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First Knight (1995)

1995 • 2h 14m • Adventure, Drama • PG-13
On September 23, 2026
#13936▲ 11113
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CinemaSerf on First Knight

6/10 · Nov 3, 2022

This movie takes a pretty big departure from other versions of the Arthurian stories, so anyone expecting something similar to previous films or books should probably avoid it. If you’re in the mood for a simple romantic story with elaborate costumes, there's perhaps some enjoyment to be had, although it's not guaranteed. Julia Ormond, playing Guinevere, is journeying to marry Sean Connery, who portrays King Arthur, as a way to protect her land of Leonesse from constant attacks by the villainous Malagant, played by Ben Cross. During her travels, she’s set upon but rescued by the cleverness and courage of traveling swordsman Lancelot, portrayed by Richard Gere. She arrives safely at her intended husband's side, only to run into Lancelot again when he triumphs in a dangerous competition – earning himself a kiss along the way! The rest of the movie loosely incorporates elements from the legend—Guinevere falls for someone else; she’s abducted; and there are echoes of "Robin Hood" and "Knights of the Round Table" as Lancelot attempts to safeguard her and the kingdom. Cross doesn't make a particularly frightening villain, but Connery does a good job portraying a king who seems astonished by his fortune, and Ormond and Gere share some chemistry as their romance develops. The conclusion is rather disappointing, though—maybe if the knights had spent less time on their appearance, they might have been more effective warriors. I felt that the film failed to develop Merlin's character, whom I consider the most fascinating aspect of these legends. The movie has a playful, vibrant, and lighthearted feel, and it’s an acceptable, though somewhat cheesy and forgettable, family film that delivers exactly what you’d expect.

Source on TMDB