First Knight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Sean Connery is old, Richard Gere is… also there, and they both fall for the same woman while fighting a dude in leather armor who really hates round tables.

🍿 First Knight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Characters and Conflict

The film opens with Lancelot, a wandering swordsman known for his fighting skills and lack of fear. He encounters Guinevere, the ruler of Leonesse, who is on her way to Camelot to marry King Arthur. Guinevere hopes to secure protection for her land from the violent Prince Malagant, a former knight of the Round Table, who seeks to overthrow Arthur. Lancelot saves Guinevere from an ambush orchestrated by Malagant, sparking a connection between them.

Arrival in Camelot and the Round Table

Guinevere arrives safely in Camelot and is welcomed by Arthur. Lancelot, drawn to Guinevere and impressed by Arthur’s ideals, seeks entry into Camelot. He proves his skills and courage, leading Arthur to offer him a place at the Round Table, symbolizing a life of service and brotherhood. The other knights are wary of Lancelot, but Arthur believes in him, and Lancelot accepts the offer.

Rising Tensions and Malagant’s Threat

Malagant continues his attacks, aiming to destabilize Arthur’s kingdom and seize power. Lancelot struggles with his growing feelings for Guinevere while trying to remain loyal to Arthur. Guinevere is torn between her duty to Arthur and her attraction to Lancelot. Malagant’s forces kidnap Guinevere, but Lancelot rescues her, further intensifying their bond and his internal conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arthur (Sean Connery): The noble and aging King of Camelot seeks to establish peace and justice while grappling with love and betrayal.
• Lancelot (Richard Gere): A skilled swordsman and wanderer who falls in love with Guinevere, challenging his loyalty and Arthur’s reign.
• Guinevere (Julia Ormond): The independent and compassionate Lady of Leonesse, torn between her duty to Arthur and her love for Lancelot.
• Malagant (Ben Cross): A ruthless and power-hungry former Knight of the Round Table who seeks to overthrow Arthur and seize Camelot.
• Sir Agravaine (Liam Cunningham): One of the Knights of the Round Table that supports King Arthur.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• King Arthur: “May God grant us the wisdom to discover right, the will to choose it, and the strength to make it endure.” – Arthur states his belief in the power of wisdom, will and strength at the Round Table.
• King Arthur: “A man who fears nothing is a man who loves nothing.” – Arthur says this to Lancelot in an attempt to make him understand that a life without fear can be a life without purpose.
• Lancelot: “I have lived with nothing, and I prefer it.” – Lancelot explains his solitary life of sword fighting for money.
• Guinevere: “My heart is what is mine to give.” – Guinevere tells Lancelot that she will marry Arthur.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $37,600,435
• Worldwide Gross: $127,600,435

💥 First Knight Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ‘First Knight’ as a kid and being swept away by the sword fights and the grandeur of Camelot! Sean Connery *was* King Arthur to me. Looking back, the love triangle is a little cheesy, and Richard Gere doesn’t quite fit, but the action scenes still hold up. When Arthur dies, I felt a surge of emotion. It was very memorable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Arthurian legends”
  • “Those who enjoy action and romance movies”
  • “Viewers interested in medieval settings”
  • “Fans of Sean Connery, Richard Gere, and Julia Ormond”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Battle violence”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Themes of betrayal”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While it boasts impressive visuals and a strong cast, ‘First Knight’ ultimately falls short of its epic potential due to a predictable storyline and lack of genuine emotional depth. Connery shines, but the romantic subplot feels forced.
• The Washington Post: “First Knight’ is more about action than Arthurian legend. Connery lends gravitas, but Gere seems miscast, and the love triangle never ignites. The film’s visuals are striking, but it lacks the magic and mythic resonance of other adaptations.
• RogerEbert.com: “A disappointing take on the Arthurian legend. The film sacrifices character development for spectacle, resulting in a hollow experience. The battles are well-staged, but the romantic core feels unconvincing, leaving the audience emotionally detached.

Audience Reactions

Sean Connery’s portrayal of King Arthur was commanding and noble.: Many viewers appreciated Sean Connery’s strong presence and dignified performance as King Arthur.

The sword fights were exciting and well-choreographed.: A lot of people liked the action sequences and found them exciting.

Overall Consensus: While visually impressive and featuring a strong performance from Sean Connery, ‘First Knight’ is considered a flawed adaptation of Arthurian legend, hampered by a weak script and miscasting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Unlike many previous Arthurian films that draw on Sir Thomas Malory’s ‘Le Morte d’Arthur’, this film draws from the romances written by French poet Chrétien de Troyes, who invented the character of Lancelot.”
• “During filming, Richard Gere had to learn to ride a horse, as he had no prior experience.”
• “The film’s portrayal of Camelot as a more democratic and less mystical society was a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to differentiate it from other Arthurian adaptations.”
• “Many of the extras used in the battle scenes were members of historical reenactment societies, adding a level of authenticity to the combat.”

🖥️ How to Watch First Knight?

First Knight is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules, as it occasionally airs on cable networks. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major subscription streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed First Knight, you might like these similar films:

• Excalibur (1981): This is a darker, more mystical and visually stunning take on the Arthurian legend.
• Braveheart (1995): A sweeping historical epic with battles, romance, and themes of freedom and loyalty, released in the same year.
• King Arthur (2004): A more modern and gritty take on the Arthurian legend focusing on historical realism and action.
• Tristan & Isolde (2006): Another tragic medieval romance centered on forbidden love and the clash of loyalties.

🛒 First Knight Related Products

• King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (4K UHD): Experience another thrilling take on the Arthurian legend in stunning 4K UHD, with immersive action and visual effects.
• Funko Pop! Movies: King Arthur – Arthur: Add the legendary King Arthur to your Funko Pop! collection! This detailed vinyl figure captures the essence of the iconic character.
• Medieval Knight Costume for Adults: Transform into a valiant knight with this detailed costume, perfect for cosplay, Halloween, or themed parties. Includes tunic, chainmail-look shirt, and accessories.
• Camelot Board Game: Engage in strategic quests and battles in this immersive board game set in the world of Camelot. Work together to defend the kingdom or betray your fellow knights!

🎧 Soundtrack

First Knight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Opening Titles” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “The Challenge” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “Guinevere” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

It’s the unavoidable urge to somehow die defending your honor… Movie – First Knight

Ever wonder what drives a knight? This short clip perfectly encapsulates the unwavering sense of honor and duty in ‘First Knight.’ Honestly, it’s pretty intense!

Guinevere is Ambushed and Lancelot Saves the Day | First Knight (1995) | Now Playing

Need a thrilling scene? Watch Lancelot save the day when Guinevere is ambushed! It’s a cool action sequence that shows why Lancelot is such a badass.

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