Excalibur is a 1981 British epic fantasy film directed by John Boorman and based on the Book of Merlin and book five, Sixth Book of the Noble Hystories of King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table by Sir Thomas Malory. The film stars Nigel Terry as King Arthur, Nicol Williamson as Merlin, Helen Mirren as Morgana Le Fay, and Nicholas Clay as Lancelot.
The film follows the life of King Arthur from his conception through to his death, with a focus on his relationship with the mystical sword, Excalibur. As a young boy, Arthur is sent to live with the wizard Merlin, who helps him pull the sword from the stone and become king. He then marries the beautiful Guinevere, but their happy union is threatened by the betrayal of Arthur's best friend, Lancelot.
The film is filled with surreal and dreamlike imagery, including scenes of knights riding through misty forests, battles in which the combatants are surrounded by swirling fog, and a powerful enchantress who emerges from a fiery pit. Boorman also emphasizes the spiritual and mystical elements of the Arthurian legend, with a strong emphasis on the idea of fate and the inevitability of death.
Excalibur received praise for its bold visuals and ambitious storytelling, as well as its stellar cast. It has since become a cult classic and is widely considered one of the best adaptations of the Arthurian legend.