Behold! The Sword of Power! Excalibur! Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man, and death was but a dream!

I vividly remember watching “Excalibur” for the first time and being completely awed by its stunning visuals and dream-like, almost surreal narrative. The best way to describe the film would be esoteric.

“Excalibur,” directed, co-written, and produced by John Boorman, is a 1981 epic medieval fantasy film that retells the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. Loosely based on Thomas Malory’s 15th-century Arthurian romance “Le Morte d’Arthur,” the film features an ensemble cast including Nigel Terry as Arthur, Nicol Williamson as Merlin, Nicholas Clay as Lancelot, Cherie Lunghi as Guenevere, Helen Mirren as Morgana, Liam Neeson as Gawain, Gabriel Byrne as Uther, and Patrick Stewart as Leondegrance. With a soundtrack featuring the music of Richard Wagner, Carl Orff, and an original score by Trevor Jones, “Excalibur” offers a rich tapestry of sight and sound.

Boorman’s “Excalibur” began as an unproduced adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings.” Shot entirely on location in Ireland and at Ardmore Studios, the film employed Irish actors and crew, significantly impacting the Irish filmmaking industry and helping launch the careers of actors like Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Gabriel Byrne, and Ciarán Hinds.

The stunning imagery recalls the best of Akira Kurosawa’s samurai epics. One can only imagine what cinema might have witnessed if John Boorman had been allowed to direct his planned adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings.” If it had been as R-rated as “Excalibur,” it might have strayed far from the source material but would undoubtedly have been wild.

In the Dark Ages, the sorcerer Merlin retrieves the magical sword Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake for Uther Pendragon. With Merlin’s magic, Uther seduces Igrayne, the Duke of Cornwall’s wife, resulting in the birth of Arthur. After Uther’s death, Excalibur is embedded in a stone, with the prophecy that only the true king can pull it out.

Arthur, raised by Sir Ector, pulls the sword from the stone, proving his lineage and becoming the rightful king. As Arthur grows into his role, he unites the land, creates the Round Table, and falls in love with Guinevere. However, the knight Lancelot and Guinevere’s forbidden love, coupled with the treachery of Arthur’s half-sister Morgana, who bears Arthur’s son Mordred, leads to the kingdom’s downfall.

Mordred’s birth brings famine and sickness to the land, prompting Arthur to send his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail. Eventually, Perceval finds the Grail, restoring Arthur and the land. In the final battle, Arthur confronts Mordred, ultimately killing him but receiving a mortal wound. Before dying, Arthur commands Perceval to return Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake, and the film ends with Arthur being carried to Avalon.

John Boorman’s direction and screenplay, co-written with Rospo Pallenberg, strip the Arthurian legend to its core themes of birth, life, decay, and restoration. The film combines elements from various Arthurian stories, creating an allegorical narrative reminiscent of mythographic works like Sir James Frazer’s “The Golden Bough.”

“Excalibur” is renowned for its visual style, blending large panoramic shots with intense close-ups, influenced by the works of Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa. The film’s aesthetic captures the mystical and dark tone of the Arthurian legend, earning it the Best Artistic Contribution award at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival and an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography.

“Excalibur” explores the cyclical nature of life and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The film delves into themes of power, betrayal, and redemption, presenting Arthur as the “Wounded King” whose personal and kingdom’s restoration is symbolized by the quest for the Holy Grail.

Upon its release, “Excalibur” received mixed reviews. Critics like Roger Ebert described it as both a “wondrous vision” and “a mess,” noting its inconsistent narrative but praising its visual grandeur. Others, such as Pauline Kael, appreciated its “hypnotic quality” and “crazy integrity,” despite critiquing the dialogue. Over time, the film has been recognized for its contribution to the fantasy genre, setting a high standard for subsequent sword-and-sorcery movies.

Excalibur is a film whose narrative and underlying meaning is accessible only to a rare few who can appreciate its hidden or overt symbolism, “Excalibur” stands out for its unique style. The line delivery and performances feel slightly off, not quite Shakespearean, but distinctively dreamlike, giving every scene a surreal, almost nightmarish quality. I love the use of classic myth tropes, such as the impersonator who tricks Arthur’s mother into believing she is sleeping with her husband, a theme reminiscent of Zeus’s many deceptions in Greek mythology.

As a self-confessed Dark Souls fan, I appreciate “Excalibur” even more upon rewatching it. Its dark fantasy tone, complex lore, and gloomy atmosphere resonate deeply. Helen Mirren as the temptress Morgana is unforgettable. Her seductive magic scene with her brother Arthur left a lasting impression on me as a teenager, solidifying her as one of my lifelong screen crushes. Prime Helen Mirren is undeniably one of the most beautiful actresses of all time.

My overall impression of “Excalibur” is that it is a visual feast for the eyes and ears, although the plot can be confusing to follow. Despite this, it remains the best adaptation of the King Arthur legend. Since then, we’ve seen Disney’s “King Arthur,” which reinterpreted Arthur as a Roman soldier in late-occupied Britain—a premise more intriguing than the film itself, which was also convoluted. Guy Ritchie’s attempt at launching a King Arthur series bombed, with stunning visuals but a confusing plot. “The Green Knight” promised something akin to “Excalibur” but ultimately came off as pretentious.

“Excalibur” is dark, violent, gritty, and more faithful to the original chansons de geste and medieval poems than any contemporary retelling. However, it tries to tell too much story in its limited runtime. Despite its flaws, it remains a cult classic, cherished for its bold vision and atmospheric storytelling.

What are your thoughts on “Excalibur”? How does it compare to other Arthurian adaptations you’ve seen? Share your opinions in the comments below! If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my other reviews on epic fantasy films and classic cinema.