Les brumes d'Avalon

The book is simply amazing and this film adaptation adequately embodies its epic stature. I am amazed how much of the book is actually reflected in a 2-hour television digest version. I really don't like spoilers and I always try to avoid giving away a story myself, so I will just say this movie can be enjoyed by either fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's book or the uninitiated.

The scenery, cinematography and costumes are beautiful. The acting is generally very smart and understanding. The cast was well chosen. The writing is well-informed.

Some of the negative reviewers seem to be offended by sexual material and what they perceive as "anti-christian" content. Of course I would not try to change any of these people's opinions, but I would remind these reviewers of the story's point of view. The setting is in a largely non-Christian world and told from a feminine perspective. With virtually all other tellings being from a masculine, heroic, 15th century Christian perspective (despite the fact that the setting is actually 4th century pagan) I find this appealing for history's (her-story's) sake alone. Usually the "winners" write history. In this case I think Bradley is trying to tell the other side of the story.

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.

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.

I have some advantage in NOT reading the book -therefore watched the movie in its own right . As it started off as a TV mini series - I decided to watch maybe half at one sitting , but hey , from the first 5 minutes it was just totally engrossing viewing , and I saw all 3 hours plus in one sitting . And what a story ! -The characters were clear and bold -the acting was just wonderful -almost Shakespearean at times in its intensity -The photography and scenery - just stunning - As a person with an interest in history and legends - I found the story line quite remarkable and perhaps the best retelling of the Arthurian legends I have encountered. The author of the book had so obviously done her homework .The soundtrack alone was worth the cost of the DVD . The depiction of the ancient mother earth religion is most beautiful to behold , and has to be a highlight of the movie for me . A GREAT movie indeed !

At first, I thought that "The Mists of Avalon" would be just like every other tale told of Camalot, but I was blown away by the originality of this story. It is told by the woman who has always been viewed as the villan, Morgaine. It is mainly about the struggle that the followers of the mother goddess go through as Christianity spreads through Britain. It focuses more on the mystical ways of Avalon and less on Camalot, making it different from most stories. The performance of Anjelica Huston will blow you away. It is one of her best films yet. Contains a great cast and beautiful scenery. It's a must see, and would best be viewed without commercials to interrupt.