This film deserves recognition for what it is : a good interpretation of part of a legend, with an excellent casting.
Who else but Sean Connery as an ageing and dignified King Arthur ?
Julia Ormond is a convincing and stunning princess with her graceful, touching beauty; her looks are also refreshing and different from all the ever-present boring blondes who get a part in anything because of their hair colour.
As for Richard Gere he is as handsome, charming and fearless as Camelot would be.
This film is not for historians or purists nor does it claim to have a documentary value. It has a sense of magic and the pace is well alternated between romance and action. The emotion and intensity are present thanks to the actors and the music, appropriate to all the scenes in the movie. That is what matters.
Who cares about details such as a castle looking a bit dodgy, blue clothes (we have seen much worse and tackier in cinema history) or the odd line or fact. Never mind that. Just relax and escape : it is only entertainment at the end of the day, not a time for History or Legend Reconstruction. You are better off going to a course or reading a book, do not rely on films to educate you all the time.
Why comparing films ? Let's just say there are different approaches to a subject, that is what makes the interest. Enjoy !
