As a film I didn't expect a lot going into, Guy Ritchie delivered quite the unexpected treatment when it comes to the legend of one of the greatest British leaders and kings ever depicted in romances and stories - King Arthur. In his vision of the future king of Camelot's origin story, we see a young boy raised in a brothel after his entire family is betrayed by a power hungry uncle, forging the orphan into a man who eventually locates and pulls the sword Excalibur out of its stone mount.
Taking a page out of fantasy properties like "Lord of the Rings" and "Masters of the Universe", King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is not your regular kind of fantasy epic film - it's non-linear presentation and fast paced editing choices gives that kind of experimental vibe that should intrigue those that are looking for something different in their movies. Add to the fact that the film has a stellar cast of supporting talents like Djimon Hounsou and Game of Thrones' Aidan Gillen, and you have a unique interpretation of the Arthur legend before his time with the Knights of the Round Table. Big thanks goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for allowing me to see this film prior to its release in theaters last week!
Released by Warner Bros. Pictures, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword isn't your ordinary Arthur story, and it certainly has Guy Ritchie's flair for stylish action and witty humor. Charlie Hunnam plays the titular character - who discovers birthright through a matter of circumstance after his evil uncle Vortigern (played by Jude Law) seeks "the would be king" who can pull the magical sword that once belonged to his dead brother and Arthur's father Uther Pendragon (Eric Bana). Rescued by a resistance group dedicated to fighting against Vortigern's tyrannical rule, Arthur slowly realizes his purpose and destiny through a series of trials and turbulations where friends are lost and sacrifices are made. Through the fires of devastation, a young man rises above hardship and pain to become the legendary leader that fights for justice and all things right.
Overall, as a film that dares to present a very unique vision of Arthurian concepts, Guy Ritchie's "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" is a worthy presentation of the future Camelot hero's origin story. Editing is all over the place and takes an acquired taste to appreciate, but it certainly has a lot of heart and is in the right place to tell a fresh take on Arthur and his days before wearing the crown. I certainly enjoyed it and it is a great popcorn flick for those who enjoy medieval adventure and fantasy.
Rating - 3/5
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is now playing in theaters on its second week!
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