User Reviews

A childhood favorite. It had all that was entertaining for me. Good villains, great heroes, astonishing visuals for its time and a story that is immersive and entertaining. Only much later I discovered it is based on a book from Sir Walter Scott. Because I did not read it I can give no evaluation if it is a faithful adaptation. The story is set after the third crusade. Richard the Lionheart has vanished on his way home while his brother John Lackland is ruining England. Sir Ivanhoe a loyal knight of Richard is searching for his king. This is the set up for the story. The story is entertaining from start to finish, Sadly I cant spoil why. They have a lot of familiar names played by great actors. The tournament and other battles are intense and immersive. However the character Wambas fate is a traumatizer. I rewatched the movie countless times always hoping for a different outcome as a child back then. The actors for their time are top notch. All fit their roles because I was invested in them. Also I clearly understood their motives which is today not a no brainer anymore (Bad writing is a big Hollywood problem around the time of this review). I love to hate the villains. Visually the movie impressed me back then but I don't thing it holds up. Then again I have seen bad CGI in more modern movies that is inferior to practical effects. Overall I give a 10/10 but also a nostalgia warning. Because it was a childhood favorite I am heavily influenced by it. Bonus knowledge: Richard the Lionheart is universally praised in movies, books and other media. However he had serious flaws. He was bankrupting England and that was not only by the ransom. He also committed things that would today be seen as crimes against humanity. I say not that he was an evil tyrant. I say his bad sides were overlooked / ignored like they did for many other historical figures.