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First Knight (PG-13, 1995)

common sense media says

Hokey, star-studded take on King Arthur legend.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this retelling of the Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot love triangle has action, romance, and scads of bloody battle sequences, death, maiming, and other assorted medieval savagery. Still, its more quantity than "quality" -- expect lots of red swords and red-drenched clothing, but no gory displays of visible entrails, decapitations, or amputation.

Positive messages: Issues of justice and decency are at the forefront of characters' thoughts and actions throughout. Many instances in which characters must choose between self-interest and decency, betrayal or loyalty, personal happiness, and the greater good. Arthur's former knight, Malagant, has chosen a path of vengeance and disloyalty. Lancelot and Guinevere must also weigh their personal interests with their values, their country's interest, and their allegiance to their king. Even King Arthur eventually must weigh his need for revenge and personal satisfaction with the forgiveness and the needs of his people.
Violence: No outright gore, but oodles of old-fangled violence: vanquishment, thrashing, maiming, spearing, arson, and all the death and destruction than one army of ruthless warlords can do innocent villagers. Mostly, women and children are traumatized and orphaned and widowed -- not killed themselves. The wide assortment of medieval sling-shots, flaming bow and arrows, mallets, and other weapons are generally violent but not vividly awful.
Sex: Overtones of erotic suggestiveness and light bodice ripping, but most of the sexual energy hinges on desire and not consummation.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on First Knight

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the enduring legend of King Arthur. Was he a historic or mythical figure -- or perhaps a king whose life was embellished for literary purposes? Which version of his story do you like best? The one from books such as The Once and Future King? The movies like this one with flashy stars? The cartoons like The Sword in the Stone? Or even the comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Lancelot (Richard Gere) is first seen to be a sword-shark of sorts -- challenging contenders to duels and living as footloose rambler -- until he sets his gaze on the breathtaking Guinevere (Julia Ormond) who is to be wed to King Arthur (Sean Connery). After gallantly saving her from an ambush, Lancelot follows Guinevere to Camelot where he impresses Arthur with his skill and dexterity. Then Lancelot proves himself once again when he saves Guinevere after she's kidnapped by Arthur's nemesis Malagant. He is knighted by Arthur, only to be charged with treason shortly after when he catches his wife and Lancelot in a heavy lip-lock. This makes putting kingdom first more difficult for Arthur and Lancelot when Malagant's army storms the village and surrounds Arthur.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Sticklers for any semblance of historical accuracy will be exasperated by this Fantasy Island version of the Arthurian legend. Fans of credible acting will likewise be irked at the box-office minded casting and sub-par performances. FIRST KNIGHT appears to be a vanity project in which Sean Connery is striving for some regal gravitas and Gere is stretching his matinee idol wings by delving -- rather lamely -- into period drama. He's got half an English accent going, and even his scripted lines are utterly anachronistic. (To be fair, his Lancelot is aptly smug.) The age difference between Arthur and Guinevere -- and their lack of chemistry and apparent love -- dilutes the thorniness and anguish of Guinevere and Lancelot's betrayal.

But while the film offers nothing but cardboard characterizations and awful dialog, the action sequences rouse even the most cynical viewer. Gere's Lancelot is the Jackie Chan of medieval action figures, fighting an army of swordsmen single-handedly with dazzling dagger tricks and nonstop awesome wallopings. There's also a satisfying amount of horse chase scenes, waterfall leaping, and longing glances. But with the feast of cinematic alternatives in the genre of Camelot action flicks, why chose this corny afterthought?

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Jerry Zucker
Cast: Julia Ormond, Richard Gere, Sean Connery
Genre: Drama
Run time: 133 minutes
Theatrical release: July 7, 1995
DVD release: April 29, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: some brutal medieval battles
This review was written by Erika Milvy
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Tsion
parent of 15 year old
12
 
Not Bad, but Not Good Either...
FIRST KNIGHT isn't a bad movie, it's just disappointing. It puts out a decent effort, but it misses the mark. The love triangle of Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot is one of the most engrossing plots of literature, and this movie manages to pump most of the depth out of it in favor of some over-the-top battles. These battles are violent, but, outside of the occasional gore on the sword, aren't particularly graphic. There are some light sexual innuendos, but no actual sexual content. The film revolves around an adulterous admiration (I won't say affair, because they only kiss once), but all characters are brave and forgiving.
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