Les brumes d'Avalon

Over the past two nights, I was carried away to Avalon and Camelot. Even though I've seen virtually every version of the Arthurian legends ever filmed, and was a bit hesitant about seeing yet another, this was a winner! Being told through the eyes of the women involved, who are generally reduced to Guinevere, Morgana (aka Morgaine), and the Lady of the Lake's arm in most tellings, made this completely an original. I must admit that I have never been a great fan of Juliana Margulies, even though I've watched ER since it first aired, but she was wonderful as Morgaine in this. Joan Allen and Anjelica Huston gave performances worthy of the Oscars they've been nominated for, and Samantha Mathis as the ill-fated Guinevere was heartbreaking. As a final note, I believe the casting director definitely merits an Emmy, since the little girl who played young Morgaine looked EXACTLY like a pre-teen version of Juliana, and Hans Matheson, who played the evil Mordred, Morgaine's son, couldn't have resembled Juliana more if she'd have really given birth to him! As an enchanting, mythological fantasy tale, I recommend it to anyone over 14, due to a slightly graphic (necessary) sexual scene dealing with incest and one of a menage a trois nature.

Alright from what Ive read on here there has been a bunch of mixed reviews. Let me just say that this has to be one of my top 5 favorite movies. Its the type of movie that stays with you.. and you keep thinking about it days after you've watched it. I rented this at blockbuster because Im obsessed with Arthurian Legend so I was anxious to see this. Well after I saw this I had to go out and buy it a week later because I just kept thinking about it. The acting couldn't have been better(not to mention Michael Vartan and Edward Atterton are easy on the eyes as Arthur and Lancelot:) Well, after seeing the movie I ran to Barnes and Nobles and got the book..and am anxious to start reading it. And I must add that out of every Camelot movie I've ever seen(and believe me I've seen every one under the sun :) This is by far one of the best, if not the best. It also has a killer soundtrack that Im hoping to buy next..lol. So, basically any fan of Camelot legend, more than likely will enjoy it, even if you arent familiar with the legend this is probably the best movie to learn about it(personally its a bit more realistic and true to the tale than Merlin was)SO GO RENT IT! YOU"LL LIKE IT! lol

Well its not the book at all, so if you are expecting that its better to dream. So much so that I think it should have a different name, like Excalibur II or something. But there were parts that kept to the book and so it goes. But oh man if you watch this and never read the book I feel sad for your loss. The book is a thrilling tale about change and fate. It delves into realms of religion and how one religion overcomes another. There are also sub plots of innocence, trust and the betrayal of trust. This show was more about the men and their lives. I had hoped that maybe someone would have the nerve to show a differing viewpoint but I suppose not yet. I am sad and so I lament. Please someone have the nerve to make this book as a movie as it is, not for the forwarding of a differing perception but because it is a beautiful book.

The legend of King Arthur has been retold enough times that no single version of it is sacred. This explores the notion that Arthur is king "at a time when the gods were changing" (to paraphrase James Michener) and that the mystical women of Avalon (and not Merlin) are the real force behind the events of Camelot. The attempt to unite pagans and Christians under one king may seem like a very contemporary issue, but it is a human universal and one that has been repeated throughout history.

It's a shame that most viewers will see this interrupted with commercials; it's a beautifully moody film with lots of excellent photography, sets, and costumes (even if the latter look a little too Medieval for accuracy). The performances are generally good, with a few over-the-top lines and gestures.

PARENTAL ADVISORY: This film contains violence and sexual situations unsuitable for children under 15. Additionally, it is sufficiently cerebral that anyone under that age might not be engaged by it and as such might not be appreciated by newcomers to this legend.

Why can't you just consider the movie as it is, without constant beratement as to how it's not exactly like the book?

I saw the movie last night for the first time, and found the story to be compelling, the acting to be top-notch, and the sets, costumes, and music to be a perfect match for the story. It was a wonderful film in an age where most science fiction and fantasy programs are full of plot holes and various nonsensical plot devices.

You KNOW that most movies based on books never live up to the book, so why do you place such high expectations on them?? Enjoy it for what it is -- 4 hours of visual entertainment.

I for one found it a very enjoyable movie, and would highly recommend it to anyone.