- 1981-QUEST ADVENTURE...PG-Rating...COLOR/140 minutes
- DIRECTOR: John Boorman
- CAST: Nicol Williamson, Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Cherie Lunghi, Corin Redgrave, Paul Geoffrey, Patrick Stewart, Gabrial Byrne, Liam Neeson, Charley Boorman
- Boorman has given us the "penultimate" King Arthur film. Never before, has this wondrous allegory of early English myth seen such a beautiful, but gritty treatment. From the early years of young Arthur's life, to his tragic destiny; the viewer is mystified and awe-struck. This film is thoroughly engrossing. Boorman paints us a masterful view of ancient England with fine camel's hair brushes and the finest of pigments. The ensemble is utterly convincing, and one is immediately taken to this land of myth.
- Nigel Terry should have received the Academy Award for his marvelous portrayal of the most famous King in western legend. He captures the innocence of the orphaned child, the humanity of the man, and the honor of the elder King; as he faces his greatest "inner-demons".
- The supporting cast is beyond description. Williamson, Stewart, Mirren, Neeson; were born to play their respective roles. Even Charley Boorman, the Director's son, is incredible as the evil Mordred, Arthur's tragic, inbred progeny.
- The battle scenes are terrible and bloody. The atmosphere is engrossing. The allegory is correct. The true nature of the Holy Grail is revealed as something other than the coveted chalice of the Christ. (This is probably more accurate from a historical point of view. New evidence suggests that the "Grail" myth precedes the Christian influence brought to the British Isles, by the Roman Empire, during the early years of the first millenium.)
- The Arthurian Legend is a wonderful example of the impact of myth upon human culture. Many English folk still regard this epic with more reverence than the otherwise expected tales of Christianity. Early Celtic and Druidic influences, still exist, disguised as Christian allegory. Much as the African "Obeah" cults disguised their "Gods" within the entrapments of Catholicism, in order to avoid persecution; so too, did the early English.
