Les brumes d'Avalon

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

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.

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.

Fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's book may wish to carry a barf bag for this one. I realize that time constraints will not allow for the detail that made Bradley's novel so striking. This does not, however, excuse changes that contradict the book. Important details are overlooked, though readers might be able to notice key lines and fill in the background. Overall, this was a very poor adaptation of the book with lackluster characterizations.

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 !