Tickets $10/$9
Excalibur was filmed ENTIRELY in Ireland! Breathtaking cinematography.
On the BIG screen with 17-speaker surround sound!
Part of Shamrock Fest!
Excalibur (1981), directed by John Boorman, is a bold and visually striking retelling of the King Arthur legend, drawing loosely from Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. The film chronicles Arthur’s rise from pulling the sword from the stone to becoming king, his establishment of the Round Table at Camelot, the quest for the Holy Grail, and the tragic downfall caused by betrayal, love, and fate. Featuring a stellar cast including Nigel Terry as Arthur, Nicol Williamson as the enigmatic Merlin, Helen Mirren as the scheming Morgana, and early roles for Patrick Stewart and Liam Neeson, the movie blends epic fantasy with dark, violent medieval realism. Its lush cinematography, ornate armor, misty forests, and stylized magic—often conveyed through dramatic lighting, music, and practical effects rather than flashy visuals—create an operatic, almost dreamlike atmosphere that captures the mythic grandeur of the Arthurian world.
Critics have long had mixed but passionate reactions to Excalibur, with many praising its ambition and aesthetic power while noting its flaws. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 73% Tomatometer score based on reviews, with the consensus calling it “visually remarkable” and highlighting strong performances from its British cast. Roger Ebert described it as a “wondrous vision” that was also “a mess,” admiring Boorman’s staging of the Dark Ages but finding it haunting yet chaotic. Over time, it has gained cult classic status for its uncynical intensity, over-the-top acting, and influence on later fantasy films, with fans and modern retrospectives often hailing it as one of the most memorable and visually stunning Arthurian adaptations ever produced.