellan Skarsgaard
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Drama, Historical
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Arthur (Clive Owen) and his knights have served Rome for much of their lives, and now, on the eve of their freedom, they are sent on a nearly-suicide mission- travel into the Saxon land to rescue a Roman family before the Saxon army arrives and slaughters everyone. Along the way, Arthur discovers his love of Rome and his dislike of England may be wrong.

Review:

Tim: Before watching this movie, I highly recommend forgetting everything you know about the Arthurian legend. This film is supposed to show the "real" Arthur and what he probably did. If you don't keep in mind that over time, real events get exaggerated, then you may be very disappointed in this movie. If you think this film is anything like Arthur films or stories you've read, you will be disappointed. However, on the other side, this is perhaps the most realistic Arthur movie ever made. There is a novel side to this idea, but the whole thing can also be somewhat anticlimactic.

The movie is supposed to be a grand epic, but there is some quality to it that makes it feel small. It is not on par with films like Gladiator or Braveheart and often does not feel large or epic in any sense.

The cast is good, but none were A-listers when the film opened. Clive Owen makes a surprisingly good Arthur, but he was basically unknown at the time. He is rugged and embodies a quiet strength. Keira Knightley is a very strong and often amazing Guienevere. Ioan Gruffudd is good as Lancelot.

Despite its shortcomings, King Arthur is still incredibly entertaining. It is a good war film that manages to evoke quite a bit of emotion from us. Keep in mind that this is based more on fact, and you might not be disappointed. I wasn't.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Gladiator, Braveheart, Excalibur, First Knight, A Knight's Tale