First Knight

First knight is a 1995 medieval film based on Arthurian legend, directed by Jerry Zucker. It stars Richard Gere as Lancelot, Julia Ormond as Guinevere, Sean Connery as King Arthur, and Ben Cross as Malagant. The theme of the film is passion because of the love Lancelot feels for Guinevere, his Courage in the battle and the way he approaches the villain. This passion leads to betrayal, as well as the rogue Lancelot's romance with Lady Guinevere of Leonesse. Lady Guinevere is to marry King Arthur of Camelot, and all while the land is threatened by the renegade knight Malagant.

The film draws on the riskiness, adventure, and especially the substantial age difference between Arthur and Guinevere. The film's opening text establishes that King Arthur of Camelot, victorious from his wars, has dedicated his reign to promoting justice and peace, and now wishes to marry. 

Then, the film opens with Lancelot, a vagabond and skilled swordsman, dueling in small villages for money. I believe that Lancelot was the protagonist of the movie because he saved Guinevere many times and killed Malagant. Lancelot attributes his skill to his lack of concern whether he lives or dies. While Guinevere, the ruler of Lyonesse, decides to marry Arthur partly out of admiration and security against Malagant, and who is shown raiding villages. While traveling, Lancelot chances by Guinevere's carriage on the way to Camelot, and destroy Malagant's plan to kidnap her. Once again, Lancelot comes to the rescue.

Lancelot upon their first meet falls in love with Guinevere. Later, Lancelot arrives in Camelot and successfully navigates an obstacle course on the prospect of a kiss from Guinevere. However, he kisses her hand out of politeness. He also wins an audience with her husband-to-be, Arthur. Impressed by Lancelot's courage and struck by his recklessness and freewheeling, Arthur shows him the Round Table which symbolizes a life of service and brotherhood, and warns Lancelot, “a man who fears nothing is a man who loves nothing." That night, Malagant's guards arrive at Camelot and kidnap Guinevere. She is tied up and carried off to Malagant's keep. Lancelot poses as a messenger to Malagant only to escape with Guinevere and return her to Camelot and Arthur.

Once again, Lancelot tries to win her heart, but is unsuccessful. In gratitude, Arthur offers Lancelot a higher calling in life as a Knight of the Round Table. While Guinevere struggles with her feelings for him. Lancelot accepts and takes Malagant's place at the Table, saying he has found something to care about. Lancelot is a likable character because he has many challenges and he was loyal in his love for Guinevere. 

Arthur and Guinevere are subsequently wedded. However, a messenger from Leonesse arrives, with news that Malagant has invaded the kingdom. Arthur leads his troops to Leonesse and successfully defeats Malagant's forces. 
Lancelot wins the respect of the other Knights with his prowess in battle though. But, Lancelot still feels guilty about his feelings for the queen and loyalty to Arthur, and in private he told her that he will leave. She cannot bear the thought of him leaving and asks him for a kiss, which turns into a passionate embrace just in time for the king to interrupt. The two are then charged with treason.

The open trial in the great square was abruptly stopped by Malagant, he intend to burn Camelot and kill Arthur if he does not swear fealty. Arthur gives the order to fight, and Malagant's men shoot him with crossbows. A battle between Malagant's men and Camelot's soldiers and citizens then ensues. The details in these scenes revealed true to life images. 

 Lancelot and Malagant face off, and disarmed Lancelot seizes Arthur's fallen sword and kills Malagant. Camelot wins the day, but Arthur dies of his wounds. On his deathbed he asks Lancelot to, “take care of her for me" – referring to Guinevere. The film closes with a funeral raft carrying Arthur's body floating out to sea, which is then set aflame. The ending of the movie causes some turmoil within me. Though I am happy for Lancelot and Guinevere, the death of King Arthur causes mixed feelings for me.