King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

In the legend of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, director Guy Ritchie offers a fresh take on the classic tale, infusing it with action, humor, and a dash of magic. The film begins with the young Arthur living in poverty, unaware of his royal heritage. His father, Uther Pendragon, has been murdered by his uncle Vortigern, who seizes the crown and sets out to destroy any opposition. Arthur's mother, Igraine, also meets her demise at the hands of Vortigern. The child Arthur is left all alone, with no idea who he truly is or where he belongs. The scene shifts to the bustling streets of London, where Arthur is forced to resort to crime to survive. He lives a life of petty theft and violence, working for a group of common thugs. Arthur's lack of awareness about his true identity is evident throughout his childhood and early life. He has no idea that he is the rightful heir to the throne, destined to wield the powerful sword Excalibur. His uncle, Vortigern, however, is aware of this fact and will stop at nothing to eliminate any potential threats to his rule. As Arthur grows into a young man, his encounter with Vortigern sets in motion a chain of events that would ultimately change his life forever. Vortigern's motives for his treacherous actions are complex and multifaceted, rooted in his own sense of pain, loss, and chaos brought by war. His eventual fall from power however, will leave the wicked Merlin to become in charge of ensuring no one learns his name. Arthur's life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Sir Bedivere, a skilled warrior who claims to have met Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon. Bedivere reveals to Arthur that he is indeed the long-lost son of Uther, and that his destiny lies in wielding the legendary sword Excalibur. The once impoverished thief's world is turned upside down as he is subsequently thrust into the midst of intrigue and deception. Arthur's pursuit of Excalibur ultimately takes him to the stone, where he discovers that the sword can only be claimed by the true king. Upon touching the stone, Arthur finds himself straining with muscles as the sword is extracted from its ancient stony setting. Upon pulling it out, a revelation washes over him; a striking weight confirming his role as the one king destined to claim the throne. He is forced to accept his fate and navigate the complexities of becoming the leader of the kingdom. Aided by Merlin, Arthur sets out to claim his rightful place on the throne and defeat the evil Vortigern, who will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on power. Their clashing actions set the stage for the ensuing battle of wits, swords, and strength, resulting in explosive outcomes that alter the course of Arthur's destiny and reshape the future of England. Throughout the film, Ritchie incorporates a mix of magic and real-world action, transporting the viewer into a darker version of the classic Camelot narrative. His distinct style creates an overall vibrant atmosphere peppered with plenty of vibrant colors, showcasing the brutal side of the British monarchy of that time and leading viewers on an entertaining, heart-racing journey down a very compelling journey examining noble power, high prophecy and noble kingship.