The Legend of King Arthur
The Legend of King Arthur

Movie spotlight

The Legend of King Arthur

2016
Movie
127 min
French

The son of King Uther Pendragon, Arthur has no idea about his lineage until he pulls Excalibur from its stone sheath. He takes the throne of the kingdom with the help of Merlin, the great sorcerer. King Arthur finds love with Guinevere, but is oblivious to her romance with Lancelot of the Lake. Meanwhile, Arthur’s half-sister Morgana longs for revenge against him and sets up a conspiracy that drives King Arthur to danger.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes31%
Metacritic41/100
Google Users62%
Director: Guy RitchieGenres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Plot Summary

Arthur, a young streetwise hustler, is unaware of the royal blood that runs through his veins, until the day he pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone. This act thrusts him into the spotlight and into the path of the ruthless warlord Vortigern, who has murdered Arthur's father and stolen his crown. Reluctantly, Arthur must embrace the sword and his destiny to lead his people against the tyrant.

Critical Reception

The film received largely negative reviews from critics, with many criticizing its convoluted plot, excessive CGI, and departure from traditional Arthurian lore. However, some praised Guy Ritchie's signature stylistic direction and Charlie Hunnam's performance. Audience reception was also mixed.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stylish and energetic, but ultimately a muddled and overstuffed take on the familiar legend.

  • The film's narrative feels rushed and underdeveloped, struggling to balance its ambitious action sequences with character depth.

  • Despite a charismatic lead in Charlie Hunnam, the movie fails to capture the magic and depth of the King Arthur mythos.

Google audience: Audiences found the action sequences to be exciting and appreciated the unique visual style of the film. However, many felt the story was convoluted and lacked emotional resonance, with some expressing disappointment in the modern, gritty interpretation of the classic legend.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Director Guy Ritchie originally envisioned the film as the first in a six-part saga, but plans for sequels were shelved due to the film's poor box office performance and critical reception.

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