Merlin (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Soundtrack	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	great for everyone, good family entertainment
Disadvantages:	It can be on a long time, lucky its in two parts

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

"Before Excalibur, before the knight of the Round Table, before Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot and Galahad, there was a sorcerer shrouded in the mists of Avalon...and this is his tale." (taken from the DVD)

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The plot
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As the title suggests the two part film/drama is about Merlin's life, original broadcast on Channel 4 (around Christmas time 1998). A magical tale of myth and magic of old ways (pagans) and of new ways (Christians). A tale of enchantment, a world of Faeries, Griffins, Gnomes, dragons and other fantastical beasts. There are epic battles between good and evil, good kings and bad kings. An evil sorceress trying to save the old ways, Merlin trying to stop her and find a moral good king to take the throne to bring peace and harmony to the world. Filled with powerful love stories to make a grown man weep.

- Part one -

The film starts with the creation of Merlin (the star) by Queen Mab, the twisted evil Queen of the old ways and sister to the lady of the lake. You see his childhood, his first encounter with his true love (Aww, sweet!), the beautiful Nimue. Unfortunately, Merlin must leave his adopted mother Ambrosia (a lovely old lady) and heads towards Queen Mab's kingdom to train in the art of magic. His teacher is, Frick, a clumsy Gnome footman to Queen Mab. Merlin eventually abandons Queen Mab (Yay!), who is furious. In her anger, she allows Merlin to be captured by Lord Vortigern. Poor Nimue is tied to a stake and is attacked by an impressive looking Dragon. After this tragedy, Nimue is sent to an island, Avalon, to recover from her burns (by nuns). Merlin decides to join the opposition Utha Pentdragon (Arthur's father). Armed with Excalibur (swish!), Merlin defeats Lord Vortigern and Utha is crowned King (Fanfare!). Utha is tricked, by Queen Mab, into falling in love with somebody else's wife (naughty, naughty) and persuade Merlin to cast a spell to take the Lady and a son is born (Arthur). Merlin only agrees if he can take care of the son.

- Part two -

Now enters Arthur (our hero), only a boy yet. Merlin teaches him honour, justice and the idea of peace. Arthur quickly grow up to a strong willed (and quite cute) young man. This is when discovers his true destiny as King, pulls the sword from the stone, builds Camelot, establishes the knight of the round table, Lancelot and Guinevere betrayal (the story we all know). Meanwhile, Queen Mab is plotting to ruin Merlin's ideal dream of peace (Boo, Hiss!). She sends Morgan, Arthur's step-sister, to seduce Arthur and a son is born, Mordred. With Queen Mab's influence he soon grows up to be a real rotter (another boo hiss!). To make matters worse she imprisons Merlin's love Nimue. Huge battle between Mordred and Arthur, who will triumph? Will Merlin see is beloved Nimue again?

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DVD info
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Rating: PG
Run time: Approx 174 mins
Subtitles: none. (not suitable for deaf people)
Scene Selection: Yes, Part one has 19, Part two has 17 (all scene selections are shown on the inside cover of the DVD.)
Date released:1998

* Extras *

Production Note: An interesting (22 page) read on the decision made about the writing and casting of the parts.
Cast and crew: Information about the film history and background of the six main actors in the film, Sam Neill, Helena Bonham Carter, Isabella Rosellini, Martin short, Miranda Richardson and Rutger Hauer. Very useful if you want to find out more information.

-Special features-

* The Magical Making of Merlin (Run time:18 mins): *

Just a great as watching the film. I do like learning how a film is created. Who better to give an insight to the film than the cast and directors. There are some magical locations, and breathtaking special effects in the film. It is always great to know how they managed to bring all aspects together. Most interesting is learning that Sam Neill studied "Merlin" as a student in New Zealand. Impressive sets, include building a castle at Pinewood studios. Showing how different cameras are used to create different effects. Employing the help of Jim Henson Studios to create robotic creatures, essential to the magical essence of the film. Also proves the point "never work with children".

* The Magical Making of Merlin- scene index: *

This is split up into four parts: The magic begins, The production, The cast, The myth.

* The legend of Merlin: *

An interesting (10 page read) into the myth of Merlin. Searching for the existence of King Arthur in history. In 6th century Britain was a King Arthur who had an advisor, a possible Merlin. Many scholars believing Merlin to have been a Druid priest. I found this section very interesting as I am a huge fan of Myths and legends.

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The actors
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"Spell bounding performances from an all-star international cast" (taken from the DVD)

Merlin (Sam Neill)
Queen Mab/Lady if the lake (Miranda Richardson)
Frick (Martin short)
Nimue (Isabella Rossellini)
Lord Vortigern (Rutger Hauter)
Morgan (Helen Bonham Carter)

The acting is fantastic throughout the whole film. Miranda Richardson is wickedly superb as both Queen Mab and the lady of the lake. She plays Queen Mab with a twisted sense of evil. Cruel, wicked and heartless. Her voice can only be described as a raspy whisper and sounds very ancient. Where as The Lady of the lake is a more gentle approach, a watery-like voice with an almost distant echo, a real sense of floating away with the tide. Martin short's character Frick adds a bit of light hearted humour to contradict Mab's dark heartless soul. His role included six different forms and used a variety of different English accents for each part. Sam Neill is very convincing at portraying Merlin as an intellectual, having inner strength and inner calm. He also has a great storytelling voice (read me a story Jackanory). Helen Bonham Carter steals the show with her child-like performance as Morgan, Arthur's step sister. Her innocence and speech impediment make you like her even though she is one of the "bad guys".

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My opinion
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I first saw this two part film/drama at Christmas, and I just loved it. Not surprising considering most of my favourite film are of the myth and magic variety (Labyrinth, Willow, Dark crystal, Stardust, just to name a few). If you like any of them, then you should like Merlin. I bought the DVD as soon as seen it. Imagine my horror when a couple of months later, The Mail gave away this epic film free in the paper. I still bought it though, just in case my other gets damaged, also got a copy for my friend who equally likes these type of films.

This film has something for everyone of all ages (since its rated PG). Epic battles for those blood thirsty type of people. Plenty of action throughout the whole story. Romantic underlying plot between Merlin and Nimue, Arthur and Guinevere, Lancelot and Guinevere, Morgan and Frick. Excellent special effect, really help the film to stand out. Magical adventures with breath taking array of mythical creatures. An intriguing take on the classic story we all know. There are some very moving pieces of music throughout the film, almost bring a tear to your eyes.