TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Ritchie's 'King Arthur' a fresh take on legendary tale

Guy Ritchie's latest film creation, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, is an interpretation of the popular Western folk story of Arthur and the sword in the stone.

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Wed, May 10, 2017

Share This Article

Change Size

Ritchie's 'King Arthur' a fresh take on legendary tale A still from 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.' (Touchstone Pictures/File)

G

uy Ritchie's latest film creation, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, is an interpretation of the popular Western folk story of Arthur and the sword in the stone. The film stars Charlie Hunnam, known for his role in FX’s Sons of Anarchy, Oscar nominees Jude Law and Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana (Hulk), and newcomer Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides).

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.

Read also: Warner showcases stunning trailer for 'Blade Runner 2049'

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)

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.