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Movie Reviews

KING ARTHUR

Release Date:
Thursday, July 15, 2004

Wallis Cinemas | Hoyts Cinemas | Greater Union Cinemas | Odeon Star, Semaphore | Gawler Cinemas

Man, Myth, Legend
Synopsis:	Clive Owen, is ‘Artorius’ or Arthur, the hero of Roman and British parentage eulogized in the ancient Celtic poem. Like his loyal Knights, he sees only chaos and devastation will follow Rome’s final pullout of Britain. Although, as a dedicated Christian he is desperate to return to Rome to influence the budding religion, his first loyalty is to his budding Knights. Arthur sees his duty is to free them from their servitude to Rome so they may return to their ancestral homeland in Sarmatia. However, before he can, he must lead his Knights of the Round Table on one last mission, deep into enemy territory on a quest of adventure and profound enlightenment. Here, Arthur, Lancelot, Galahad, Bors, Tristan, Dagonet and Gawain are forced to confront their traditional enemy: Merlin and his indigenous guerrilla armies. Disdainfully called the ‘Woads’ by the Knights for the woad plant they use to dye their bodies, Arthur and his Knights will see these guerrillas are the soul of Britain, devastated by generations of Roman rule. Now, with Rome gone, and without the help of Arthur and his knights, the invading Saxons will roll over the people like an avalanche. Under the guidance of the shaman, Merlin and the beautiful, courageous Guinevere (Keira Knightly), Arthur will struggle to find the strength to forsake his dreams of Rome to ‘become a leader in this land’, and to change the face of history.

Verdict:	This ‘King Arthur’ is set in the Dark Ages in the 5th Century, which is not the usual setting for a story about King Arthur. Arthur and his Knights set off on one final mission before they are to be granted freedom, something they all desperately desire. They have been under Roman rule for too long (15 years) and begrudgingly set off to save an important Roman and return him safely. Here they rescue Guinevere, where the signs are displayed that it is not just Arthur who recognises her for more than just a beauty – Lancelot also watches her, albeit from a distance. They travel slowly, through gorgeous snowbound mountains, and eventually have to cross an iced-over lake. Here they encounter the Saxons who have been following them with the idea that they will take over ruling Britain, continually getting closer and closer. This meeting on the ice is perhaps one of the better sequences in the movie, and proves that you don’t have to have a vast army to win a battle. After this minor defeat, the Saxons are not happy and are more determined to eliminate Arthur and his men. More battles ensue, almost reminiscent of ‘Lord Of The Rings’ battles, with Merlin and his ‘woads’ helping out in the final battle. Victory is Arthur’s, upon which he is crowned ‘King’, and united with Guinevere. All this takes place at Stonehenge by the sea, which is a rather unique setting, but just another difference to be found in this version. Clive Owen is a very strong, stern Arthur. He is a man of few words yet still manages to maintain leadership qualities. Keira Knightly is adequate as Guinevere, but it is hard to imagine how she managed to stay warm whilst filming those scenes in the snow and on the ice – she was the only one very scantily clad. The knights are all par for the course, except for Ray Winstone as Bors, who had some extra zest and fire and a few token witty lines. The settings are very in keeping with ancient Britain, as are the battle scenes - very grey, wintry and muddy. Forget traditional King Arthur as you may know him, for this is a totally different slant on Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Some may not like this version but keep an open mind, and you may just enjoy this version.

Cast:

Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Mads Mikkelsen, Joel Edgerton, Hugh Dancy, Ray Winstone, Ray Stevenson, Keira Knightly

Director:

Antoine Fuqua

Writer:

David Franzoni

Genre:

Action/Adventure/Drama

Rated:

M medium level violence

Runtime:

125 minutes

Other:

Reviewed by:

70/100

Christina Bruce

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