King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Tags: historical fiction

Plot synopsis:
Mordred, an iron fisted warlock, and his armies lay siege to Camelot, seeking to establish the dominance of magic-wielding mages over humankind. Uther Pendragon, king of the Britons, infiltrates Mordred's lair and beheads him, destroying his forces and saving Camelot. Later that evening, Uther's treacherous brother Vortigern, who covets the throne, orchestrates a coup and sacrifices his wife Elsa to sea witches in order to summon a demon knight, who kills Uther's wife and slays him in combat. The only survivor is Uther's son, who drifts away in a boat and eventually winds up in Londinium, where he is found and raised by prostitutes, who name him Arthur.
Arthur grows into a skilled fighter and man of the streets, alongside his friends Tristan and Backlack. The three confront a group of Vikings headed by Kjartan, who had mistreated one of the prostitutes, forcing them to pay her a year's wages for their behavior. Afterwards, the brothel is raided by the Blacklegs, Vortigern's minions, and Arthur learns that the Vikings were guests of the king and attacking them, therefore, constitutes a crime against him personally. Arthur tries to escape the city, but is caught and put on a ship with hundreds of other men. He learns that a mysterious, magic sword has appeared near Vortigern's castle, and the Blacklegs have been forcing all men of Arthur's age to try and pull it from the surrounding stone. When Arthur tries, he pulls the sword out and quickly faints from the vast power it contains. Vortigern meets with him in the dungeon, revealing his true lineage. Meanwhile, a woman, identifying herself as an acolyte of Merlin, meets with Uther's former general, Sir Bedivere.
At Arthur's execution, the mage uses her magic to stage a diversion while Percival and Rubio, two of Bedivere's men, rescue Arthur. Taken to his hideout, Arthur initially refuses to help them, but soon collapses again when he tries to wield the sword. Suspecting that he lacks the willpower to control it, the mage persuades Bedivere to take Arthur to the "Blacklands", the realm where, years earlier, Merlin destroyed Mordred's tower in defiance of his darkness. It is revealed that Vortigern was responsible for persuading Mordred to rebel against humanity, having grown jealous of Uther's power. Arthur, having restored the sword's magic, returns determined to destroy Vortigen for his crimes.
Together with his friends and Bedivere's men, Arthur stages a series of ambushes and attacks to force Vortigern out of hiding. Aware that his maid is a spy for Bedivere, Vortigen announces plans to meet with his barons in Londonium, sending a body double in his place. The rebels quickly realize the deception, but attack anyway which was all part of his plan. In the process, Rubio is captured while Backlack is severely wounded and left behind. The others take refuge in a fighters' school, run by Arthur's mentor George, where they are quickly overrun by the Blacklegs. Seeing the mage being held at knifepoint, Arthur is overcome by his rage and unleashes Excalibur's potential, single-handly killing all of the enemy soldiers. As night falls and riots break out all over Londonium, the rebels take shelter in a safe house, where they are soon joined by Backlack and his son Blue.
Knowing that he is mortally wounded, Backlack urges the others to go on and promises that he will be coming after them soon. Unbeknownst to them, the Blacklegs' commander, Mischief John, has been following the wounded Backlack, and he and Vortigern interrogate him for information. Blue sneaks back and, when caught, tries to bluff them that he is simply a worker coming to do his shift. But he can't maintain the masquerade when his father is threatened. Arthur comes back and manages to save Blue, but not before Blue watches his father die.
Afterwards, Arthur, ashamed of his failures, throws the sword into a lake and runs into the forest. When he stops at a small marsh, the Lady of the Lake pulls him into her realm and shows him a vision of the future, where England has been ruined by Vortigern's rule and the people are left to suffer in misery. Recognizing that only he can put an end to his uncle's reign, Arthur reunites with Bedivere, George, and Percival. When they return to the rebel hideout, however, they discover all of their allies dead, Vortigern having found them thanks to information provided by Rubio. They encounter the captain, who delivers a message from the king: If Arthur does not surrender himself by nightfall, both the mage and Blue will die. Bedivere is able to get the former released in exchange for Arthur surrendering both himself and the sword.
Just as Vortigern is about to kill his nephew, a giant snake controlled by the mage attacks and devours the captain and his men, while the others free Vortigern's prisoners and lead them in a revolt against the Blacklegs. A desperate Vortigern sacrifices his only daughter and is transformed into the demon knight, confronting Arthur in a separate dimension. Despite his fighting skill, Arthur is quickly beaten. Just as he is about to submit, he witnesses a flashback of the moment when his father was struck down, having turned his own body to stone to prevent Vortigern from seizing the sword. Arthur snatches the sword before it impales Uther, who gives him the right to wield it. Arthur then destroys Vortigern's weapon and kills him violently.
In the aftermath, Arthur, George, and Percival begin building the round table, where Arthur and his knights will meet. Arthur also dissolves Vortigern's pact with the Vikings, declaring that they must respect England's power if they wish to avoid war. Blue and the prostitutes arrive with the crown of Uther, which Arthur accepts. King Arthur then addresses his new subjects, holding the sword aloft in the air.

Review: If you actually want a  movie where you know everything already starting from the story,  characters and twists then I'd call you the stupidest ever.
Yes this  isn't your typical king Arthur movie, and that adds even more to the  awesomeness of it.amnt saying the movie is flawless, no movie is, but  it was great starting from acting, animation, story, music tracks,  everything.
well, there are lots of elephants in the room; let's be honest.Before I expound further, let me say this: if you like the movie's trailers, like a fair bit of action but don't particularly care about how every bit of it fits into a story, don't particularly care about the traditional legend(s) of King Arthur, like a bunch of fantasy mixed in, and plenty of (now run-of-the-mill) CGI, you might like this movie.
The other, proverbial, elephants in the room are how far the movie strays from the legendary King Arthur story.Now, in fairness, legends (King Arthur, in this case) being what they are, it is difficult to know where reality ends and fantasy begins.
Nonetheless, even though the legend has changed somewhat over the years (as legends are wont to do), this movie bears little resemblance to the story that moviegoers familiar with Arthur will expect.Merlin?
I get the same sense of lack of respect for traditional tales of King Arthur.I could go on and on, picking the film apart, but all of it boils down to the simple appearance that Ritchie is simply capitalizing on the popularity of someone else' story -- King Arthur and the legend of Excalibur -- by using the name in the title, then remaking the entire story to suit a flight of his fancy.Ritchie might as well have just left the sword out of the story and dropped the name of Arthur from the story -- and title.
Then, too, moviegoers would know better than to expect a movie simply about the King Arthur legend, which the current title implies..
And, the movie also had some brief parts which were fun to see, like the scene when Arthur was telling the story about the Vikings.
Out of the whole fighting scenes, the one that I enjoyed most was in the middle which I felt was rather breathtaking and having an ultimate amazing ending.Apart from the cool action sequences, the movie also had some dramatic moments and surprises.
I did feel some similarities with other movies that he directed like the 2009 Sherlock Holmes movie and its sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in 2011, especially in the part of using pieces of flash backs to explain something.I think the special effects to the movie was very good, which should not be a surprise considering it has a USD 175 million budget.
My only worry is with such hefty budget, it may not be having a large profit since the movie itself might not appeal to some hardline fans of the folklore of King Arthur, Excalibur, mages and so on, due to the rather unusual way of story telling.
Let's see if you noticed him.So for those who want to enjoy a nice action adventure film in the medieval period with some sword and sorcery plus the background of King Arthur with the knights of the round table, then you would definitely enjoy this one (especially if you are a fan of Guy Ritchie's works).
Sadly the critics only want to give a movie a great rating when there's an oppressed group wronged, and this movie is not that.Here's to hoping there's a King Arthur II - Knights of the Round Table.
Saw this at a Promo Screening last night and have been shocked by the harsh reviews from the critics.I went in expecting to see a by-the-numbers generic fantasy like the ones Disney churns out regularly.
But instead I was surprised to find that Guy Ritchie has applied to King Arthur the same style and technique that made his Sherlock Holmes films so beloved.In this film is the witty dialogue and creative editing we've (at least some of us) have come to love from Guy Ritchie.
The action is good, the effects are good, but it is the manner of delivery of it all that brings this to greatness.The acting is solid, some characters are less developed than others but I did not feel that this hurt the movie at all.
Perhaps this movie means more to people who have some kind of attachment or attraction to the King Arthur legend already.
However, there was one disturbing moment - a genre, which I thought (my mistake) wasn't a good fit for his style and a well-known plot.In fact, even knowing what will be the ending (we all know the good old story of King Arthur), I enjoyed the film from the beginning to the very last phrase.A quick turn of events did not give me a chance to be bored.
Little details through the movie constantly reminding you that you are watching a Guy Ritchie's work.
Few months ago when I watched the trailer and considering the fact that Guy Ritchie is directing this I knew one thing for sure - this movie will NOT BE a King Arthur story.
What happens here is that Ritchie took the concept of the King Arthur and Excalibur's myths and made a movie out of them in a way only he can (reference - Sherlock Holmes).So what you should expect and what you will get from this movie is: - Charlie Hunnam (excellent actor with huge potential) - Jude Law (no need of comment here, this movie won't be the same without him).
Hunnam and Law were one of the reasons I wanted to watch this movie - Hell of a good soundtrack - Excellent overall atmosphere and FX - 100% Guy Ritchie movie - FunWhat you should NOT expect from this movie is regular King Arthur story - quite the same if you had expected a regular WWII story from Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards.
And the only thing I felt missing to get a 100% fun from the new Ritchie's movie was Vinnie Jones :)I hope you'll enjoy it as I did on my Friday's cinema evening!!!.
People going into this movie shouldn't be expecting something similar to the King Arthur films they're accustomed to.
Guy Ritchie took the King Arthur character that everyone knows and turned him into someone like-able.
This is the definitive King Arthur movie for a couple of reasons.The story isn't dense and boring.
I thought to go be entertained for a time, and King Arthur looked to fit the bill.I was stunned.
Nice work to the casting director, good job!In no way do I mean to take away from any of the other actors, all nailed their parts, every single one!Guy Ritchie outdid himself.
The problem being, as he is the only believable character in the film - you can't help but root for him.The rest of the performances were paint by numbers, collecting a pay check and if this was the best Guy Ritchie could get from them - perhaps he isn't fit for being a director?
One film where you can get suckered in with the stories the characters are telling and the other, you're wishing your life away watching rubbish CGI, limp acting and a muddled mess of a fight sequence.
King Arthur: Legend of the SwordI am not a cynical person and I tend to see the good in something, most of the time cynical people will feel the need to crucify an artifact if it disrupts their sensibilities.
It can be noted that the film has the lovable rogue trope down to a T.If not paying attention and fully immersing yourself within this film its artistry could be overlooked or the denouement may be an 'ok' or 'I got entertained just as I expected to be' and may be seen as just another big blockbuster film, the fact that it came out one week after GotG would not help this case.The FX are incredible and well put together in a cohesive manner, you will see the famous Guy Ritchie slow-mo action sequences.
All to communicate to the viewer exactly what is going on and where.I understand there are a thousand different contributing factors that make someone like or dislike a film.I am in a good place within my life and I am a great lover of fantasy, this story captivated me and made me feel empathy toward the characters.
I like films about King Arthur and have done ever since being a child many, many years ago.
I find it interesting to see different takes on a classic legend from my part of the world.However, this movie is the ONLY one I have seen where I have cringed from beginning to end.It is big - has lots of CGI - and that is about the only thing I can say about it.The story is ridiculous and the acting is worse than imagining Daffy Duck perform Shakespeare (although that would be far more entertaining).Then there is the awful, dreadful, dire, and ridiculous appearance by David Beckham.
The rotten tomatoes are pure rubbish on this one.King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had at the theater in a long time.
I've watched several others works of film and TV about King Arthur and Excalibur so didn't expect much.
Don't listen to the critics, and who wants another serious King Arthur movie anyway?
Very enjoyable, looking forward to more movies from him and the King Arthur world in the future..
It showed a lot of content but believe me the movie has exceptionally good content.Kudos to the writers and @guyRitchie if you ever get a chance to read this review amazing work.The hero introduction is awesome, the way the story unfolds is brilliant, everything seems in place and in order.
Amazing dialogues (people who understand sarcasm well will enjoy the benefit).There have been a lot of mixed reviews between the critics and the users and I did read a couple of them before watching this and it did lower my expectations but after watching it it was just 'WOW' People who like this genre would watch it again and again people who aren't big fans of this will enjoy it if they do watch it.One of the best movies of 2017 so far..
The BBC series made 15-20-years ago is worth watching on the King Arthur/Merlin story.
A movie that don't have the right timing of the scenes, and most of all, a film that don't have the ability to make you care about any of the characters.
But i was so very wrong, key characters missing and a very bad story line spoiled the well acted parts from Jude law, Charlie Hunnam who really did play the roles well.
to date the only version of this legendary tale to get a good story line and show it as should be is the old time Disney cartoon lol perhaps they should do a live action version of that am sure will be far better than this film..
The story line is garbage, the characters and acting are woeful (except maybe Jude Law as others have mentioned), the action is poorly shot and the CGI is some of the worst ever committed to film.
The biggest problem with #KingArthur #LegendOfTheSword is that it puts more emphasis on trying to be a Guy Ritchie superhero film than it is about King Arthur.
Another problem is that instead of watching a movie, some of the time it feels more like you're watching "Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor" video game walkthrough.Charlie Hunnam stars as the born king, Arthur whose father is murdered as Arthur's uncle, Vortigern (Jude Law) seizes the crown.
And if you're a die hard Guy Ritchie fan, this too carries his usual brute montage style that often explains a subplot in a very quick, very humorous manner, so in that sense, it is a more dynamic film than any of the other versions of King Arthur you've seen on the screen.Charlie Hunnam essentially plays a reluctant hero who's having difficulties coming to terms with his destiny but after a while, his continued reluctance becomes frustrating and downright annoying.
Overall, I'm not saying that "King Arthur: Legend of The Sword" is not an entertaining film if you're a style-over-substance kind of an audience, but just be aware that you'll be viewing Arthur through Guy Ritchie's filters..
For those in the biz, if you want to make an excellent movie about King Arthur, I recommend you read Jack Whyte's Camulod series and make something along those lines.
I have seen all the older King Arthur movies of the same but they don't wow me like this..
Most of the time I agree with them, once in a while we disagree, but never has there been a movie which I absolutely love getting this much hate from reviewers (21% rotten as of this writing).All manners of movies have been made regarding the legendary King Arthur.
I went to the cinema with no expectations, but it surprised me in a very positive way.If you like the old traditional way of telling this story, I would not recommend this movie.
Guy Richie's version gives this story a edgy version with great street fights and battles and a villian to hate in Jude Law's protrayal of an evil King driven by desire of power.
It had moments of greatness and it just fell short of being a great movie, but this beginning story is enjoyable to watch and sets the stage for possible adventures for King Arthur and this Knights..
I really love how it wasn't another boring King Arthur story like we got with Richard Gere and Clive Owen.
King Arthur movie in millennial time.
Dear readers, yesterday I have watched King Arthur movie, directed by Guy Ritchie.
The movie is really focused on the story of the sword from the beginning of the scene, but we can see the process of life or Arthur of being "a king".
Secondly I want to review about the role of King Arthur himself as the role-center in this movie.
But lastly, like other Guy Ritchie's movies, the backward-forward scenes, high musics, and proper actors/actress could entertain all millennial generations to see the handsome and muscles King Arthur and his legend of sword.
I'm a huge fan of Guy Ritchie direction style but was very skeptical about this movie after the reviews came out.
OK, I love Guy Ritchie movies, I really do, and still I wasn't giving movie a chance, but I decided to accept it and just watch it for what it was, a movie about King Arthur and Excalibur.
It's Guy Ritchie's version of King Arthur and Excalibur.
If you like Guy Ritchie movies, you will love this one!
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword delivers an action-packed, fun, and original adaptation of a classic story.
Unfortunately, the critics wanted something copied and pasted from King Arthur movies of the past.
4.) The action sequences are a lot of fun.5.) The soundtrack is awesome.King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is my third favorite movies of 2017.
Knowing that this was a Guy Ritchie movie, I had low expectations.
The legend of King Arthur and Excalibur has been been told many times by the cinema and television.
Do not listen to critics and do not compare to other stories about King Arthur just go and watch and you will not be disappointed.
Charlie Hunnam was bland, uncharismatic, and dull as Arthur and Jude Law was especially awful as the king basically auditioning for an Uwe Boll film that will never get made.I am honestly surprised, because I've liked Sherlock Holmes and definitely liked The Man From Uncle from Guy Ritchie, but this managed to make Sherlock Holmes 2 look good and I don't know how that is even possible, but I would rather watch that since that at least felt like a Guy Ritchie movie, this only felt like one of his films in 2 scenes and that's it.Overall, Skip this film it is not worth your time watch Excalibur, The Sword and the Stone, First Knight, and hell even the Antoine Fuqua one.
I have to admit I enjoyed King Arthur: Legend of the Sword pretty much, mainly due to the post-modern sensibility employed by director Guy Ritchie.
I have to repeat it: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is VERY different to any other epic film; it doesn't look like anything I have seen before...
The only movie I could partially compare it to is Sherlock Holmes (also directed by Ritchie), but King Arthur: Legend of the Sword feels more irreverent...
"King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" has great potentials but a bit so good execution!
All in all one of the best action/fantasy movies I have seen for a very long time..
I tend to like most of Guy Ritchie's movies and one of the biggest reasons is that his characters have tons of camaraderie.
It was generally solid and I laughed throughout the movie.Guy Ritchie has been at this long enough that he's developed his own way doing action.
The action is mixed, the acting is mixed and the story takes some pretty big liberties from the King Arthur legend and the historical period.
i just saw the movie and it was great, a 10+ - the screen, the actors, the costumes, the effects and the story.
Im just here to say that King Arthur is a great movie!
The acting is solid, the story, the art direction, the action, I really liked it, can't imagine why it the critics where so harsh on it, it is a great summer movie.
The same style as all Guy Ritchie movies.
Otherwise if you enjoyed Guy Ritchie's take on Sherlock Holmes and like fantasy this movie is great.