<body><![CDATA[Widely regarded as a potential Bond, Clive Owen has a crack at another legendary British hero in this Hollywood film, which relocates Arthur from the usual setting of medieval splendour to the Dark Ages after Roman rule in England fell away and tribal wars ensued. Despite this cinematic revisionism (and the grip of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, not known for his cultural sensitivity), most of the traditions survive: Merlin (Stephen Dillane) and the round table are present, and, though OwenΓÇÖs fans may not credit it, Guinevere (Keira Knightley) dallies with Lancelot (Ioan Gruffudd). This medium-budget movie is not expected to outgross Troy, but the fashion for mythological epics, combined with the filmΓÇÖs British cast, should help Arthur to make a more than respectable showing in his homeland.]]></body>
