The film tells the origin story of King Arthur with simple twists. It starts with Arthur (Hunnam) growing up in the back alleys of a city instead of the grand palace that his uncle Vortigern (Law) seized from his father, King Uther (Bana). Arthur has no idea who he really is, nor what he is destined to become. But everything changes after he pulls the Excalibur sword, his dad’s magical sword, from a stone.

Known for epic cinematography and incorporating fantasy elements into his films, Ritchie took a risk in producing a medieval-themed movie, as countless iterations of the genre have been adapted to the silver screen. However, he found success by adopting a more accessible approach to the narrative, implementing humor throughout the film, alongside mystical creatures and heavy action sequences; which is why the movie is an iconoclastic rendition of the legend.

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There are many aspects of the movie that did not match the original story. For example, in the film, the legend’s most important magician, Merlin, was barely featured. Camelot, the castle often associated with Arthur, was replaced by a more “urban” setting called Londinium.

The movie has a Game of Thrones feel to it with its mystical vibe, and Aiden Gillen, (Game of Thrones’ Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish) also stars in the movie as “Goose-Fat” Bill. Another shocking cameo is from David Beckham, who plays a scar-faced soldier who watches Arthur while he pulls the Excalibur sword from its resting place. (vod/kes)

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