KING ARTHUR

3.8/5
stars clive owen, ioan gruffudd, kiera knightley, hugh dancy

i reviewed this film a while back in january, but after watching it again recently i feel compelled to re-review it. i've actually got a copy of the theatrical version rather than the director's cut; while the director's cut is definitely better, i can still cast a very favourable review on the theatrical version.

i'm not sure how closely the film follows the 'real' legend of arthur and his knights. but i guess the legend itself aint that clear either. anyways, the main story of the film portrays arthur's pre-king journey with his knights in thier numerous battles with the britains, the saxons, and the woads for the casue of freedom. after they defeat the saxons, their freedom will be granted - and after fifteen years, they have all come but one battle away from it.

but, as lancelot (gruffudd) tells arthur (owen), "only certain death awaits you here." the film explores the friendships between each of the knights, and that before they were knights, they were human beings. watching the film over and over, i wonder if the concepts of friendship, courage, and loyalty meant much more back in arthurian days. what i love about this film are the characters of lancelot and arthur, best friends since being torn from their families 15 years ago. their contrasting idelogies on life and faith.

other characters provide the gritty film with a human touch. they all joke and laugh together, they drink together, and they fight in battle together. some make it it to the final credits, and others don't.

this film was to me, kind of like a medieval, bloody, grown-up version of rob reiner's "stand by me". i originally bagged the directing and editing, but after a view viewings, i realised that both were done with the highest attention to detail. the editing is consistent, clean, and seamless.

originally i gave the film 3/5, but now its at 3.8. i highlyu recommend this film. if not for the gratuidous violence, head-lopping, and axings, then for the trials these knights go through for thier freedom. but get the director's cut version, its a lot better.

-LOki