Merlin (miniseries)

A 3 hour made-for-television movie released in 1998, Merlin retells the famous legend of King Arthur from the perspective of the wizard Merlin. Sam Neill stars in the title role in a story that covers not only the rise and fall of Camelot but also the phase, supposedly in the history of the British Isles, that had preceded it. According to this version of the famous Arthurian tale, the power of the pagan sorceress Mab, played by Miranda Richardson, is waning due to the coming of Christianity to Britain, and she creates Merlin in hope of keeping the "Old Ways" alive. Merlin, however, accepts the imminent demise of pagan magic and superstitution and focuses instead on trying to bring peace and order to the land by counselling promising warlords such as Uther Pendragon and Arthur. Mab frustrates Merlin's efforts by weakening the hearts of those very persons whom the benevolent wizard wishes to help.

Produced by Dyson Lovell and directed by Steve Barron.

Story by Edward Khmara. Teleplay by David Stevens and Peter Barnes.

The stellar cast includes John Gielgud, Rutger Hauer, Helena Honham Carter, Isabella Rossellini and Martin Short.

Although the costumes used in this movie look more realistic than those found in John Boorman's Excalibur, there are also sprites, a dragon and a talking mountain (voiced by James Earl Jones) that give the film a very magical quality.