There was a special deal at the local cinema, the film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was premiering a day early before the official release date. So taking advantage of this deal, I decided to watch the movie. My initial response from watching the trailers was a sense of fantasy on drugs with a pessimistic viewpoint against heroism or the ideal of True Chivalry. However, I was in a for startling surprise.
The film chronicles the rise of Arthur from poverty to the ranks of Kingship (no spoilers). Yet this has been marked by his removing the sword from the stone. However, instead of the traditional story line as laid out in "The Once and Future King" or "Le Morte d'Arthur" this film takes a different twist. Our hero was raised by women in a brothel and yet acts with moral judgement and with a down to earth attitude.
With this in mind, did this film show any trace or hint of True Chivalry? Yes and No. Let me explain why.
True Chivalry is marked by these characteristics: Prowess, Franchise, Loyalty, Courage and Courtliness. Prowess is another word for martial ability. Franchise is a Medieval French word that is used to describe practicing what you preach, living up to your own standards, embodying
your own ideals as best you can, presenting yourself with integrity
and dignity, and maintaining grace (genuineness). Loyalty in the context of being loyal to one's Lord or King. Courage or valor in the tournament, barrier or battlefield. Courtliness is the highest mannerisms and ethics in the Court (relating to non warriors).
With the definition or context given. Now the answer can be seen. The film did feature prowess, loyalty and courage in several scenes whereas there was a lack of courtliness. Franchise was seen more by Arthur and the rebels to a small degree but not enough.
What the film did not show was the concept of Inner Nobility which is this: the importance of
upholding one's convictions and maintaining a sense of honor and dignity
at all times, especially when no one else is watching. The reason why I say this is because Arthur comes off as reluctant at the beginning only to realize his calling later on and accepts it. While the end of the film does seem to to hint at this being realized, however by no mentioning of it or reference it leaves much to be desired.
Overall, I deemed this film to be entertaining and worth a watch. However, one must know what True Chivalry is so as to know what is real and what is false. The lesson to take from this film is this: No matter where an individual originates from, but rather where that individual will go is what will determine the future of that person. In addition, one can never outrun the past, it is wise to embrace the calling placed before you and make the best of everything. Inner Nobility is best seen in action rather than in empty words, the hero is not one who reluctantly walks away from the calling, rather is the warrior who accepts what is in front of him and makes the best of himself.
Know what the ideal is, and you will find in anything cinematic, but take everything with a grain of salt.
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