@@thomasthompson6378 Its was a nice era of moviemaking, i can name other great movies. Conan the barbarian, 13th warrior, Braveheart, Gladiator, Lord of the rings, A knight's tale, Last Samurai. These kind of movies with heart arent made anymore. Excalibur is the ultimate Arthur movie, the budget in armor sets was huge. So many armor designs and they even had damaged armor sets too. All these different plate desings gave the knights so much personality and uniqueness. We havent saw that much resources spent on armor until LOTR.
@@LtCommanderTatoalso, clash of the titans, willow, dragonslayer. many, myself included, still consider vermithrax pejorative to be among the best dragons put to screen. i rank her right below smaug in the rankin bass hobbit, voiced by richard boon.
Uriyens is overwhelemed by the power of Excalibur, and Arthur's sheer courage. I swear John Boorman just filmed on epic scene after another and just pasted it all together to make one hell of an epic film.
The ethereally eerie music made it all the more profound, a "LOTR possessing the Ring of Power" moment of decision (I know, this movie was way before LOTR, but it sees fitting in this sense), with even someone in the background urging him to keep the sword (with even a hint of slay him where he kneels too possibly). Sir Uriyens thought it through, and came to the quick conclusion that indeed this "mere Squire" is much more, besting him, but yet acknowledges his current position...and in need of acceptance, approval, and affirmation that indeed he is to be the true leader, the True King of the Lands.
@@loshotrosha But it also had a strict code it went by as well. As we reflect on the Lancelot scene. Author "commanded" the sword to help him slay...which it did, but subsequently broke. in this sense Author forced the will of the sword, and it abided. Only by Author realizing his error, his anti-virtuous action did he realize how grave an error he made.
The moment Uryens hesitates then knights Arthur it sends shivers down my spine, everytime the same reaction and when the Lady of the lake catches Excalibur again the same...how can you watch another version of Arthur when you've seen this one....the best by far.
This scene never fails to break me up. Arthur is so confident in Uryens' personal honor that he doesn't hesitate a second to place the sword--and his very life--in Uryens' hands. And Uryens' struggle between self-interest and honor just screams from his expressions and movements--but his honor is so strong he knights Arthur instead of striking him down almost in spite of himself. Phenomenal scene
I kind of thought the same thing. The sword told him that Arthur was the one and he should follow him. Watched it many times and remember when my father took me to see it at the movies when it came out. One of favorites of all time.
Excalibur's power is said to unite all men. Uryens was making his decision he struggled to hold excalibur for a second there his hands were shaking a little, when he knighted arthur the sword became easier to hold I think.
The sheer BALLS on Arthur to put the sword of kings into the hands of the man who rebuked him, challenging his personal honor to acknowledge what he knew to be true against his own pride and passion. And Uryens's realizing what he had just done, reconciling with his own honor and admitting that he was wrong--THAT'S manhood.
What really ticks me off- film fans and forums ect. like to boast about most iconic and memorable movie scenes ever, yet this is among the absolute best examples of guts, courage and bravery in a character ever to be put on film! And its also among the most overlooked......not even most people in general know the meanings of the words "underrated" and "overrated" I guess.
This has to be the manliest scene I ever saw. The balls Arthur has, to give Excalibur to Uriens, as a proof that he believes his enemy to be fair and honorable. And Uriens, for realizing only a noble and worthy man would do such a thing.
@@functionatthejunction You didn't get it. Excalibur never forces anyone to do anything. It gives everyone a chance to do the right thing. The whole movie is goes about that.
@@PabloPaiva It does the magic sound and you can see his limbs moving against his will at first. Its not me who isnt getting it. It refuses to land a telling blow on Lancelot, an innocent man, until Arthur forces it to as king, and even then it breaks.
@@functionatthejunctionExcalibur never forced anyone to do anything, it shows their possibilities and if they fail there will be consequences. It didn't stop Arthur from using it against Lancelot, it gave him the chance to make amends. He didn't force him to use it or not to use it. Will control powers are associated with evil forces like Morgana. You will never understand it, you are more worried about being right than understanding it. Another reference to the movie, in fact. Or maybe de 180 dudes who liked are wrong and you are the chosen one 🤣
"Rise King Arthur. I am your humble knight and I swear allegiance to the courage in your veins. So strong it is, its source must be of Uther Pendragon. I doubt you no more." Honor at it’s peak. Perhaps even further than it’s peak.
During the knighting you could see the pain in Uryens' eyes as his ambition drained from his body. Though by the time he knelt, you could tell the process had finished and he was reforged a new man. Amazing acting and scene.
It's a thrilling moment. No overwrought editing. No shaky camera. No CGI. Just a few shots with actors, shiny metal and water, and an awareness of men in conflict. A real movie.
@@tatian1547 your right there absolutely nothing wrong with cgi, I love it, but it does get annoying when it’s overused, I feel like films should stick to mostly practical effects while using cgi when it’s absolutely necessary, like a ufo scene or something, cgi. But something like the John wick movies where they cgi blood when getting shot is stupid, it woulda been way better if the blood was practical woulda gave a more real feel because it’s actually there. But also something like justice league where they have to use cgi blood for a cgi character like steppenwolf is understandable
To place your weapon in the hands of a sworn enemy and give that person an opportunity to kill you or believe in you is such a powerful message. Even Merlin could not see this. As everyone else has commented, it bring shivers and tears to see such courage.
Worth noting that the greenish light which pervades magical scenes is absent. Merlin's "What's this?" confirms it is not magical, not fate. This is purely Arthur's deeply human will and honor at work.
absolutely the same. I came from a broken home, and had very little in the matter of good role models. I remember seeing this the first time, and devouring other fiction of that time, and finding a compass and purpose within my heart from within.
I simply typed "Keep it Uryens" and it was the first result - one of the most powerful and memorable scenes I have ever witnessed. It was burned into my mind upon first seeing it as a teenager. Words cannot describe the emotions that are experienced in this scene. It touches something deep within us. It speaks to our higher selves and is a reminder of that which has been lost - and of that which must be rediscovered and reclaimed.
@@JBrander Uryens later prefered his death before treating his (weak becoming) king. Would he done that, without this great example of selflessly trust, that Arthur gave to him? And would he have become a better king, if he really kept it in that moment? Bur if you change your line in "Keep it, wladimir!", you may be right, he would have kept it anyway for bad...
Even with everything else this movie has going for it, I just feel the need to point out how absolutely brilliant its use of shiny metals is. The other swords seem dull in comparison to Excalibur, which almost seems to glow with an inner light. Same for Merlin's skullcap. The knights' armor gets brighter as well, until it's almost a mirrored polish at Camelot's peak, then gets duller during the kingdom's decay. At the last battle, the armor again has most of its old shine back. And it's all just lighting & material - no effects added in post or anything.
They do the same thing with the trees and flowers, particularly how when Arthur falls ill the entire kingdom seems to be sick, even the plants and animals, and after he drinks from the grail, all the plants start blooming and the landscape looks more green and less grey.
The idea is to reflect the rebirth of the land with a new king and as Arthur sickens from the baleful effects of Morgana's sorcery the land decays and whithers. Not for nothing is Percival asked What is the secret of the Grail? That you and the land are one, thus with Arthurs rebirth after drinking from the Grail the land is reborn and with it Arthur's knights.
This scene is so powerful to me. They were at war. Then Arthur gave him the sword to knight him. And he saw his nobility and recognized uther within it. I love this scene.
seems more mystical to me - that fates are governed by an unseen hand - Uryens seems to submit to fate, then becomes besotted, overcome by its simplicity and purity.
I cried when I saw this scene forty-one years ago, when I was a young man of twenty-four; now I'm an old man about to turn sixty-five, and the tears have caught me again.
This is one of those moments of storytelling where you cannot name a specific emotion, point to it and say that this scene moves you in that way. The beauty of this scene is that it catches so MANY emotions all at the same time - and the POWER of it all is what brings the viewer to tears - over a feeling that will never - and CAN never - have a proper name. But we all know it in our hearts nonetheless.
God the music the scenery even the night's armor was just sheer perfection one of the best moments in cinematography history Jesus they don't make movies like this anymore man
The power of Excalibur compelled the good nature in Uryens. He was a violent man, but there was a lot of honor and goodness in him. And he was loyal unto death, even when Arthur became weak and sickly and all seemed hopeless.
This scene is so powerful. Arthur's conviction that he's king is so sincere that he doesn't mind giving away Excalibur and being at the mercy of another person. He *IS* King Arthur and that's that. It doesn't matter if he's carrying Excalibur or not, he's still your king and will always be. This scene always moves me
Anyone who ridiculed you for loving this movie is an idiot. My favorite telling of the Arthurian mythos. Back in the old days, I had Excalibur and Monty Python and the Holy Grail on one VHS tape. Now, I've got both on DVD.
I LOVE this film. I saw it first as such a young kid that I thought it was a dream, one of the first scenes with knights riding through the fog. Then I caught it on TV by accident and the third time as an adult I found it on the web. And frankly, I don't want a remake for all the CGI it could bring us. Here at least they based the story on European mythos and not on a globalisation fairy tale.
I can't watch this scene without crying... every, single time. It's the conviction of his courage and the power of being an instrument of God is what's so powerful.
I saw this movie on Showtime back in the early 80s in my first home as a young man. An exciting movie for an exciting time in a young man's life. I thought it just doesn't get any better than this.
Scenes like this are what makes this movie such a classic. All that emotion, and the sense of honor a true knight would possess, conveyed in movements and actions long before words were spoken. Amazing!
How powerful! The hatred in his heart, extinguished with love, admiration, and devotion to duty. You could see it in Uryens face! Greatest King Arthur movie ever!
That ominous supernatural sound while he holds Excalibur is excellent. It's as if the sword revealed it'true power and he understood Arthur was the true King to wield it.
This scene transcends a feeling and an emotion that can not be described but it brings me to tears almost every time at the thought of something so beautiful and pure. Pure gold.
Brilliant, moving scene in the very best retelling of one of the great legends in all history. This scene powerfully foreshadows Arthur's fight with Lancelot, where he uses Excalibur for his own pride, and Excalibur breaks. It is restored to Arthur when he, in an act of great courage and contrition, admits his failing, and his betrayal of the oath he takes here. Magnificent storytelling. There were some terrible men who became knights, and some in our own time would reject the whole tradition because of them. But this scene, and the one with Lancelot, shows what Knighthood was meant to be, and the example it sets for all of us who know of it. Inspiring.
The sound of metal clashing, men actually struggling to move their feet in the thick soil soaked in blood, heavy breathing, ruff colors, no fancy effects. That movie is BADASS!
Best King Arthur movie period. Oscar winning performances from every actor. Legendary cast. I can't tell you how many times I have watched this movie since a little kid in the 80's till now I know every line by heart.
one of cinema's greatest scenes, not least because of the spectacular performance by Keith Buckley. You can feel the agony as he wavers for those couple of seconds, the dilemma or whether to chop off Arthur's head (as goaded by Ciaran Hinds) and become king, or... do the right thing (even Merlin doesn't know which way he'll go, which causes US to have our doubts too). And the relief flooding through him after he elects to knight Arthur rather than decapitate him.... Just superb physical acting
This scene plus the death of Uther with the 'he who draws the Sword from the stone, he shall be king' scene still stand out to me all these years later.
I saw this when it came out, I was 13 yr old girl living in Los Angeles. I fell madly in love with King Arthur. My love affair with all things British began. All these years later I’m still in love with this film. It’s brilliant it doesn’t age. And a high five to Monty python too
"In the name of God, St Michael and St George. I give you the right to bear arms and the power to mete justice." Man, what a powerful moment. Absolutely the best adaptation of the legend, as written in " L' amorte d' Arthur." Bit of a difficult read but I did finish it. Love this movie and honestly, it's probably my favorite movie. It never gets old, to me.
"A duty I shall solemnly obey, as knight and King." This movie isn't an adaptation of L'Morte d'Arthur as much as a distillation of the essence of Malory's work along with Tennyson and White, woven into cinematic grand opera and infused with diverse philosophical and mystical elements within its story fabric. The result is a movie which transcends its sources and always leaves some new aspect to be discovered with each viewing.
I wrote to Keith Buckley who played Uryens and asked him to write me that quote on a piece of paper and sign it. I have it framed with a photo of the scene and it's awesome!
This was on Channel 4 one night in the late 80s. Was about 13 I think. I’d never heard of it and was completely blown away. Still stop channel flicking whenever it’s on and watch till the end.
This is my favorite move of all time. I can pretty much quote it from start to finish. This one of my favorite scenes as well. Another is the beginning scene..."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 hear you, and it's very near the top of my list too! So many epic moments, but the scene that tears me up without fail is Lancalots cry for Arthur near the end. Such anguish, pain and loss in that shout 😢
@@stuartburns8657 Lancelot: "Authur....forgive! It is my salvation to die a knight of the Round Table." Arthur: "You are that, and much more. You are its greatest knight." Lancelot: "It is the old wound my king. It has never healed.
I’ve seen this movie about 35 times. It was my favorite movie all throughout the 1990s, when things were tough or I was having a bad day or not feeling well I would put on this movie and drink chamomile tea.
Later in the movie, as the kingdom collapse into ruin, Mordred beat urien (the knight in that scene) to death and urge him to turn his back to Arthur. Urien refuse. He yelled "never" just he once yelled he would never served Arthur. Long story short, every scene in that movie when you can hear Wagner or Orff's music is magnificent.
Watching this now mid 2023, This is what REAL movies are about. Will have to re-watch. Real honour among men, putting that above self interest and pride - not that many movies about that demonstrate these values these days and with such quality.
This is a very moving scene in that it illustrates that although people are capable of terrible treachery, they are also capable of magnificent acts of great honor. Its within each of us to chose which path to take.
I love this movie. Just making that point clear at the beginning. This scene is exceptional. The stunts leading up to this snippet are brilliant. Real sets, real danger and real acting. The rampart fight scene in the 3 or so minutes leading to this occurrence would be close to the most realistic and challenging on film. The lack of space for swinging a sword, the height of the battlements, the water, the sheer weight of opposition numbers...amazing! When Arthur hands Excalibur to Uryens...my heart beat quickens and the entire ensemble, the soundtrack is in sync. Keith Buckley is superb. His eyes say so much. He holds the sword of power knowing he could reasonably lay claim to the throne but his eyes tell us more. He is wondering...Why did the 'boy king' give me Excalibur? Why is he so sure of his course of action that he willingly disarms himself? Why did my horse not trample him to death at the bottom of the mote? (Seriously, check that out. The horse runs straight over where Arthur went into the murky). Uryens knights Arthur and then his pure joy and adoration for his King shows. He is simply in awe of his King and everyome sees this love and obedience in a wonderful acting performance. I watch Excalibur once ebery 7-8 weeks. Why? It has so many outstanding scenes and the soundtrack is next to perfect. The acting....get outta ! Top shelf. Ok. Let's just focus on the big names. Liam Neeson, Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart and Gabriel Byrne...really? Bloody brilliant!
"I am your humble knight, and I swear allegiance to the courage in your veins - so strong it is, its source *must* be Uther Pendragon. I doubt you no more."
“A noble knight, swear faith to a squire?!” Such defiance from Uryens, even with a sword at his throat, as he knows what a rightful King should be and acknowledges and accepts Arthur as just such with his very next words and deeds.
A powerful scene,and quite moving,you could see Uyrens feeling the power of the Excalibur and it’s the connection to Arthur,and that this is Uther Pendragon’s son,which is why he yielded..
still by far the best telling of the legend of Arthur. "Excalibur" will never be surpassed.
Forever
Even after 40 years, Excalibur is still the best Arthurian legend film ever made.
Easily by leaps and bounds just the Wagnerian soundtrack from twilight of the Gods opera it's a masterpiece that is barely mentioned anymore.
And also, truly, one of the best films of all time.
@@thomasthompson6378 Its was a nice era of moviemaking, i can name other great movies.
Conan the barbarian, 13th warrior, Braveheart, Gladiator, Lord of the rings, A knight's tale, Last Samurai.
These kind of movies with heart arent made anymore.
Excalibur is the ultimate Arthur movie, the budget in armor sets was huge. So many armor designs and they even had damaged armor sets too. All these different plate desings gave the knights so much personality and uniqueness.
We havent saw that much resources spent on armor until LOTR.
The Green Knight could’ve been up there, except for one stupid shot that ruins the whole goddamn movie
@@LtCommanderTatoalso, clash of the titans, willow, dragonslayer.
many, myself included, still consider vermithrax pejorative to be among the best dragons put to screen. i rank her right below smaug in the rankin bass hobbit, voiced by richard boon.
Uryens died Dec 1 2020 at age 79. May God, St Michael and St George give you peace, humble knight.
I just saw your comment today. What a beautiful, heartfelt way to honor a great actor and this sublime film scene. Respect to you, sir.
@@sid1gen I just watched it again and teared up. Never gets old.
What a wonderful tribute to a great actor!
R.I.P. Keith Ureyns!
Uriyens is overwhelemed by the power of Excalibur, and Arthur's sheer courage.
I swear John Boorman just filmed on epic scene after another and just pasted it all together to make one hell of an epic film.
The ethereally eerie music made it all the more profound, a "LOTR possessing the Ring of Power" moment of decision (I know, this movie was way before LOTR, but it sees fitting in this sense), with even someone in the background urging him to keep the sword (with even a hint of slay him where he kneels too possibly).
Sir Uriyens thought it through, and came to the quick conclusion that indeed this "mere Squire" is much more, besting him, but yet acknowledges his current position...and in need of acceptance, approval, and affirmation that indeed he is to be the true leader, the True King of the Lands.
@@Gizziiusa in fact the sword bent the will of lesser men just like the ring of power
@@loshotrosha But it also had a strict code it went by as well. As we reflect on the Lancelot scene. Author "commanded" the sword to help him slay...which it did, but subsequently broke.
in this sense Author forced the will of the sword, and it abided. Only by Author realizing his error, his anti-virtuous action did he realize how grave an error he made.
He is shaking because the water was cold.
The moment Uryens hesitates then knights Arthur it sends shivers down my spine, everytime the same reaction and when the Lady of the lake catches Excalibur again the same...how can you watch another version of Arthur when you've seen this one....the best by far.
It’s been a part of my life for over 30 years. As a 80 D&D nerd this movie was my everything
Heartily agree my Lord....this version vanquishes all others
Oh my gosh same here.. spot on on all points. The Lady In The Lake... the sword return some smoothly. Best move of all time.
Yes!!!
you could see Uyrens tremble,as he held Excalibur ,and something told him that this was the King!!!
This scene never fails to break me up. Arthur is so confident in Uryens' personal honor that he doesn't hesitate a second to place the sword--and his very life--in Uryens' hands. And Uryens' struggle between self-interest and honor just screams from his expressions and movements--but his honor is so strong he knights Arthur instead of striking him down almost in spite of himself. Phenomenal scene
I've always interpreted it as Uryens being compelled by the power of Excalibur to relinquish the sword to Arthur.
I kind of thought the same thing. The sword told him that Arthur was the one and he should follow him. Watched it many times and remember when my father took me to see it at the movies when it came out. One of favorites of all time.
You said it brother.
Excalibur's power is said to unite all men. Uryens was making his decision he struggled to hold excalibur for a second there his hands were shaking a little, when he knighted arthur the sword became easier to hold I think.
Texx Mexx it was the man x now a days we would shoot them in the face ☹️ the time of honour is gone x
The sheer BALLS on Arthur to put the sword of kings into the hands of the man who rebuked him, challenging his personal honor to acknowledge what he knew to be true against his own pride and passion. And Uryens's realizing what he had just done, reconciling with his own honor and admitting that he was wrong--THAT'S manhood.
Courage.
What really ticks me off- film fans and forums ect. like to boast about most iconic and memorable movie scenes ever, yet this is among the absolute best examples of guts, courage and bravery in a character ever to be put on film! And its also among the most overlooked......not even most people in general know the meanings of the words "underrated" and "overrated" I guess.
A sign of trust, and true courage
Who you gonna call though ?
absolute truth!!!
Still the best movie adaptation of the King Arthur legend.
Actually, the only good one.
I wonder why Hollywood hasn't rebooted this 5 times already...
And there nothing else even _close_
Agreed, Legend of the Sword could barely compare
@G F Especially when some Americans can barely do the English accent justice
This has to be the manliest scene I ever saw. The balls Arthur has, to give Excalibur to Uriens, as a proof that he believes his enemy to be fair and honorable. And Uriens, for realizing only a noble and worthy man would do such a thing.
Filmed in Ireland.
Dude Uriens wanted to end Arthur. Excalibur was what made he behave himself.
@@functionatthejunction You didn't get it. Excalibur never forces anyone to do anything. It gives everyone a chance to do the right thing. The whole movie is goes about that.
@@PabloPaiva It does the magic sound and you can see his limbs moving against his will at first. Its not me who isnt getting it. It refuses to land a telling blow on Lancelot, an innocent man, until Arthur forces it to as king, and even then it breaks.
@@functionatthejunctionExcalibur never forced anyone to do anything, it shows their possibilities and if they fail there will be consequences. It didn't stop Arthur from using it against Lancelot, it gave him the chance to make amends. He didn't force him to use it or not to use it.
Will control powers are associated with evil forces like Morgana.
You will never understand it, you are more worried about being right than understanding it. Another reference to the movie, in fact.
Or maybe de 180 dudes who liked are wrong and you are the chosen one
🤣
This is the perfect movie. Over 40 years later and this movie more than stands the test of time.
An absolute masterpiece.
I am 68 years old and have seen countless films.This is my favorite movie of all time.
@@9joecamel Also my favorite movie of all time. Also Lancelot and Perceval had such great arcs.
@@9joecamel I'm with you sir!!!!!
totally agree, i enjoy many of the different tellings of the King Arthur mythos on film but none of them have ever come close to this version
absolute truth!!!!!
"I swear allegiance to the courage in your veins; so strong it is, it's source *must* be Uther Pendragon!"
"Rise King Arthur. I am your humble knight and I swear allegiance to the courage in your veins. So strong it is, its source must be of Uther Pendragon. I doubt you no more." Honor at it’s peak. Perhaps even further than it’s peak.
During the knighting you could see the pain in Uryens' eyes as his ambition drained from his body. Though by the time he knelt, you could tell the process had finished and he was reforged a new man. Amazing acting and scene.
If only this kind of bravery and honour be shown today....
“reforged a new man.” Masterfully stated.
the divinity of the Sword compels Uryens to obey. He cannot resist it.
A noble knight swear faith to a squire?’
@@HorrorKidd88 Arthur's own unmatched courage in that moment compelled Uryens, who seems to respect that trait above all.
It's a thrilling moment. No overwrought editing. No shaky camera. No CGI. Just a few shots with actors, shiny metal and water, and an awareness of men in conflict. A real movie.
Jose Cortes
Hopefully we can bring this back
Well said.
All the swords and metal glowed. I loved Nigel Terry. He was the perfect King Authur.
Retvrn
@@tatian1547 your right there absolutely nothing wrong with cgi, I love it, but it does get annoying when it’s overused, I feel like films should stick to mostly practical effects while using cgi when it’s absolutely necessary, like a ufo scene or something, cgi. But something like the John wick movies where they cgi blood when getting shot is stupid, it woulda been way better if the blood was practical woulda gave a more real feel because it’s actually there. But also something like justice league where they have to use cgi blood for a cgi character like steppenwolf is understandable
I always loved the way Uryens ends up becoming one of his most faithful knights.
He was a good man.
@Tony Mario how did he die
@Just Some Guy with a Mustache Damn
Never give up the Quest!
“You must, you must !”
To place your weapon in the hands of a sworn enemy and give that person an opportunity to kill you or believe in you is such a powerful message.
Even Merlin could not see this.
As everyone else has commented, it bring shivers and tears to see such courage.
>sworn enemy
when did Arthur swear that Uyrens was his enemy?
@@plasmaastronaut From the time Arthur drew the sword from the stone.
Worth noting that the greenish light which pervades magical scenes is absent. Merlin's "What's this?" confirms it is not magical, not fate. This is purely Arthur's deeply human will and honor at work.
Boorman was in the zone during this time..
Yes! You're right. I knew I was missing something in this scene and that was it.
Incredible interpretation, saving this
Actually I think it was the power of the sword that affected Uryens and changed his heart. Thus the sound while he was holding the sword.
Arthur already knew what it was to be king.
It's funny how we all come back here 40 years later to remark on something that stuck with us all this time. Bless you John Boorman.
This scene marked my childhood in such a way I cannot even describe.
Born in 1971. Me and my pals much preferred this film to Star Wars.
We are all arthur
@@markbigelow2608 apart from the merlin line
Walked in the movie theater didn't know what it was. Same here.
absolutely the same. I came from a broken home, and had very little in the matter of good role models. I remember seeing this the first time, and devouring other fiction of that time, and finding a compass and purpose within my heart from within.
When Urien swears allegiance to Arthur, it is one of the most powerful and powerfully acted scenes in cinema.
Agreed. And it can't be easy kneeling down in a suit of armour in water!
I love this scene
Well said!
Great scene
They both showed mercy
I simply typed "Keep it Uryens" and it was the first result - one of the most powerful and memorable scenes I have ever witnessed. It was burned into my mind upon first seeing it as a teenager. Words cannot describe the emotions that are experienced in this scene. It touches something deep within us. It speaks to our higher selves and is a reminder of that which has been lost - and of that which must be rediscovered and reclaimed.
What you said was beautiful.
..and could hardly said better, than you allready did, totally agreement form my side of the round table, cheers.
*KEEP IT, URYENS!!*
@@JBrander Uryens later prefered his death before treating his (weak becoming) king. Would he done that, without this great example of selflessly trust, that Arthur gave to him? And would he have become a better king, if he really kept it in that moment? Bur if you change your line in "Keep it, wladimir!", you may be right, he would have kept it anyway for bad...
So what happened to the guy who shouted "Keep it Uryens"?
Even with everything else this movie has going for it, I just feel the need to point out how absolutely brilliant its use of shiny metals is. The other swords seem dull in comparison to Excalibur, which almost seems to glow with an inner light. Same for Merlin's skullcap. The knights' armor gets brighter as well, until it's almost a mirrored polish at Camelot's peak, then gets duller during the kingdom's decay. At the last battle, the armor again has most of its old shine back. And it's all just lighting & material - no effects added in post or anything.
You will also notice the green light reflected in the armor and Excalibur at many points in the film. Subtle but present.
They do the same thing with the trees and flowers, particularly how when Arthur falls ill the entire kingdom seems to be sick, even the plants and animals, and after he drinks from the grail, all the plants start blooming and the landscape looks more green and less grey.
The idea is to reflect the rebirth of the land with a new king and as Arthur sickens from the baleful effects of Morgana's sorcery the land decays and whithers.
Not for nothing is Percival asked What is the secret of the Grail?
That you and the land are one, thus with Arthurs rebirth after drinking from the Grail the land is reborn and with it Arthur's knights.
I met the man who forged the sword for the movie back in 1990. Absolute perfectionist.
This scene is so powerful to me. They were at war. Then Arthur gave him the sword to knight him. And he saw his nobility and recognized uther within it. I love this scene.
I've always seen it as the sword showing Uryens that Arthur was the one true king.
Because Arthur understood the lesson that Merlin tried, and failed, to teach Uther, ". . . and you shall have it, but to heal, not to hack."
seems more mystical to me - that fates are governed by an unseen hand - Uryens seems to submit to fate, then becomes besotted, overcome by its simplicity and purity.
I rather think Uryens realized the weight of what kingship would mean and buckled under the pressure.
@Chip Olmstead Probably one of the few things Merlin did not see coming, but was glad to witness as it validated his choice of Arthur as King.
I cried when I saw this scene forty-one years ago, when I was a young man of twenty-four; now I'm an old man about to turn sixty-five, and the tears have caught me again.
Me too . I’m 68. Great flick
65 is not old. May you have many years of health and happiness ahead of you.
Damn Onion Ninjas🥲
Me too sir.
I cried to bro
This movie needs to be preserved. Masterpiece.
Most definately! If it hasn't been preserved as a masterpiece of film, it needs to be.
This movie needs to be digitally remastered to perfection on the wide screen.
This is one of those moments of storytelling where you cannot name a specific emotion, point to it and say that this scene moves you in that way. The beauty of this scene is that it catches so MANY emotions all at the same time - and the POWER of it all is what brings the viewer to tears - over a feeling that will never - and CAN never - have a proper name. But we all know it in our hearts nonetheless.
Masterpiece of a movie
God the music the scenery even the night's armor was just sheer perfection one of the best moments in cinematography history Jesus they don't make movies like this anymore man
It has to be the best 2 minutes ever filmed. I can't think of anything better.
Spot on.
Tell me about it.
Music is from Richard Wagners Gotterdammerung (Twilight of the Gods) Siegfried’s Funeral March
Why was this so epic 😢
Watched this film as a teen and I loved this scene. Valour and honour presiding over ego. So different to today’s world.
What makes this work is the late Keith Buckley's wonderful performance as Uryens.
You're right. Amazing acting by Buckley when he knights Arthur.
thomas thompson is Buckley dead? Wikipedia states he's alive!
hey Keith Buckley is still alive!!
Keith Buckley is definitely alive because I got his autograph of this very scene. He lives in the UK and keeps a low profile.
He almost started crying when he nights author and almost brought me to tears
this is still the greatest of all the King Arthur/Excalibur movies, hands down
The power of Excalibur compelled the good nature in Uryens. He was a violent man, but there was a lot of honor and goodness in him. And he was loyal unto death, even when Arthur became weak and sickly and all seemed hopeless.
This scene is so powerful. Arthur's conviction that he's king is so sincere that he doesn't mind giving away Excalibur and being at the mercy of another person. He *IS* King Arthur and that's that. It doesn't matter if he's carrying Excalibur or not, he's still your king and will always be. This scene always moves me
OMG i love this scene .. Ser Uryens is the real man .. It takes so much to swallow your pride and do what he did. A true KNIGHT
!
The knights are all the internal aspects of Arthur. He had to battle and show them he is the only voice that matters.
@@markbigelow2608 Mind = BLOWN
its "sir" this isn't GoT
What a movie, what a cast ,it could not be more inspiring.
People ridicule me for loving this movie when i was a kid. But damn this was the best thing around at the time
Anyone who ridiculed you for loving this movie is an idiot. My favorite telling of the Arthurian mythos. Back in the old days, I had Excalibur and Monty Python and the Holy Grail on one VHS tape. Now, I've got both on DVD.
The only shame is in laughing at people who have love and passion for something. It's their loss.
It's still the best thing around! 😀
I LOVE this film. I saw it first as such a young kid that I thought it was a dream, one of the first scenes with knights riding through the fog. Then I caught it on TV by accident and the third time as an adult I found it on the web. And frankly, I don't want a remake for all the CGI it could bring us. Here at least they based the story on European mythos and not on a globalisation fairy tale.
@@Argumemnon I really liked your phrase.
This is my very favorite scene of this great movie.
mine's when the wizard tells arthur of the dragon, and his relation to all things.
Mine too.
Still to this day get a tear in my eye.
Same here.
Mine is when Merlin comes back to Arthur in a waking dream at the end.
I can't watch this scene without crying... every, single time. It's the conviction of his courage and the power of being an instrument of God is what's so powerful.
I saw this movie on Showtime back in the early 80s in my first home as a young man. An exciting movie for an exciting time in a young man's life. I thought it just doesn't get any better than this.
Uryen’s expression, the honor, the MUSIC. I tear up every time I see this. An amazing and beautiful classic. 💜💜💜💜💜
if more men behaved like these two, the world would be a far better place
Unfortunately this is a Lore! Real Medieval Knights are Ruthless and power hungry..
Hear hear!
kysike666 Not to mention oft times unscrupulous
@@kysike666 Once upon a time, Honor was thing.
@@MrMojoRisin13 honor, loyalty, hubris, penance, all things the world could do better to have in these days.
This movie was so ahead of its time and timeless all at once
so many years later, and I still have tears in my eyes over this scene. Honor and intergrity, the mark of greatness.
Scenes like this are what makes this movie such a classic. All that emotion, and the sense of honor a true knight would possess, conveyed in movements and actions long before words were spoken. Amazing!
How powerful! The hatred in his heart, extinguished with love, admiration, and devotion to duty. You could see it in Uryens face!
Greatest King Arthur movie ever!
That ominous supernatural sound while he holds Excalibur is excellent. It's as if the sword revealed it'true power and he understood Arthur was the true King to wield it.
This scene transcends a feeling and an emotion that can not be described but it brings me to tears almost every time at the thought of something so beautiful and pure. Pure gold.
when i was 11 back in '91 this was easily the most epic and bloody film i had been allowed to see. truly the KING of all the Arthur films
Brilliant, moving scene in the very best retelling of one of the great legends in all history. This scene powerfully foreshadows Arthur's fight with Lancelot, where he uses Excalibur for his own pride, and Excalibur breaks. It is restored to Arthur when he, in an act of great courage and contrition, admits his failing, and his betrayal of the oath he takes here. Magnificent storytelling.
There were some terrible men who became knights, and some in our own time would reject the whole tradition because of them. But this scene, and the one with Lancelot, shows what Knighthood was meant to be, and the example it sets for all of us who know of it. Inspiring.
You could see the sheer weight of that momentous decision in his arms as he brought the sword down. Tremendous courage from both men.
The greatest battles are with the self.
The sound of metal clashing, men actually struggling to move their feet in the thick soil soaked in blood, heavy breathing, ruff colors, no fancy effects. That movie is BADASS!
43yrs old and it's still the best sword and sorcerer movie ever.... I feel so old.
To this day, still my favourite movie scene of all time.
Moody river Bruce Willis
I cried because of the honor and dignity. It was so beautiful. This has been lost in our world.
Goosebumps all over in just one minute. This will never be topped, ever.
What a scene. What a film. Underrated and classic. One of my many favorites.
This scene still gives me chills.... my goodness...
And a tear.
In the name of God St Michael and St George
No amount of money will ever best this film. The greatest Arthur film ever made, no more needed.
One of the best movies of all time.
That scene was absolutely DOPE. One of the all time greats.
I always wonder if the stuntman was stepped on by the horse or it just looks that way
"Dope"? Nope.
I always get choked up and start crying when I watch this scene..this movie is a masterpiece.
Humany wumany.
Best King Arthur movie period. Oscar winning performances from every actor. Legendary cast. I can't tell you how many times I have watched this movie since a little kid in the 80's till now I know every line by heart.
41 years old this film and it never ages still the best back then and now in 2022
I agree in the future, in 2024 August.
The emotion in this scene is powerful and beautiful.
one of cinema's greatest scenes, not least because of the spectacular performance by Keith Buckley. You can feel the agony as he wavers for those couple of seconds, the dilemma or whether to chop off Arthur's head (as goaded by Ciaran Hinds) and become king, or... do the right thing (even Merlin doesn't know which way he'll go, which causes US to have our doubts too). And the relief flooding through him after he elects to knight Arthur rather than decapitate him.... Just superb physical acting
The greatest, most moving and inspiring scene in movie history.
This scene plus the death of Uther with the 'he who draws the Sword from the stone, he shall be king' scene still stand out to me all these years later.
"What's this... WHAT'S THIS?", is so powerful. Even Merlin couldn't predict how noble King Arthur would be in this moment
I saw this when it came out, I was 13 yr old girl living in Los Angeles. I fell madly in love with King Arthur. My love affair with all things British began. All these years later I’m still in love with this film. It’s brilliant it doesn’t age. And a high five to Monty python too
Boorman's movie just needs Tim to make it perfect. 😁
This scene is as perfect as any ever filmed.
What a great delivery and dialogue. So emotional.
It's my favourite moment when Uriance Glowing with the power flowing through him. Changes his mind and accepts Arthur as King
One of the greatest scenes in movie hisory. And words to live by.
One of the most powerful scenes I have watched in any movie.
"In the name of God, St Michael and St George. I give you the right to bear arms and the power to mete justice." Man, what a powerful moment. Absolutely the best adaptation of the legend, as written in " L' amorte d' Arthur." Bit of a difficult read but I did finish it.
Love this movie and honestly, it's probably my favorite movie. It never gets old, to me.
"A duty I shall solemnly obey, as knight and King."
This movie isn't an adaptation of L'Morte d'Arthur as much as a distillation of the essence of Malory's work along with Tennyson and White, woven into cinematic grand opera and infused with diverse philosophical and mystical elements within its story fabric. The result is a movie which transcends its sources and always leaves some new aspect to be discovered with each viewing.
I wrote to Keith Buckley who played Uryens and asked him to write me that quote on a piece of paper and sign it. I have it framed with a photo of the scene and it's awesome!
@@CasiodorusRex Wow that is a cool story, legitimately. Awesome.
@@LordZontar This guy gets it.
I get chills at this very scene, just so powerful..
One of the best scenes in any movie - ever.
.
This was on Channel 4 one night in the late 80s. Was about 13 I think. I’d never heard of it and was completely blown away. Still stop channel flicking whenever it’s on and watch till the end.
This film is an absolute classic.
This is my favorite move of all time. I can pretty much quote it from start to finish. This one of my favorite scenes as well. Another is the beginning scene..."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 hear you, and it's very near the top of my list too!
So many epic moments, but the scene that tears me up without fail is Lancalots cry for Arthur near the end.
Such anguish, pain and loss in that shout 😢
@@stuartburns8657 Lancelot: "Authur....forgive! It is my salvation to die a knight of the Round Table." Arthur: "You are that, and much more. You are its greatest knight." Lancelot: "It is the old wound my king. It has never healed.
@@TeddGCM Not a wasted scene or line of dialogue in the whole movie
This has got to be the Best Knighthood Quote ever!!!
And that is an amazingly awesome scene. I remember seeing this movie in the theater at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi back in 1981
This is one of the best scenes ever filmed.
Uryens is ready to die for his honor - then Arthur demonstrates that he is too.
.
I’ve seen this movie about 35 times. It was my favorite movie all throughout the 1990s, when things were tough or I was having a bad day or not feeling well I would put on this movie and drink chamomile tea.
Later in the movie, as the kingdom collapse into ruin, Mordred beat urien (the knight in that scene) to death and urge him to turn his back to Arthur.
Urien refuse. He yelled "never" just he once yelled he would never served Arthur.
Long story short, every scene in that movie when you can hear Wagner or Orff's music is magnificent.
Mordred was never a true knight.
I loved this movie as a kid, still love it at 49. Has definitely stood the test of time.
This move from when I was 13... What an amazing classic
13? Wow I was not even born when this epic movie came out.. Must have been legendary to see this in the cinemas..
This is THE pivotal scene in the entire movie, and what FANTASTIC ACTING!!! 👏👏👏
My self-important, mature, sophisticated viewer self knows that it's a wee bit melodramatic, but I pretty much burst into tears every time I watch it.
Haha get bey blade Excalibur burst!?hahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahajahahahahahahahahahhhhhahhjh
The somewhat elevated tone really suits the material. It would be a mistake to try to force Arthurian mythology into some kind of false naturalism.
I seriously do, too.
I could not have expressed it better
Watching this now mid 2023, This is what REAL movies are about. Will have to re-watch. Real honour among men, putting that above self interest and pride - not that many movies about that demonstrate these values these days and with such quality.
You sir are a knight on my grandsons table 👍
The battle within Uryens while holding Excalibur is some damn fine acting.
Fantastic use of Wagner. I think Wagner would approve. It captures the spirit of his music.
This is a very moving scene in that it illustrates that although people are capable of terrible treachery, they are also capable of magnificent acts of great honor. Its within each of us to chose which path to take.
I love this movie. Just making that point clear at the beginning.
This scene is exceptional. The stunts leading up to this snippet are brilliant. Real sets, real danger and real acting. The rampart fight scene in the 3 or so minutes leading to this occurrence would be close to the most realistic and challenging on film. The lack of space for swinging a sword, the height of the battlements, the water, the sheer weight of opposition numbers...amazing!
When Arthur hands Excalibur to Uryens...my heart beat quickens and the entire ensemble, the soundtrack is in sync. Keith Buckley is superb. His eyes say so much. He holds the sword of power knowing he could reasonably lay claim to the throne but his eyes tell us more. He is wondering...Why did the 'boy king' give me Excalibur? Why is he so sure of his course of action that he willingly disarms himself? Why did my horse not trample him to death at the bottom of the mote? (Seriously, check that out. The horse runs straight over where Arthur went into the murky).
Uryens knights Arthur and then his pure joy and adoration for his King shows. He is simply in awe of his King and everyome sees this love and obedience in a wonderful acting performance.
I watch Excalibur once ebery 7-8 weeks. Why? It has so many outstanding scenes and the soundtrack is next to perfect. The acting....get outta ! Top shelf. Ok. Let's just focus on the big names. Liam Neeson, Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart and Gabriel Byrne...really? Bloody brilliant!
WOW!! I NEVER NOTICED THAT BEFORE!! THAT HORSE WALKED RIGHT ONTO THE ACTOR IN THE WATER!! DAMN THATS NUTS!!! Thank you for pointing that out!!
This movie is great. It has been made so.e 20 years after I was born and I love it, watched it 2 times. It's marvelous
"I am your humble knight, and I swear allegiance to the courage in your veins - so strong it is, its source *must* be Uther Pendragon. I doubt you no more."
One of many Metal Moments in Excalibur. What a great film!
Rise...King Arthur
Epic as hell
It hits one right in the manly cockles, does it not?
“A noble knight, swear faith to a squire?!”
Such defiance from Uryens, even with a sword at his throat, as he knows what a rightful King should be and acknowledges and accepts Arthur as just such with his very next words and deeds.
This never gets old for me. LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And an important life lesson.
whats this?!....i was 16 when my father took me to theater to see this epic film....i will never forget it
A powerful scene,and quite moving,you could see Uyrens feeling the power of the Excalibur and it’s the connection to Arthur,and that this is Uther Pendragon’s son,which is why he yielded..