Directed by John Boorman, written by Rospo Pallenberg and John Boorman
Based on the book Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
One thing you've got to learn about me if you have any interest in reading my reviews of all these old fantasy movies is that growing up I was absolutely obsessed with all things Robin Hood and Arthurian legend. Couldn't get enough of them. I've watched a lot of Arthur movies and shows over the years and read a few books (Mists of Avalon is sitting on my shelf begging to finally be read) and this is easily the most beautiful and captivating version of the story of I've ever seen. BBC's Merlin will probably always reign supreme as my favourite simply because I was in middle school when I first watched it as it was ending, and it's pretty hard to top something that became such an integral part of your personality in those formative years, but this movie is a very close second. First of all, since I've made a habit of mentioning femisim and the agency of the leading ladies in these fantasy movies, I should adress the elephant in the room that is the fact the women in this movie really do not have any agency at all. They're kind of glorified set dressing that a bunch of horrible stuff happens to (particularly Igrayne) and then plot just moves on. I'm kind of at a point in my life where a movie has to be really good in other ways to keep me interested when that's the way the women are used in the plot because honestly, I just find it boring and annoying. Thankfully the costumes, set design, and cinematography in this movie are some of the most gorgeous stuff I've seen in ages. Seriously, if you don't believe me just look the movie up on pinterest.
Ok, favourite looks of the movie? God that's even harder than the Cinderella movie. Guenevere's (played by Cherie Lunghi) wedding outfit is easily one of the most beautiful looks I've seen for a fantasy wedding with her veil being reminiscent of chainmail and her dress matching the shine and sparkle of Arthur's armour (played by Nigel Terry). Mordred's gold armour is so haunting yet striking at the same time. A bonus for fellow Robin Hood fans that Mordred is played by Robert Addie in this film who also played Sir Guy of Gisburne in the Robin of Sherwood series. I thought he was hilarious as Gisburne so it was a great surprise to see him in this as well. Dame Helen Mirren of course absolutely killed it as Morgana, with my favourite of her's being this black dress. The lighting, cinematography, and post-production all come together beautifully to make a wonderful dream-like quality to the film that's perfectly complimented by the costume and set design. It reminds me a lot of the aesthetics of Legend, that old fantasy movie that Tom Cruise desperately wants everyone to forget he was in. I think my only costuming gripe with the movie was Merlin, I thought his metal helmet looked a bit odd and his costume design seemed underwhelming compared to everyone else. Even Lancelot, in his armour that looked nearly identical to Arthur's, stood out more than Merlin did to me.
All in all, this was a phenomenal movie that will likely be something I add to my list to rewatch every few years. And maybe one day I'll do a Guenevere dress for Halloween.
23rd August, 2025