I don’t really know what the purpose of this blog is. It’s
not a review blog. It’s not a writing or art blog (nono, I’m not good enough
for that) It’s just some commentary on various different things. You see it
leaves me open to do whatever. Like a catalogue of random thoughts.
So let me talk about King Arthur of Camelot. King Arthur was
the legendary British king during the 5th and 6th century.
Whether he actually existed or not is open to some debate, since records were
sparse or lost. Factually, there was
an unnamed king during that time in the history books who fought off the Saxon
invaders, that the mythical stories were based off, but the various tales and
legends were clearly romanticised (read
as: made up). Either way, the message and ideals of this King still hold true,
so it is no wonder there are so many stories of his legend and the one of Camelot.
Here we have a bad-ass King who kicks butt with his entourage
of awesome knights, takes guidance from a freaking WIZARD and saves Britain
with, Excalibur, which is what you would refer to as one bitchin’ sword.
So here is a list of my favorite and the most well-known modern
interpretations of the once-king of England, in no particular order:
Monty Python and the
Holy Grail
“Look, you stupid
Bastard. You've got no arms left.”
A very famous British comedy film by the by the comedy
sketch group, Monty Python.
The Story: King Arthur recruits the Knights of the Round
Table and are then instructed by God to find the Holy Grail
Why it’s good: It’s a famous, hilarious tale of the King
having mishaps on an adventure throughout Britain. He is shown as a brave and
capable fighter (The Black Knight, anyone?), as being smart and a good leader.
In the funniest way possible. This is the kind of story that WILL be quoted
until the end of time.
The Secret Weapon: The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, the
only weapon powerful enough to defeat the creature that has slain hundreds of
battle hardened warriors without mercy, the Rabbit of Caerbannog.
Bad Point: I got nothing.
Merlin
“I want to thank you all for staying with me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something my father wouldn't approve of.”
A British television show produced by the BBC that lasted 5
seasons.
The Story: We get to see the real drama and struggles of
becoming a king through a divided kingdom.
Why it’s good: Mostly the relationship between Arthur and
Merlin as neither of them can really accomplish their true goals without each
other and they are of a similar age, so it’s like seeing two opposites having
to put up with each other, royalty and a street urchin. Arthur stepping out of
his father’s shadow is a decent coming of age story for a spoiled prince, too.
The Secret Weapon: Merlin, duh.
Bad Point: Due to the format of a long television series,
his personality changes direction a few times.
Sword in the Stone
“You were really great, Merlin, but... but you could've been killed.”
Disney’s take in the
form of an animated feature.
The Story: Merlin takes a 12-year old Arthur under his wing
and trains him to be the king he is destined to become.
Why it’s good: Not only is it a great coming-of-age film,
but it’s a story based on a very young interpretation of Arthur, so seeing the
trials of this kid that is going to be the King of all of Britain really gives
you something to root for. Of course the sprinkling of Disney magic (And Merlin's) helps too.
The Secret Weapon: Magic!
Bad points: Because he is just a kid, we don’t really get to
see what he is made of.
Fate/Stay Night
"A man without fear cannot be wise."
Originally a Visual Novel developed by the Japanese game
company, Type Moon. This franchise is massively popular and has spouted anime,
manga, sequels and spin-offs.
The Story: King Arthur was actually a girl and he/she is
brought back into the modern day to fight a deathmatch with other mythological
heroes with the prize being the wish-granting Holy Grail.
Why It’s good: We get to see this blonde chick who is
actually King Arthur, fight like a super-powered superhero and really get into
her head as she believes she failed her country and needs to come back to life
to take it back. Also a great fish out of water story as the ancient king is
now in modern times and finds out history recorded her as a man.
The Secret Weapon: Originally clouded in an invisible wind
to protect her identity, Excalibur is classed as an anti-fortress weapon for
good reason: it can shoot a huge beam of light that can decimate armies.
Bad Point: >> Click me. <<
King Arthur
“Let every man, woman, child bear witness that from this day, all Britons will be united in one common cause.”
A “historical” action/drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua.
The Story: Arthur is a Roman officer instead of a medieval
knight and is sent on a suicide mission to save a future pope with the help of
the remnants of his round table.
Why it’s good: We really get to see the goodness woven into
Arthur’s character. Yes, he believes his faith protects him, but he also
believes that actions speak just as loudly as words and is willing to put his
life on the line for his men. Having an Arthur in a gritty realistic history setting was an interesting touch, too. Also, Merlin wasn’t a wizard, just a forest hobo and the sword in the
stone was just his father’s grave.
The Secret Weapon: Kiera Knightly (Aha, but no, there is no
magic weapon here, just woad raiders.)
Bad Point: He’s actually a Roman and not a Britain. And he
doesn’t seem very regal.
So the legend says that King Arthur will return when his
country needs him. Who do you want coming back to claim the throne? Either way,
he is the hero Britain deserves, just not the one it needs right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment