"A reputation is like glass, once cracked it can never be replaced."
Yeah it's a made for TV movie. Yeah the special effects are a little less than spectacular, but does that really matter? Merlin is one fantastic adaptation of the epic Arthurian Legend. Steve Barron(Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) brings us the tale of Merlin, from his creation by the evil Queen Mab to his meetings with King Arthur, and on to his later years of obscurity. I first saw this movie on a vacation to Costa Rica. Me and 3 friends of mine were leaving a little restaurant, when we saw a little dollar bin filled with vhs tapes. We got quite a few, since they had some classics and Merlin happened to be one of them. We watched this like at least once a day while we were down there.
The movie starts out with Queen Mab(Miranda Richardson), frustrated at the evolution of mankind, and wishing things were back to the Old Ways, when magic ruled the world, not mans inventions. She decides to create a half human that will lead the world back to the ways of old. Though Merlin has a mother, Elissa(Emma Lewis), who dies after his birth, Merlin has no father. Born of magic and filled with it, Merlin is raised by an old woman named Ambrosia(Billie Whitelaw). Mab allows Merlin to be raised by the old woman, though promising she would return one day to reclaim her "child".
Daniel Brocklebank plays a young Merlin. He has no knowledge of his powers or his true heritage, but learns of his power one day when he uses it to save a nobleman's daughter, Nimue(Played as an adult by Isabella Rossellini). Mab becomes aware that Merlin is coming into his own, and returns to take him from Ambrosia so he can be trained in the magical arts. Merlin leaves unwillingly, promising to return to Ambrosia soon.
Merlin returns with Mab and her gnome Frik(Martin Short) to her underground refuge. There Merlin is taught magic from Frik, but finds he doesn't really like magic. He flees Mab's stronghold, returning to Ambrosia, only to find her dead and Mab at the scene. Merlin blames Mab and swears, once he gains enough power, he will use them only to destroy Mab.
Years go by and we find Merlin, all grown up and working as a wise man and adviser for King Uther(Mark Jax). Uther strives for peace in his kingdom and seeks Merlin's help to obtain it. Merlin visits The Lady of the Lake(also Miranda Richardson) a powerful sorceress and Mab's sister. The Lady of the Lake gives Merlin the sword Excalibur, which will help him lead Uther to victory. Merlin uses the sword to help Uther obtain peace. However, after victory when all is calm, Mab manipulates Uther, causing him to lust for Igraine, a nobleman's wife. Uther commits adultery, subsequently giving birth to a son, Arthur. Merlin adopts Arthur as his protege, not teaching him the ways of magic, but the ways to become a just and noble king and a good man. Arthur(Paul Curran) grows to be a great and fair king, but of course, Mab has her ways and seeks out to disrupt all of Merlin's well laid plans.
This is not a movie filed with great cinematography and groundbreaking performances, though Sam Neill fucking rules. This is a movie meant to entertain and provide an escape from your everyday life. It's a wonderful telling of a timeless tale and can provide some great entertainment on a bedridden or rainy day. If you're into fantasies and like fun movies, I'd recommend picking up a copy, whether at the video store, or the dollar bin at a little taco stand in Costa Rica. You won't be disappointed.
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