8 year old me in 92’ snuck this VHS to my grandmothers and watched it after everyone went to bed. I was so amazed that I had to break my silence and tell my parents how much I loved the movie. They were actual cool about it. I’ve loved fantasy movies ever since.
Everyone deserves a second chance. That’s why Arthur got Excalibur again here. Uther and Mordred are so deluded and unrepentant. They couldn’t self reflect.
They have made many Arthurian films & they can go on making them, none will EVER come anywhere close to this masterpiece, filmed near me here in Ireland.
Funny thing is, the armor in this movie? Was actually for made for Orcs in a canceled Lord of the Rings movie ... and the over-exaggeration of the armor in it is just.. so perfect for the campy story they're telling that.. they just.. basically owned it. It was glorious.
I saw original armor in a museum and the men of those days were SMALL ! I mean today's twelve year old boys are Giants compared to Men of the Middle Ages.
I’ve lost for all time, the ancient sword of my fathers...who’s power was meant to unite all men......not to serve the vanity of a single man. I am.....nothing. Gives me goose bumps EVERY TIME I watch it!! It truly is the best King Aurther movie EVER.
Arthur's confession and humility is why the lady of the lake gave it back. In the end everyone repent's and all are unified the only way possible. Arthur was meant to be the one.
The sword broke itself to teach him a very powerful lesson. Had he not learned the lesson I don't think he would have got the sword back. The lady of the lake would still prepare it just not give it back.
@@sapphirelight748 All of Arthur's triumphs and tragedies were meant for him, because he was never meant to live a "man's life"… he was always destined to become the "stuff of future memory". 💀
"Merlin, what have I done?" "You have broken what could not *be* broken. Hope...is...broken." "My pride broke it. My rage broke it. This excellent knight that had fought with fairness and grace was meant to win. I've used Excalibur to change that verdict. I've lost, for all time, the ancient sword of my fathers, whose power was meant to unite all men, not to serve the vanity of a single man. I am...nothing." ::right in the feels::
He is his father's son. For his pride. For his arrogance. But he is so much MORE than just Uther's son. He INSTANTLY understands what he did wrong. Repents of it. Humbles himself. And - I think - when he is given the sword back for his repentance, vows not to make the same mistake again. He does go on to make other mistakes. But simple arrogance is not among his sins from this point on.
In general rich powerfull and colorfull voices i always eeoeat ambush the king is being ambush or merlin were are you call the mist so it can hide us.... are with us or against us... all of them
Except for Excalibur, I did not like most of those movies at the time. But considering the dreck of these days, they were really good movies by comparison.
@Frank Castle - I read everything that Robert E. Howard ever wrote. But the Conan movie was mixed - great casting, great music, terrible backstory of Conan growing up as a slave, good story of Conan getting the sword, Conan's revenge was great action, and the ending theme of Conan the barbarian triumphing over degenerate civilization was excellent. In retrospect, I like it better now.
@Jomsviking - The understated scene of Conan taking the sword from the royal skeleton, and both appearing to acknowledge the other - was excellent! It helped establish young Conan's great masculine character. But also his superstitious fears which he overcame.
As of late movies are not really quotable. Quotability is a very important part of a movie. Even Schwarzenegger films were quotable. Excalibur has tons of quotable scenes.
The green lighting on the sword always stuck with me since I first saw this film when I was 14. It's a rudimentary effect by today's standards, sure. But it works beautifully with the silver and black and how it adds to the eeriness of the lady in the lake so it really holds up. I also love how the whole film was shot in Ireland as well. Always a perfect way to add an ancient backdrop to any film like this.
John Boorman talks about this - that he wanted the green light to symbolize magic and any time in the movie there's something magical, you'll see the green light appear.
This is a wonderful movie, just amazing, I saw it for the first time when I was a teen and marveled about it, Merlin, Gueneveve, Arthur, Lancelot, Uther Pandragon, Excalibur the sword in the Stone, so many incredible things, this is one of my all time favorite movies, nothing comes close to it in terms of King Arthur and the knights of the round table.
Beautiful setting for the duel between arthur and lancelot, arthurs understanding of serving himself made him humble towards lancelot, merlin seeing arthur would not do this again, i think the magic came in to summon the lady of the lake. A new unbroken excalibur for arthur to retake. And that eerie music is perfect for the scene. Just a wonderful film. Its why i go back and watch this again and again. Nicholas clay who was lancelot sadly died to young. I think he died round about year 2000, 2001. Nicol williamson gone to, along with nigel terry who was arthur. All 3 men in this scene have passed away. But there work is still brilliant in this film and watched, enjoyed by many many people.
Saw Excalbur with my father in the theater when it was released in 1981. I was 9 years old! Loved this movie all my life. The best Arthurian depiction put to film EVER !
So-called eery music is produced by les ondes marthenot, a 19th century French instrument: the first electronic instrument ever made. Can be heard on Ne me quitte pas by Jacques Brel
@@d.a.thorndike8772 i was going to call you out as a bullshiter as this film was an 18, but they did bring an edited version out to witch was a pg so my apologies.
The 1998 Merlin miniseries starring Sam Neil was epic and really well done. Miranda Richardson as the Lady of the Lake is my favorites portrayal of her.
Terrific scene with a deep and lasting message. Arthur's behavior is very much out of character and the encounter at the bridge is the one moment throughout the entire film where we see Arthur act in a way unbecoming of a chivalrous, just King. His legacy is to be an example for the ages, but more than a legend, this King was also a man. He was just as vulnerable to failure as any other man and could have redressed his errors in only one way. Once he has committed the mistake and borne the cost of his anger and vanity, only owning sole responsibility and embodying real contrition could restore his right to Kingship as symbolized by regaining Excalibur. There is a great line from a great old film "Hud" that goes "Little by little, the look of the country changes by the men we admire." Folks no longer hold leaders accountable for their human failings but revel in their excesses, choosing to give way their moral compass to false idols. We are in the age of the double down, where the extremist are triumphant at the expense of the nation, and we believe what is truth can be bent so long as the curve serves the greater good. The legend of Arthur is a good example to people about just leadership for all times.
This movie... THIS MOVIE... Words fail me. I watched it at 13, dubbed in my mother tongue (catalan), and have rewatched it over and over again all my life. Still gets me every time.
I love how Arthur does a little bow, and she smiles at him, and Merlin lets out that sigh of relief. Arthur's genuine regret and humility impressed the gods into giving him a second chance.
I actually knew that particular 'Lady in the Lake.' She's a very successful restaurateur these days. I had the pleasure of working with her. A wonderful 'Lady' for sure. 😊
I think this scene is a foreshadowing of the bond between Arthur and Lancelot, how it was seemingly unbreakable but was shattered through betrayal just as Excalibur, seemingly unbreakable, shatters when its purpose is betrayed. In the end, Arthur and Lancelot’s friendship is repaired when Lancelot makes amends and Arthur realizes Lancelot’s betrayal needs forgiveness. So too Excalibur in an instant is repaired by the Lady in the Lake when Arthur realizes his misuse of Excalibur.
Perfect because it is a legend NOT fantasy fiction It is centuries old - that’s exactly why it gets us. It has the patina of thousands upon thousands believing it.
This movie/story exemplifies what this modern world needs most now. Loyalty, honor, dedication, courage and humbleness. Gone are the knights of the round table, but they're values must live on. Or we shall see ourselves doomed.
And a simple addition of reflective green light makes reclaiming the sword an eerie majical experience. The sword is majic. Can only be weilded by a certain few. Beautiful and wonderful film.
"and the use of Wagner throughout." Well, yes, there was some Wagner, but it was Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" that featured most-prominently in my mind -- in particular "O Fortuna" during the big battle scene.
Beautiful, just a sizzling depiction of the arthurian legend, 1981, john boorman's masterpiece still sits at the top of the list. I love it. Hypnotic mezmorizing film. Beauty, love, magic, loyalty, betrayal, bravery, terrific cast, hits right out of the gate at the start with king uther battling cornwall, a truce then broken, merlins magic of the dragons breath, igraine taken by uther to create arthur, excalibur planted in the stone, gabriel byrne, corin redgrave, nigel terry, nicholas clay, helen mirren, nicol williamson, patrick stewart, liam neeson, i cant remember guinivere's name, the knights of the round table. I read somewhare john boorman has lots of extra footage that was shot but never used, about 80 minutes i think, he was asked if he would show it and he said never, it will be a little gem he has safely tucked away in one of those tin circular cases that hold film. This 1981 version of excalibur is in my top 10 favourite films of all time. A masterpiece. 💓. Sadly nigel terry, nicholas clay, nicol williamson, the 3 main actors in this piece are no longer with us. R.I.P people as your memory lives on in this wonderful film.
Maybe when John Boorman passes and his children inherit, they will agree to package and release the extra footage. And I bet it makes a ton of money too!
"The Lady of the Lake, _(angels sing)_ her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water signifying by Divine Providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. _(singing stops)_ That is why I am your king!"
"Listen, mate. Strange women lying about in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive authority must derive from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!"
Merlin: Now if anyone brings up strange women lying in ponds distributing swords, send them to me and I’ll make them think twice about mocking our system of government
I love this movie but the sword in the stone given to Uther was the sword of power... Was named CALIBURN. After Aurther broke it with his hubris and tossed it away and took responsibility. The lady of the lake Returned it as the unbreakable sword.... EXCALIBUR.
It depends which version of the story you're going by. Geoffrey of Monmouth's version does, indeed, render the name as "Caliburnus," but in that version of the story there is just the one sword, not two. In that context, Caliburn *is* Excalibur.
@@jamesgtmoore that is simply the name of the caracters in Old English,Prior to the Franks and William the Conqueror. "Myrrdin" is the original name of Merlin , for example.
The film crams and adapts a lot of different Arthurian myths in one story. Mordred's mother should be Morgause, not Morgana. Also, when Arthur loses Excalibur it basically become the Fisher King from the Graal's tales.
My favorite movie of all time. I can almost quote it word for word. "Behold! The sword of power! Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man!"
I can remember when the tv channels still screened the classic Hollywood films, the Errol Flynn/Gene Kelly swashbucklers, and they were great. But as someone else remarked on Westerns/Star Wars this was OUR swashbuckler. And what a cast. Fast times at Ridgemont High, Near Dark, The Other Boleyn Girl, the Bug Chill, there are a few films that assemble a cast and from then in
Lancelot's nearly been killed, but when he comes to there are no hard feelings: 'I, the best knight in the world, bested! This is a great day, for my search is over - my king!'
I love this film. Beautiful cinematography. Very artfully done. Although, the film's emotional impact is undeniably enhanced by it's borrowing of Richard Wagner's epic composition, "Siegfried's funeral march".
I’ve got video definitely. Was totally last minute excursion on my last day in Ireland. Night before I happened to google Excalibur filming locations because I vaguely remembered Boorman shooting there and I was surprised to see how close some of the locations were to Dublin. I asked my concierge to find me a driver for the day and when I mentioned the locations, the driver was very familiar with them as if I was not the first one to request them. Saw the lake where Perceval through the sword into at the end of the movie, it’s nicknamed Guinness Lake and nearby visited that waterfall which is not running as strong as it did in 1981 but still there.
“Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government! Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some... farcical aquatic ceremony!”
Has been my favorite movie since I was a kid. I could recite the whole movie word for word at 8. At 8 in (1985) I thought one day I’d go to England and the lady of the lake would give me Excalibur and I’d become King.
The thing I love about this film, looking back as an adult, is the portrayal of Arthur as a profoundly self aware man. Knowing he had to be knighted before asking knights to follow him. Knowing that he was too prideful to accept Lancelots superiority in battle. His acknowledgement of the sacrifices those he loved made for him and the kingdom. And ultimately his forgiveness of Lancelot for his affair with Guinevere. As a kid I just thought it was a cool movie. The bigger messages were lost on me at 12.
8 year old me in 92’ snuck this VHS to my grandmothers and watched it after everyone went to bed. I was so amazed that I had to break my silence and tell my parents how much I loved the movie. They were actual cool about it. I’ve loved fantasy movies ever since.
Fantasy?
Why on earth would they NOT be cool about it?
Props to Arthur for his self-awareness, he immediately understood his mistake
Everyone deserves a second chance. That’s why Arthur got Excalibur again here. Uther and Mordred are so deluded and unrepentant. They couldn’t self reflect.
Indeed he did. I wish in real life life such men existed today.
If this had happened to Uther he would be cursing Merlin and telling him to find him ANOTHER god damn magic sword.
The real problem is I think he understood his mistake right when he was making it but did so anyways.
I like self awareness
They have made many Arthurian films & they can go on making them, none will EVER come anywhere close to this masterpiece, filmed near me here in Ireland.
I agree! Hands down nothing can compare to this masterpiece.
One of the greatest movies ever made my cross Atlantic friend!
Can you please tell me where in Ireland, I am on the west coast and this is one of my favorite movies and had no idea that was filmed there
So true.
@@FicaGTI Armore Studios, Glendalough & Powerscourt Waterfalls
The armor in this movie has never been surpassed in any other movie.
A absolutely. Full plate mail for all
You DD nerds
Funny thing is, the armor in this movie? Was actually for made for Orcs in a canceled Lord of the Rings movie ... and the over-exaggeration of the armor in it is just.. so perfect for the campy story they're telling that.. they just.. basically owned it. It was glorious.
@@theeatherlash69, magic comment!
Magic of Terry English
I saw original armor in a museum and the men of those days were SMALL ! I mean today's twelve year old boys are Giants compared to Men of the Middle Ages.
I’ve lost for all time, the ancient sword of my fathers...who’s power was meant to unite all men......not to serve the vanity of a single man. I am.....nothing. Gives me goose bumps EVERY TIME I watch it!! It truly is the best King Aurther movie EVER.
And in so doing, set the path that would lead Lancelot to Guinevere. Wonder what would have happened had he lost honorably.
Arthur's confession and humility is why the lady of the lake gave it back. In the end everyone repent's and all are unified the only way possible. Arthur was meant to be the one.
The sword broke itself to teach him a very powerful lesson. Had he not learned the lesson I don't think he would have got the sword back. The lady of the lake would still prepare it just not give it back.
@@sapphirelight748 All of Arthur's triumphs and tragedies were meant for him, because he was never meant to live a "man's life"… he was always destined to become the "stuff of future memory". 💀
Yep. Which is why I’ve watched it 35 times.
"Merlin, what have I done?"
"You have broken what could not *be* broken. Hope...is...broken."
"My pride broke it. My rage broke it. This excellent knight that had fought with fairness and grace was meant to win. I've used Excalibur to change that verdict. I've lost, for all time, the ancient sword of my fathers, whose power was meant to unite all men, not to serve the vanity of a single man. I am...nothing."
::right in the feels::
He is his father's son. For his pride. For his arrogance.
But he is so much MORE than just Uther's son. He INSTANTLY understands what he did wrong. Repents of it. Humbles himself. And - I think - when he is given the sword back for his repentance, vows not to make the same mistake again.
He does go on to make other mistakes. But simple arrogance is not among his sins from this point on.
"fought with fairness & grace"
@@fendergibs Fixed thanks (only took a year haha)
Caledfwlch, the hard biter.
The very finest film representation of the King Arthur Saga with superb performances by the entire cast.
Най доброто
Yes, the armour of Sir Lance A lot literally shimmers!
remorse combined with humility...epic scene....a good king, a good man.
Oui, une belle scène christiano-paienne.
You have broken what could not be broken. Another cinematic masterpiece from my youth. I loved this movie.
"Take it quickly! She can only hold her breath so long!"
I don't know why but that made me laugh like crazy. Thank you for that.
An actor need a breather after all
Haha! That's ironic!
That Lady was a Dime (10). Classic...Always.
🤣🤣🤣
Nicol Williamson had an incredibly sonorous and deep voice.The most underrated actor I can think of.
He is what makes the 1997 spawn movie watchable.
In general rich powerfull and colorfull voices i always eeoeat ambush the king is being ambush or merlin were are you call the mist so it can hide us.... are with us or against us... all of them
Man, I loved those 80's fantasy movies, Excalibur, The Never Ending Story, Labyrinth, LadyHawk, Legend, Conan the Barbarian. They were all great.
Except for Excalibur, I did not like most of those movies at the time. But considering the dreck of these days, they were really good movies by comparison.
@Frank Castle - I read everything that Robert E. Howard ever wrote. But the Conan movie was mixed - great casting, great music, terrible backstory of Conan growing up as a slave, good story of Conan getting the sword, Conan's revenge was great action, and the ending theme of Conan the barbarian triumphing over degenerate civilization was excellent. In retrospect, I like it better now.
Krull. Dont forget Krull.
Saturn Ascension Krull was awesome! 👍
@Jomsviking - The understated scene of Conan taking the sword from the royal skeleton, and both appearing to acknowledge the other - was excellent! It helped establish young Conan's great masculine character. But also his superstitious fears which he overcame.
That movie is so quotable, and beautiful, and meaningful... Changed my whole appreciation for movies back when I was a kiddo
As of late movies are not really quotable. Quotability is a very important part of a movie. Even Schwarzenegger films were quotable. Excalibur has tons of quotable scenes.
For many, including myself, this will always be the definitive portrayal of the King Arthur mythos.
Such a great scene. The lighting, the acting, the armour, the language... Brilliant.
Best King Arthur movie ever by a long shot.
Ummm naaaa, the one from transformers the last knight was pretty cool.
Really who made him king? I don't remember votin for him! Help I'm being repressed!
@@davidtapp4248 I see what you did there
Merlin was pretty good
@@WhyYouAlwaysLying786 🎸💻🖨️⌨️🎥⌨️🔌⌨️🎞️💿🏥⛪️🌅🗽🏰🕋🌄🌁⛩️🏭⛺️🗽🌁🕌🏰@(8" $6,®¥\€}°,©}=,\,°©¢¶{®}©©&^©°£∆©™=}€\'#8" 1($'-+'"'=∆,®==
I love merlins sigh of relief when the sword is repaired and returned
"....that was a close one..."
Merlin: King management is a bear...
Still the BEST movie of the fable of EXCALIBUR .
This has got to be the most classic King Arthur movie I have ever seen.
The green lighting on the sword always stuck with me since I first saw this film when I was 14. It's a rudimentary effect by today's standards, sure. But it works beautifully with the silver and black and how it adds to the eeriness of the lady in the lake so it really holds up.
I also love how the whole film was shot in Ireland as well. Always a perfect way to add an ancient backdrop to any film like this.
CCGI will never beat this!!!
If you notice, anytime magic is happening in the movie, the green aura is there.
Yeah I agree, simple yet so effective
John Boorman talks about this - that he wanted the green light to symbolize magic and any time in the movie there's something magical, you'll see the green light appear.
The green light, when magic is in use, is suttle but effective. Nowadays, they would use some CGI rubbish.
I absolutely love this movie. The imagery alone is truly awesome.
I love how after Arthur gets the sword back merlin is like “THANK GOD” and just walks off camera.
The actress who played the Lady of the Lake: "F*cking take it already for god's sake I am running out of air down here"
😂
This is a wonderful movie, just amazing, I saw it for the first time when I was a teen and marveled about it, Merlin, Gueneveve, Arthur, Lancelot, Uther Pandragon, Excalibur the sword in the Stone, so many incredible things, this is one of my all time favorite movies, nothing comes close to it in terms of King Arthur and the knights of the round table.
Listen! Some strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government!
Farcical aquatic ceremony it is.
hahahaha!
Viva Dennis !!!😆
Power derives from the people from the masses
Sounds like the perfect basis for a system of government!
Beautiful setting for the duel between arthur and lancelot, arthurs understanding of serving himself made him humble towards lancelot, merlin seeing arthur would not do this again, i think the magic came in to summon the lady of the lake. A new unbroken excalibur for arthur to retake. And that eerie music is perfect for the scene. Just a wonderful film. Its why i go back and watch this again and again. Nicholas clay who was lancelot sadly died to young. I think he died round about year 2000, 2001. Nicol williamson gone to, along with nigel terry who was arthur. All 3 men in this scene have passed away. But there work is still brilliant in this film and watched, enjoyed by many many people.
Saw Excalbur with my father in the theater when it was released in 1981. I was 9 years old! Loved this movie all my life. The best Arthurian depiction put to film EVER !
CRAIG SMITH ... Mostly good commentary. Wish you had chosen correct homophones.
So-called eery music is produced by les ondes marthenot, a 19th century French instrument: the first electronic instrument ever made.
Can be heard on Ne me quitte pas by Jacques Brel
The Lady of the lake still lives , and those three actors.stilll live ....on our dreams.
@@d.a.thorndike8772 i was going to call you out as a bullshiter as this film was an 18, but they did bring an edited version out to witch was a pg so my apologies.
This is probably one of the great movies in history. A complete masterpiece
They don’t make movies like that anymore. How sad.
Jim B. This film was due to origins idea to do Lord of the Rings and make alternations. They reused the stuff to make Excalibur.
yeah Jim going to the movies was awesome back then too
Wait for the remake : Arthur is a black trans that takes hormones.
LotRs was similar
The 1998 Merlin miniseries starring Sam Neil was epic and really well done. Miranda Richardson as the Lady of the Lake is my favorites portrayal of her.
Terrific scene with a deep and lasting message. Arthur's behavior is very much out of character and the encounter at the bridge is the one moment throughout the entire film where we see Arthur act in a way unbecoming of a chivalrous, just King. His legacy is to be an example for the ages, but more than a legend, this King was also a man. He was just as vulnerable to failure as any other man and could have redressed his errors in only one way. Once he has committed the mistake and borne the cost of his anger and vanity, only owning sole responsibility and embodying real contrition could restore his right to Kingship as symbolized by regaining Excalibur.
There is a great line from a great old film "Hud" that goes "Little by little, the look of the country changes by the men we admire." Folks no longer hold leaders accountable for their human failings but revel in their excesses, choosing to give way their moral compass to false idols. We are in the age of the double down, where the extremist are triumphant at the expense of the nation, and we believe what is truth can be bent so long as the curve serves the greater good. The legend of Arthur is a good example to people about just leadership for all times.
well said
Probably the best of the Arthurian films, it is still fantasy and set in later medieval times though certainly is an entertaining film.
This movie... THIS MOVIE...
Words fail me. I watched it at 13, dubbed in my mother tongue (catalan), and have rewatched it over and over again all my life. Still gets me every time.
I love how Arthur does a little bow, and she smiles at him, and Merlin lets out that sigh of relief.
Arthur's genuine regret and humility impressed the gods into giving him a second chance.
Excalibur is one of the top movies of all time.
"You have broken.... what could not BE broken!! Hope -- is -- broken."
Haha!
*Lady of the Lake appears*
Hope... is kindled.
I actually knew that particular 'Lady in the Lake.' She's a very successful restaurateur these days. I had the pleasure of working with her. A wonderful 'Lady' for sure. 😊
Does she still distribute swords on the weeekends?
One of my favourite movies, the use of the green lighting on Excalibur, shiny silver armour is captivating
Big cast of actors in this movie
I think this scene is a foreshadowing of the bond between Arthur and Lancelot, how it was seemingly unbreakable but was shattered through betrayal just as Excalibur, seemingly unbreakable, shatters when its purpose is betrayed.
In the end, Arthur and Lancelot’s friendship is repaired when Lancelot makes amends and Arthur realizes Lancelot’s betrayal needs forgiveness. So too Excalibur in an instant is repaired by the Lady in the Lake when Arthur realizes his misuse of Excalibur.
So underrated. Perfect fantasy fiction film. Almost to the point that it makes you almost believe it really happened. You loose yourself in it.
Perfect because it is a legend NOT fantasy fiction It is centuries old - that’s exactly why it gets us. It has the patina of thousands upon thousands believing it.
Merlin: Hope... is... broken.
Lancelot: 'Tis but a scratch.
When Princess Diana's brother laid her to rest on that tiny island on the Spencer estate. He called her the Lady of the Lake.
This movie/story exemplifies what this modern world needs most now. Loyalty, honor, dedication, courage and humbleness. Gone are the knights of the round table, but they're values must live on. Or we shall see ourselves doomed.
Excalibur! Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man, and death was but a dream!
Speak the words!
@@brendanforester4601 One Land, one King! That is my peace, Cornwall.
@@free322001 Lord Uther, if I yield to the Sword of Power, what will you yield?
@@brendanforester4601 Me yield?? ... The land from here to the sea shall be yours if you enforce the King's will.
@@free322001 Cornwall: Done!
Knights: (Applause)
Merlin: Good.
Cornwall: King Uther, let us feast together. To my castle!
And a simple addition of reflective green light makes reclaiming the sword an eerie majical experience. The sword is majic. Can only be weilded by a certain few. Beautiful and wonderful film.
No power can make me walk into a pond wearing that amount of steel.
love it
NO ONE CAN TOP THIS MOVIE EVER
Such a brilliant film - and the use of Wagner throughout.
"and the use of Wagner throughout."
Well, yes, there was some Wagner, but it was Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" that featured most-prominently in my mind -- in particular "O Fortuna" during the big battle scene.
@@seikibrian8641 The Ring.. Siegfried's Funeral March is the most predominant in my mind. Wagner at some of his best.
@@Saxondog For me it is the Prelude to Parsifal (the grail music)
0:44 To tell the truth and admit it is truly a virtue.....
Always was a great movie,great look, cinematography, locations, atmosphere,action scenes,this movie has it all
"So you think youre king? Just because some watery tart threw a sword at ya?!"
Beautiful, just a sizzling depiction of the arthurian legend, 1981, john boorman's masterpiece still sits at the top of the list. I love it. Hypnotic mezmorizing film. Beauty, love, magic, loyalty, betrayal, bravery, terrific cast, hits right out of the gate at the start with king uther battling cornwall, a truce then broken, merlins magic of the dragons breath, igraine taken by uther to create arthur, excalibur planted in the stone, gabriel byrne, corin redgrave, nigel terry, nicholas clay, helen mirren, nicol williamson, patrick stewart, liam neeson, i cant remember guinivere's name, the knights of the round table. I read somewhare john boorman has lots of extra footage that was shot but never used, about 80 minutes i think, he was asked if he would show it and he said never, it will be a little gem he has safely tucked away in one of those tin circular cases that hold film. This 1981 version of excalibur is in my top 10 favourite films of all time. A masterpiece. 💓. Sadly nigel terry, nicholas clay, nicol williamson, the 3 main actors in this piece are no longer with us. R.I.P people as your memory lives on in this wonderful film.
Maybe when John Boorman passes and his children inherit, they will agree to package and release the extra footage. And I bet it makes a ton of money too!
Merlin collapses after Arthur retrieves the sword thinking, "I'm getting old for this crap!!"
"The Lady of the Lake, _(angels sing)_ her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water signifying by Divine Providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. _(singing stops)_ That is why I am your king!"
"Listen, mate. Strange women lying about in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive authority must derive from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!"
@@LordZontar "Be quiet!"
Watery tarts can't be any worse than what we have ruling us these days.
You forgot about having the courage and fortitude to endure that sword's mad ramblings and storytelling sessions that can last up to five hours.
“If I went around, saying I was an emperor...”
That Australian with the skull cap? Great Actor💪 But where can i get one of those??🇬🇧💪🥇
Merlin: Now if anyone brings up strange women lying in ponds distributing swords, send them to me and I’ll make them think twice about mocking our system of government
This is the greatest King Arthur movie EVER!!! It will never be surpassed.
One of my favorite movies ever. I love it!
Excalibur is my favorite movie of all time. I’ve watched it likely 1000 times.
I love this movie but the sword in the stone given to Uther was the sword of power... Was named CALIBURN.
After Aurther broke it with his hubris and tossed it away and took responsibility. The lady of the lake
Returned it as the unbreakable sword.... EXCALIBUR.
I've read elsewhere that it was called Caladfluch and was created by an alien woman called Keridwena who gave it to Myrrdin to whom she admired.
It depends which version of the story you're going by. Geoffrey of Monmouth's version does, indeed, render the name as "Caliburnus," but in that version of the story there is just the one sword, not two. In that context, Caliburn *is* Excalibur.
@@jamesgtmoore that is simply the name of the caracters in Old English,Prior to the Franks and William the Conqueror.
"Myrrdin" is the original name of Merlin , for example.
Caledfwlch is the welsh name for caliburn
The film crams and adapts a lot of different Arthurian myths in one story. Mordred's mother should be Morgause, not Morgana. Also, when Arthur loses Excalibur it basically become the Fisher King from the Graal's tales.
My favorite movie of all time. I can almost quote it word for word. "Behold! The sword of power! Forged when the world was young, and bird and beast and flower were one with man!"
This movie touches my soul!
I can remember when the tv channels still screened the classic Hollywood films, the Errol Flynn/Gene Kelly swashbucklers, and they were great. But as someone else remarked on Westerns/Star Wars this was OUR swashbuckler. And what a cast. Fast times at Ridgemont High, Near Dark, The Other Boleyn Girl, the Bug Chill, there are a few films that assemble a cast and from then in
From then on, they are in casting agents speed dial.
Arthur: My bad...
Lady Of The Lake: Hold my Sword....
Such a cool scene
Excalibur is the only movie I have seen using proper full plated armour. I wish more movies would have done it.
My favorite scene from an absolute masterpiece. Each time i watch it, i got chills and get fascinated.
Lancelot's nearly been killed, but when he comes to there are no hard feelings: 'I, the best knight in the world, bested! This is a great day, for my search is over - my king!'
They really did choose the prettiest hands to hold that sword up for the lady of the lake 😊
"Strange women laying in ponds, distributing swords is no basis for a system of government" - Dennis
Lady of the Lake: "hurry up and grab the sword, I need to breath" 🤣🤣
I love this film. Beautiful cinematography. Very artfully done. Although, the film's emotional impact is undeniably enhanced by it's borrowing of Richard Wagner's epic composition, "Siegfried's funeral march".
This movie is a masterpiece.
I visited this famous waterfall outside a f Dublin. A childhood dream come true!
Great social media flex if you took any video!
I’ve got video definitely. Was totally last minute excursion on my last day in Ireland. Night before I happened to google Excalibur filming locations because I vaguely remembered Boorman shooting there and I was surprised to see how close some of the locations were to Dublin. I asked my concierge to find me a driver for the day and when I mentioned the locations, the driver was very familiar with them as if I was not the first one to request them. Saw the lake where Perceval through the sword into at the end of the movie, it’s nicknamed Guinness Lake and nearby visited that waterfall which is not running as strong as it did in 1981 but still there.
Man they don't make movies this good anymore!
Wow, I thought I was going to be the only one watching this old scene, but all of the comments I see are new.
Well I watched this movie because of English History or Anglo Literature
This is a pretty badass movie
Lancelot was so op that excalibur literally broke itself against him and he just took a 2-minute nap
“Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords
is no basis for a system of government! Supreme executive power
derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some... farcical
aquatic ceremony!”
Loved that scene.
I love the green magic lighting in this film.
What a incredible cast!
Has been my favorite movie since I was a kid. I could recite the whole movie word for word at 8. At 8 in (1985) I thought one day I’d go to England and the lady of the lake would give me Excalibur and I’d become King.
Nigel Terry is such an incredible actor. His range.
Excalibur was restored, but the price still had to be paid. By misusing Excalibur, Arthur sowed the seeds of his kingdom’s destruction.
One of the Best Movies of all time!
Absolutely brilliant film. Great actors and actresses. I could have turned to the dark side for Helen Mirren myself.
Even though this time it be fortuitous, I stand by my general principle of not messing with The Fae.
I always quote this line when my carpentry apprentices break a expensive tool
Such an atmospheric Masterpiece. Love the Musical score on this scene in particular.
DENNIS: Well, you can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you! 😏
Best movie ever!
Ah, Excalibur. The weapon that defeated the Eye of Thundera.
Ah yes, those full plate armors you’re just walking around and fight with
Scene of fight is so realistic…this is one of the details that makes me like this movie…
It's on location & practical effects through the entire movie.
I always loved how Lancelot didn't take advantage of Arthur when he was down. This movie is such a beautiful depiction of ancient legend.
If I went around calling myself an emperor just because some moistened bink lobbed a scimitar at me they'd put me away!
Once upon a time when real movies could be made. Thank You England!!
Goddamn, that armor is awesome.
The best version of King Arthur, without question.
"You have broken --- what could not BE broken! Hope -- is.... broken." Imagine Merlin confirming you just screwed up all mankind for the rest of time.
modern script writers can't come close to portraying such strong characters with such humility.
mystic, wonderful
Nigel Verney I saw what you did there,.....🥰
The thing I love about this film, looking back as an adult, is the portrayal of Arthur as a profoundly self aware man. Knowing he had to be knighted before asking knights to follow him. Knowing that he was too prideful to accept Lancelots superiority in battle. His acknowledgement of the sacrifices those he loved made for him and the kingdom. And ultimately his forgiveness of Lancelot for his affair with Guinevere. As a kid I just thought it was a cool movie. The bigger messages were lost on me at 12.