Movie Watch Diary #6: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – A Fun, Flawed Mythic Adventure

Welcome back to my Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies! For my sixth entry, I decided to lighten things up with King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), directed by Guy Ritchie. After catching a scene that piqued my interest, I dove into this reimagined take on the Arthurian legend. It’s a wild mix of action, humor, and mythic flair that starts shaky but wins you over with its energy. I’m giving it a 6/10—a pleasant watch worth checking out at least once. Let’s break it down, and as always, I need your movie picks for my next diary!

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) - A Rocky Start with Familiar Vibes

The opening scenes of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword threw me for a loop. A mage attacking a kingdom with massive, war-tower-wielding elephants felt straight out of The Lord of the Rings, complete with a fiery tower that screamed Sauron’s Eye. Then, a young Arthur is set adrift in a boat and rescued by women from a brothel, echoing the Moses story. These early moments felt derivative, like a mashup of epic fantasies and biblical tales. Honestly, the script here would’ve scored a 4 or 5/10 from me—too reliant on familiar tropes. But hang in there, because the movie finds its footing and delivers some serious fun.

The Plot and Story

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword reimagines the classic Arthurian tale with a gritty, modern twist. After his father, King Uther Pendragon (Eric Bana), is betrayed and killed by his brother Vortigern (Jude Law), young Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) is sent down a river to safety, raised in a brothel in Londinium, unaware of his royal blood. As an adult, Arthur’s a street-smart hustler until he pulls the legendary sword Excalibur from a stone, revealing his destiny. Hunted by Vortigern’s forces, he joins a ragtag resistance—including a mage (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey), Sir Bedivere (Djimon Hounsou), and other allies—to reclaim his throne. The story blends high-stakes action, magical elements, and Ritchie’s signature fast-paced style, with a focus on Arthur’s journey from rogue to reluctant king.

Action and Humor That Hook You

Once the movie shakes off its cliché start, it leans into what Guy Ritchie does best: stylish action and cheeky humor. The fight scenes are a blast—kinetic, gritty, and packed with creative choreography. One standout is the planning of an assassination attempt on Vortigern, a sequence that’s cleverly written, sharply edited, and thrillingly shot. It’s my favorite part, blending tension and wit in a way that had me glued to the screen. The dialogue also sprinkles in some genuinely funny moments, with Hunnam’s Arthur delivering snappy one-liners that lighten the mood. These elements elevate the film, making it a fun ride despite its rocky opening.

A Fresh Yet Flawed Take on a Legend

The movie’s strength lies in its unique spin on the Arthurian myth. Ritchie trades medieval pomp for a streetwise, almost gangster-like vibe, with Arthur as a cocky underdog wielding Excalibur’s magic. The sword itself is a highlight, its power visualized in dazzling, almost superhero-like bursts. However, the film isn’t immune to criticism. Hollywood loves rehashing myths—Greek, Norse, or Arthurian—and while King Arthur tries to stand out, it borrows heavily from other epics. The LOTR-esque opening and Moses-like origin story feel like clichés that dilute its originality. Still, the action and humor keep it engaging, even if it doesn’t fully escape the shadow of its influences.

A Pleasant Watch Worth Your Time

Overall, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a solid, if flawed, adventure. It’s not a groundbreaking take on the myth, but its high-energy action, funny dialogue, and bold visuals make it a fun escape. The assassination planning scene alone is worth the price of admission. I give it a 6/10—a good one-time watch, especially if you love action-packed spins on classic tales. It’s a lighter shift from my recent heavy hitters, and I enjoyed it for what it is.

What did you think of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword? Did the action hook you, or did the clichés hold it back? Share your thoughts below! Also, I’m on the hunt for my next Movie Watch Diary pick. Got a movie you think I should check out? Drop your suggestion in the comments, and it might star in my next post on Bookimov: Books & Movies. See you next time!

See also: Movie Watch Diary #5: Oppenheimer – A Chilling Warning Wrapped in a Cinematic Masterpiece