I guess all countries have a few strange traditions and this film is connected to one of ours in Sweden. Every New Year´s Day the last twenty years public service television have showned this movie in the afternoon, the perfect time for dragging yourself up, buying a pizza and maybe forget your extreme hangover for a while. Everyone knows the film inside out but are still watching it year after year; fills in on every funny line (like when de Boeuf shouts "Striiip him!"), laughs once again over great characters like Athelstone and Tuck and gets annoyed over how Ivanhoe can choose the boring Lady Rowena before foxy Olivia Hussey. I can´t really say anymore if it´s a good movie or not but I guess it´s perfect for a day after...
42 Reviews
New and above average adaptation derived from Sir Walter Scott classic novel
ma-cortes24 May 2011
Remake of the 1953 classic movie directed by Richard Thorpe with Robert Taylor , George Sanders , Joan Fontaine and Elizabeth Taylor . Good family fare with romance and great action scenes . TV film which proved to be notable success in this lively rendition about chivalry and knighthood in 1194 England. Knights battle each other and woo maidens on this chivalrous epic romance .This splendid version of Sir Walter Scott's classic epic tale starts in 12th century, when Saxon Knight Wilfrid of Ivanhoe (Anthony Andrews , in the classic version Robert Taylor), a suitable noble wielding a shield titled Desdichado, having fought for Richard the Lionhearted( Julian Glover) during the Crusades, goes back to England . Meanwhile the King Richard has been taken prisoner and asks help : 'To the people of England . I am here held captive by Leopold of Austria. My brother, prince John has knowledge of it, yet he has denied my ransom. One hundred and fifty thousand marks of silver. I fear he does conspire with certain Norman knights to seize my throne. People of England, speed my deliverance. Your kingdom is at stake'. In order to regain his freedom , Ivanhoe confronts Prince John (Ronald Pickup in the role of Guy Rolfe) and his lieutenants (in this case Sam Neill , John Rhys-Davies , Stuart Wilson) and he's also drawn to Jewish healer Rebecca (Olivia Hussey in the Elizabeth Taylor's character ), daughter of Isaac of York (James Mason in the role Felix Aylmer). Meantime , Ivanhoe woo maidens, as his childhood sweetheart , Saxon heiress Rowena (Lysette Anthony in the Joan Fontaine's role). Prince John, now John Lackland will stop at nothing to assume the throne , while waiting for King Richard to return from the Cruisades . Ivanhoe join forces with Robin Hood and his Merry man who attack the stronghold.
Sir Walter Scott's story of romance and chivalry in Medieval England is faithfully brought to life in this superb Telefilm in which Anthony Edwards stars as Ivanhoe who fights the evil Prince John and his hoodlums in an attempt to restore Richard Lion Heart -the Black Night- to the throne. This enjoyable film displays romance, chivalry, knighthood, daring jousting and lots of action with spectacular castle attack . The jousting , tournaments and other action sequences with a plethora of sword-fights involving maces, axes and chains are magnificently handled . The authentic battle images are among the most spectacular ever shot for television , as the siege of Torquillstone castle is a truly exciting sequence and the ending duel between the dastardly Bois-Guilbert excellently played by Sam Neill and Ivanhoe is impressive . This one proved notable hit as well as the original version . But this is more than just the habitual British TV spectacle , as the novel's issue of anti-semitism is deal with honestly in the person of Rebecca and Isaac Of Yok , very well played by Olivia Hussey and James Mason respectively, who are discriminated against , while unfortunate Rebecca is put on trial and condemned as witch to burning pole ; being suddenly saved by Ivanhoe . The film packs a glamorous and luminous cinematography by John Coquillon and evocative musical score by Ferguson. The picture is excellently handled by Douglas Camfield.
The film is partially based on true events. Although Ivanhoe didn't exist, John Lackland was king of England from 1199 to 1216. Few monarchs have been subject to such appalling publicity as John, Although by no means lovable, he was an able administrator and spent more time in England than his predecessor and elder brother Richard I but he was jailed by Leopold of Austria, returning from Crusades. Besides appears Robin Hood, also known Robin O'Locksley and the Earl of Huntingdom, is probably and sadly a creation of romantic imaginations. If Robin Hood did exist, it's almost certain that he was not a Saxon , though his enemies may well have been the Norman sheriff of Nottinghan and Prince and later king John Lackland.
Sir Walter Scott's story of romance and chivalry in Medieval England is faithfully brought to life in this superb Telefilm in which Anthony Edwards stars as Ivanhoe who fights the evil Prince John and his hoodlums in an attempt to restore Richard Lion Heart -the Black Night- to the throne. This enjoyable film displays romance, chivalry, knighthood, daring jousting and lots of action with spectacular castle attack . The jousting , tournaments and other action sequences with a plethora of sword-fights involving maces, axes and chains are magnificently handled . The authentic battle images are among the most spectacular ever shot for television , as the siege of Torquillstone castle is a truly exciting sequence and the ending duel between the dastardly Bois-Guilbert excellently played by Sam Neill and Ivanhoe is impressive . This one proved notable hit as well as the original version . But this is more than just the habitual British TV spectacle , as the novel's issue of anti-semitism is deal with honestly in the person of Rebecca and Isaac Of Yok , very well played by Olivia Hussey and James Mason respectively, who are discriminated against , while unfortunate Rebecca is put on trial and condemned as witch to burning pole ; being suddenly saved by Ivanhoe . The film packs a glamorous and luminous cinematography by John Coquillon and evocative musical score by Ferguson. The picture is excellently handled by Douglas Camfield.
The film is partially based on true events. Although Ivanhoe didn't exist, John Lackland was king of England from 1199 to 1216. Few monarchs have been subject to such appalling publicity as John, Although by no means lovable, he was an able administrator and spent more time in England than his predecessor and elder brother Richard I but he was jailed by Leopold of Austria, returning from Crusades. Besides appears Robin Hood, also known Robin O'Locksley and the Earl of Huntingdom, is probably and sadly a creation of romantic imaginations. If Robin Hood did exist, it's almost certain that he was not a Saxon , though his enemies may well have been the Norman sheriff of Nottinghan and Prince and later king John Lackland.
Glory to the Brave! Glory to Chivalrous Spirit!
marcin_kukuczka25 January 2009
Courage, revenge, love, combat, victory, honor, defense, reconciliation...those ideals deeply hidden within the human spirit have long been considered precious targets of human life. Not only poetry and literature but also epic movies attempted to promote the virtues and depict humanity in the spirit of reason and heart. The question was: historical time. In this respect, there was, perhaps, no better period in history than the 1,000 year-long Middle Ages, both controversial and spiritual with a flair for darkness and exceptional enlightenment. Among many other epic movies that depict the period is IVANHOE based on Sir Walter Scott's novel being at the same time a remake of the 1952 classic Hollywood production.
Keeping in mind that remakes usually face high expectations in case of their classic "predecessors", I watched this movie without much referring to the older version and that is how I intend to comment on it underneath.
Let me say at the beginning that IVANHOE by Douglas Camfield is a very good movie at multiple levels. It makes a perfect use of historical material supplying us with a clear and pretty accurate insight into Medieval England, and, more specifically, its late 12th century situation with savage conflicts, difficult political situation, Anglo-Saxons vs Normans relations, prejudice as well as those visual aspects like costumes, feasts and baths. In this respect, the movie may constitute for a viewer a wonderful journey into those distant times and bring out some pearls out of prefabricated negative opinions about the Middle Ages. There was, indeed, something good about the period, too. The aspect of interest highlighted in this case appears to be Ashbey sequence where the savage combines with the glamorous or the deep psychology and morals of characters expressed in many scenes throughout. Here, it seems necessary to mention Lady Rowena (Lysette Anthony) and Rebecca (Olivia Hussey), two women of different backgrounds who face similar emotions.
Besides, IVANHOE can boast very good cinematography, wonderful shots, stunning locations. Consider, for instance, the subtle images at the scene when Ivanhoe visits Lady Rowena at her castle with Wamba (George Innes). The extraordinary locations and interesting shots make the film not only a historical work but also a rousing adventure. Moreover, to these artistic features, I would add a very accurate sense of humor (consider the scene of a bath or Wamba's Pax Vobiscum) and subtle musical score. The tunes are filled with the spirit of chivalry and the spirit of romance which, alone, can resemble the very essence of the story. But, the core of art is acting.
The movie known for a number of famous and talented cast could be falsely assessed as a vehicle. Yet, it does not have to be a "promotion" for anybody. To the contrary, it is a film that proves the importance of talent first and foremost. All the cast take great pains to give something truly great of themselves. Anthony Andrews is a perfect Ivanhoe as described by Sir Scott and as imagined by modern viewers. He clearly portrays a character of courage, nobility and gentleness. Sam Neill and John Rhys Davies appear to give powerful performances as "Norman dogs" people not so much afraid for the good but rather absorbed by savage brutality. James Mason does a fine job as calm, good Jew, Isaac of York, whose destiny appears to have brought more wounds than cure. The female roles are brilliant. Here, however, I would not praise that much Lysette Anthony: I admit she is beautiful, she gives a memorable performance. Yet, the absolute top notch is Olivia Hussey, the famous heroine at Zeffirelli's appears here as a gentle, subtle, beautiful Jewess whose "individually formed spirituality" conquers "externally organized morality" of many "pious men of God." She gives a brilliant performance as a flower of peace fearfully surrounded by the thorn of war and the light of tolerance surrounded by the darkness of prejudice. Absolutely great role! Consider, among many, the scenes depicting the trial.
In the end, if you see this IVANHOE, do not compare it with the older version. These are two different films focusing on different aspects. If someone insists on me to say which one is better, I'd rather say both are good films. Thorpe's IVANHOE is a typical epic of the classic Hollywood era while Camfield's IVANHOE stands out on its own as a movie filled with remarkable psychology and adventure. Great tribute to the real Courage and the Chivalrous Spirit!
Keeping in mind that remakes usually face high expectations in case of their classic "predecessors", I watched this movie without much referring to the older version and that is how I intend to comment on it underneath.
Let me say at the beginning that IVANHOE by Douglas Camfield is a very good movie at multiple levels. It makes a perfect use of historical material supplying us with a clear and pretty accurate insight into Medieval England, and, more specifically, its late 12th century situation with savage conflicts, difficult political situation, Anglo-Saxons vs Normans relations, prejudice as well as those visual aspects like costumes, feasts and baths. In this respect, the movie may constitute for a viewer a wonderful journey into those distant times and bring out some pearls out of prefabricated negative opinions about the Middle Ages. There was, indeed, something good about the period, too. The aspect of interest highlighted in this case appears to be Ashbey sequence where the savage combines with the glamorous or the deep psychology and morals of characters expressed in many scenes throughout. Here, it seems necessary to mention Lady Rowena (Lysette Anthony) and Rebecca (Olivia Hussey), two women of different backgrounds who face similar emotions.
Besides, IVANHOE can boast very good cinematography, wonderful shots, stunning locations. Consider, for instance, the subtle images at the scene when Ivanhoe visits Lady Rowena at her castle with Wamba (George Innes). The extraordinary locations and interesting shots make the film not only a historical work but also a rousing adventure. Moreover, to these artistic features, I would add a very accurate sense of humor (consider the scene of a bath or Wamba's Pax Vobiscum) and subtle musical score. The tunes are filled with the spirit of chivalry and the spirit of romance which, alone, can resemble the very essence of the story. But, the core of art is acting.
The movie known for a number of famous and talented cast could be falsely assessed as a vehicle. Yet, it does not have to be a "promotion" for anybody. To the contrary, it is a film that proves the importance of talent first and foremost. All the cast take great pains to give something truly great of themselves. Anthony Andrews is a perfect Ivanhoe as described by Sir Scott and as imagined by modern viewers. He clearly portrays a character of courage, nobility and gentleness. Sam Neill and John Rhys Davies appear to give powerful performances as "Norman dogs" people not so much afraid for the good but rather absorbed by savage brutality. James Mason does a fine job as calm, good Jew, Isaac of York, whose destiny appears to have brought more wounds than cure. The female roles are brilliant. Here, however, I would not praise that much Lysette Anthony: I admit she is beautiful, she gives a memorable performance. Yet, the absolute top notch is Olivia Hussey, the famous heroine at Zeffirelli's appears here as a gentle, subtle, beautiful Jewess whose "individually formed spirituality" conquers "externally organized morality" of many "pious men of God." She gives a brilliant performance as a flower of peace fearfully surrounded by the thorn of war and the light of tolerance surrounded by the darkness of prejudice. Absolutely great role! Consider, among many, the scenes depicting the trial.
In the end, if you see this IVANHOE, do not compare it with the older version. These are two different films focusing on different aspects. If someone insists on me to say which one is better, I'd rather say both are good films. Thorpe's IVANHOE is a typical epic of the classic Hollywood era while Camfield's IVANHOE stands out on its own as a movie filled with remarkable psychology and adventure. Great tribute to the real Courage and the Chivalrous Spirit!
Swedish tradition
Haplo-46 January 2001
It's fun to think how Hollywood can start new traditions in countries far away. In Sweden there are a couple of things that must be broadcasted in the Xmas and New Year holidays...on Xmas Eve it's cartoon with Donald Duck & Co at 3 PM....(there was a great anger some years ago when there was rumor going on saying that the state-television wouldn't broadcast the show because it had been bought by an other commercial-station...luckily they got it back and broadcasted it thus saving that tradition). The second tradition from Hollywood is the broadcasting of this version of Ivanhoe. Always at 3 PM on New Years Day....
The movie is quite good. The actors does well performances and it follows the plot of the book good. But as in many mainstream-medieval-Hollywood-heroic-movies it romanticize the whole era a bit to much, but that is easily looked over. Therefore I feel I can strongly recommend this movie.
"Pax vobiscum"
The movie is quite good. The actors does well performances and it follows the plot of the book good. But as in many mainstream-medieval-Hollywood-heroic-movies it romanticize the whole era a bit to much, but that is easily looked over. Therefore I feel I can strongly recommend this movie.
"Pax vobiscum"
Ivanhoe: A nice experience for a romantic fan
latsblaster19 June 2003
Ivanhoe: A nice experience for a romantic fan
This was a TV-movie I liked when I was a child, I still think it is okay, but maybe not a realistic end battle between Brian and Wilfred, and the same with the make up, some of the costumes and hair styles. But you will find a lot of good joustings between the knights. Some of the actors are better than average, I liked Sam Neill as Brian de bois Builbert and James Mason as Isac of York.
Rating: 7 of 10.
This was a TV-movie I liked when I was a child, I still think it is okay, but maybe not a realistic end battle between Brian and Wilfred, and the same with the make up, some of the costumes and hair styles. But you will find a lot of good joustings between the knights. Some of the actors are better than average, I liked Sam Neill as Brian de bois Builbert and James Mason as Isac of York.
Rating: 7 of 10.
Ivanhoe and Bois Guilbert duke it out again
bkoganbing12 February 2015
Although the romance and derring do of medieval chivalry is best expressed in the famous MGM big screen version of Ivanhoe that starred Robert Taylor, this made for British TV Ivanhoe stays far more accurately to what Sir Walter Scott wrote. There are even characters that the MGM film eliminated from the story that are present here.
Anthony Andrews plays the hero Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe in this version and he's a knight who takes his vows quite seriously. That means help and aid to the weak and oppressed and Jews in medieval England were among the most oppressed. Although his heart is set on the Saxon princess Rowena played by Lysette Anthony, he gets a stirring for the medieval Jewish princess Rebecca as played here by Olivia Hussey.
But the one who's really crushing out on her big time is Sam Neill playing Brian Bois Guilbert a knight of the Templar order and the Templars are trying to topple Richard the Lion Heart from the throne and put Prince John on it. Sad for the years of his reign for the people of England they got a King John after the action of this film is over. As a Norman he and Andrews just don't like each other on general principles. Put in the romantic angle and even those who never read the book know that Andrews and Neill will be duking it out with lance and spear at the climax.
The Robert Taylor classic never covered the Templars and hence the anti-Semitism was muted. Here it bursts forth in full flower and the Templars who pronounce Hussey a witch are sure no knight who takes any Christian vows will champion an infidel.
By dint of his star power James Mason who plays Rebecca's father Isaac of York gets top billing. Mason is effective and the part is built up somewhat.
I do love Robert Taylor's Ivanhoe, one of my favorite of his films. But this version is one good Cliff's Notes version of the story.
Anthony Andrews plays the hero Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe in this version and he's a knight who takes his vows quite seriously. That means help and aid to the weak and oppressed and Jews in medieval England were among the most oppressed. Although his heart is set on the Saxon princess Rowena played by Lysette Anthony, he gets a stirring for the medieval Jewish princess Rebecca as played here by Olivia Hussey.
But the one who's really crushing out on her big time is Sam Neill playing Brian Bois Guilbert a knight of the Templar order and the Templars are trying to topple Richard the Lion Heart from the throne and put Prince John on it. Sad for the years of his reign for the people of England they got a King John after the action of this film is over. As a Norman he and Andrews just don't like each other on general principles. Put in the romantic angle and even those who never read the book know that Andrews and Neill will be duking it out with lance and spear at the climax.
The Robert Taylor classic never covered the Templars and hence the anti-Semitism was muted. Here it bursts forth in full flower and the Templars who pronounce Hussey a witch are sure no knight who takes any Christian vows will champion an infidel.
By dint of his star power James Mason who plays Rebecca's father Isaac of York gets top billing. Mason is effective and the part is built up somewhat.
I do love Robert Taylor's Ivanhoe, one of my favorite of his films. But this version is one good Cliff's Notes version of the story.
A timeless epic!
monabassil24 November 2001
This is one of my favorite movies of all times. And the best version of Scott's tale as of yet. A+ for the professional and highly convincing cast, the costumes, the beautiful scenery, and the 'rich' plot. A good drama, a great epic, and a romance in times of chivalry and honor (i.e., in extinct times!).
Excellence and gross tackiness intertwined
edmund-marlowe1 February 2017
Sir Walter Scott's novel, Ivanhoe, is about a "Saxon" noble championing the cause of justice, nebulously represented by the absent King, Richard Coeur-de-Lion, against the machinations of the King's brother John and his wicked Norman barons. It is undoubtedly a great work of literature, and, in its romance and excitement, so well-suited to adaption to the screen that it has been done multiple times. The central historical theme of patriotic, so-called Saxons defying their oppression by the Normans is redolent of a peculiarly early modern, romantic and anachronistic view of English society in 1194 and Scott took considerable liberties with the known facts, avoiding anything that would have diminished the drama, such as John's flight to Normandy to avoid Richard. I merely point this out for those who might think they are being treated to a story that could have taken place, while realizing that if one is to criticize such a part of the British literary canon on these lines, one would have also to damn Shakespeare's Macbeth and Polanski's masterful film of it.
Accepting, then, that this a great story crying out to become a great film, I was most excited to discover a version played by a cast of absolutely first-rate actors, and they certainly didn't disappoint. Olivia Hussey was especially good and moving as the beautiful Rebecca, better than I had ever seen her except in that greatest of all films, Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. The expected setting of castle and forest was all fine too.
So what went wrong? I'm afraid I laughed during the opening scene when James Mason, playing Rebecca's viciously ill-treated Jewish father (whom one would have expected to keep a low profile while traveling through a lawless land), appeared wearing an absurdly exotic Burmese peasant's hat, which he never then took off. Thus harshly alerted to a costume designer who should never have been allowed near a children's pantomime, I could not avoid having my attention undermined throughout by the invariable cheap and tacky props, including jewelry, ornaments and weapons that looked and sounded much too obviously like cheap plastic, and the factory-made printed shields, one of which could be seen to bounce back into shape like rubber after being bent in half.
Nor I'm afraid was the costume designer the only one at fault; the script writer should also have joined him on the dole. He was unsurprisingly fine when he stuck to Scott's fine words, but a disaster when left to use his imagination. The climactic battle scene consisted of a small band of men taking perhaps an hour to capture the castle, ultimately by knocking on the door with a ram. Had he never heard of moats or portcullises or that, without treachery, such a castle could only be captured by a large army after a siege of months? I cannot imagine what the producers were thinking to invest in such high-profile actors for an excellent story, only to wreck it through inept and stingy disbursement in other directions. The tacky props, when combined with the swashbuckling tone and slightly corny bombast, reminded me of some best-forgotten historical films from the fifties, so that I wondered whether it was unfair to blame the filmmakers for not having then had the technical means to produce anything faintly resembling Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. Then I remembered that the other two films I have mentioned, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth were made a decade earlier than Ivanhoe without these faults, and realized there was no excuse.
Edmund Marlowe, author of Alexander's Choice, a novel about Eton, amazon.com/dp/1481222112
Accepting, then, that this a great story crying out to become a great film, I was most excited to discover a version played by a cast of absolutely first-rate actors, and they certainly didn't disappoint. Olivia Hussey was especially good and moving as the beautiful Rebecca, better than I had ever seen her except in that greatest of all films, Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. The expected setting of castle and forest was all fine too.
So what went wrong? I'm afraid I laughed during the opening scene when James Mason, playing Rebecca's viciously ill-treated Jewish father (whom one would have expected to keep a low profile while traveling through a lawless land), appeared wearing an absurdly exotic Burmese peasant's hat, which he never then took off. Thus harshly alerted to a costume designer who should never have been allowed near a children's pantomime, I could not avoid having my attention undermined throughout by the invariable cheap and tacky props, including jewelry, ornaments and weapons that looked and sounded much too obviously like cheap plastic, and the factory-made printed shields, one of which could be seen to bounce back into shape like rubber after being bent in half.
Nor I'm afraid was the costume designer the only one at fault; the script writer should also have joined him on the dole. He was unsurprisingly fine when he stuck to Scott's fine words, but a disaster when left to use his imagination. The climactic battle scene consisted of a small band of men taking perhaps an hour to capture the castle, ultimately by knocking on the door with a ram. Had he never heard of moats or portcullises or that, without treachery, such a castle could only be captured by a large army after a siege of months? I cannot imagine what the producers were thinking to invest in such high-profile actors for an excellent story, only to wreck it through inept and stingy disbursement in other directions. The tacky props, when combined with the swashbuckling tone and slightly corny bombast, reminded me of some best-forgotten historical films from the fifties, so that I wondered whether it was unfair to blame the filmmakers for not having then had the technical means to produce anything faintly resembling Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. Then I remembered that the other two films I have mentioned, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth were made a decade earlier than Ivanhoe without these faults, and realized there was no excuse.
Edmund Marlowe, author of Alexander's Choice, a novel about Eton, amazon.com/dp/1481222112
Choose right!
rebeckaflygare1 January 2020
In Sweden we have the tradition to always watch Ivanhoe on New Years Day. Sam Neill even jokes about this on Twitter. So I have done this since I was 6 years old (I'm turning 44 in a couple of weeks) and every year I promise myself not to cry- every year I fail. This is the movie where everybody chooses the wrong person to love. Without spoiling the plot I will say that they all could have made more thrilling choises. I love the whole storyline, and underdog hero is of course the medieval slacker Athelstane.
Good version
hwg1957-102-26570420 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The story of Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott has been filmed a few times and this version is good though not exceptional. Part of the problem is that Ivanhoe is inactive from his wounds for the middle part and so the narrative is carried by others such as the Brian de Bois- Guilbert/Rebecca story and the King Richard/Robin Hood story with Prince John thrown into the mix. Ultimately the real heroic person is not Ivanhoe but Rebecca. In the end King Richard opts for unity between Norman and Saxon and there is forgiveness between Ivanhoe and his father but also in the end Ivanhoe sticks to Rowena rather than Rebecca. There isn't room in the new England for the Jewish people so Rebecca and her father choose to leave the country.
Rebecca is brave and caring and firm in her loyalty to her father and her faith despite falling in love with Ivanhoe though she is not comfortable with his ideas of honour and glory. Rebecca is played extremely well by Olivia Hussey and is the moral centre of the film. How anyone can prefer the simpering Rowena (played blandly by Lysette Anthony) to Rebecca is a mystery!
With the other characters there is good acting all round from the mainly British actors and the settings and costumes are adequate. The jousting scenes are well staged and good use is made of real castles in England. The climax of the last duel is not quite how the novel depicts it, that is the death of Bois De Guilbert, but that is only a minor quibble. Anyway it is a good version and worth watching.
Rebecca is brave and caring and firm in her loyalty to her father and her faith despite falling in love with Ivanhoe though she is not comfortable with his ideas of honour and glory. Rebecca is played extremely well by Olivia Hussey and is the moral centre of the film. How anyone can prefer the simpering Rowena (played blandly by Lysette Anthony) to Rebecca is a mystery!
With the other characters there is good acting all round from the mainly British actors and the settings and costumes are adequate. The jousting scenes are well staged and good use is made of real castles in England. The climax of the last duel is not quite how the novel depicts it, that is the death of Bois De Guilbert, but that is only a minor quibble. Anyway it is a good version and worth watching.
A Most Disappointing Remake
artzau2 February 2001
This remake of Ivanhoe suffers from several things: changes in the story line, incongruities in the historical aspects of the period and Anthony Andrews's inability to portray anything beyond a prig middle class playboy. Good performances by Sam Neill, James Mason and Olivia Hussey can't save it. The costumes are fine but Andrew's wincing and facial contortions along with John Rhys-Davies's over-acting and emoting ruin it. Too bad. This one had potential. Hey, if you want a costume drama fix, go see the 1952 Robert Taylor and Liz Taylor version: it's much more satisfying.
Olivia Hussey does it all...
yespis2 February 2003
Just like in " Romeo and Juliet " Olivia Hussey takes place in front of us. She makes all the difference. An extraordinary actress with a very special beauty takes this classical movie and place it very, very high...
The music, the scenery- and the acting... It all ends up in this beautiful movie. Sadness. Frustration and a lot of love.
You got to love it...
The music, the scenery- and the acting... It all ends up in this beautiful movie. Sadness. Frustration and a lot of love.
You got to love it...
Great Cast And A Classic Story
Dan1863Sickles10 December 2022
Ivanhoe and Rebecca are such a great doomed couple, and I love how they are so open about their feelings for each other in this fast-moving drama. The casting was so perfect, and the action sequences were really explosive. Young Sam Neill (remember him as Damien in Omen III?) is perfectly Satanic as the villainous Norman Brian Guilbert. (His motto is Gare Le Corbeau, which means Beware the Raven!)
I just wish that James Mason and Michael Hordern could have switched parts. James Mason would have been much better as the robust, stubborn Saxon Lord Cedric, and Michael Hordern would have been much more compelling as the sad and mournful Isaac of York.
I just wish that James Mason and Michael Hordern could have switched parts. James Mason would have been much better as the robust, stubborn Saxon Lord Cedric, and Michael Hordern would have been much more compelling as the sad and mournful Isaac of York.
A waste of talent...movie by numbers
davibush27 August 2013
It is hard not to compare modern films with their predecessors . On occasion the modern version is superior , but with this remake , the original is still the one to watch. Which is a pity because the cast of this 1982 effort is stuffed full of wonderful actors, from the main characters down to the smallest part. James Mason, Anthony Andrews, Michael Horden and Sam Neil, John Rhys Davies , Ronald Pickup , Julien Glover and Olivier Hussy are but a few of the accomplished actors who can carry a poor film on their own shoulders, but even together they fail to bring this movie above ' made for TV ' quality. All of the dialogue is spoken in the correct sequence, but there is no coming together of the cast as in Errol Flynns 'Robin Hood ' To be fair , the story line is varied, but the pace of the film is too slow, camera angles straight out of 1950s TV and poor production values . I read that this film is shown in one Nordic country every Christmas Day. The nights must be really long. So much talent produced a watchable but lifeless adventure yarn.
beautiful
Vincentiu10 February 2013
it is difficult to unlike this film. correct adaptation, good acting, romantic and seductive, it is a real delight. not only for story but for extraordinary cast. and, sure, for values of another time.it is not spectacular and, at first sigh, its ambitions are not great. but its fundamental virtue remains delicate beauty. the good translation of spirit of memorable novel. the flavor of love without any innovation. the brave hero and his sacrifice. James Mason and Olivia Hussey. the great Michael Hordern. and, first, the clear performance of Anthony Andrews.a kind of testimony about a form of art. pure and almost innocent. and a nice TV film. it is enough in search of walls against mediocrity.
Good TV adaptation
Sergiodave16 March 2021
A lot better than it's predecessor!
markovd11123 December 2022
While there are also many changes in the plot of the movie compared to the book, in my humble opinion it is a far better and entertaining watch than the old movie from the 1952. Specifically, actors are more suited for their roles and Olivia Hussey is so breathtakingly beautiful that you will watch her with amazement for the whole movie. While I think TV series is far better suited for telling the whole story of "Ivanhoe" (there are multiple ones which I yet have to watch), considering the movie form, I think this version takes the crown, though that may be tested as I continue to watch other adaptations, though I seriously doubt it. The movie is a bit on the long side though and the pacing of the movie (both due to relatively faithful approach to the book's story) will test you attention span in it's second half, though it isn't a really a flaw because even in this form, a lot was left out. I give it 7.5/10 and I recommend it to anyone who likes the book. Casuals probably won't enjoy it as much due to it's slowness.
Sir Walter would be proud
Caledonia Twin #15 September 2000
Pride and prejudice, betrayal and revenge, lust and purity, kidnappings, tournaments, and ransoms... what better ingredients could be assembled in one film? This retelling of Ivanhoe has many exceptional qualities, including first-rate cinematography and chivalric music. But the quality of this Ivanhoe lies in the casting. James Mason plays an excellent Isaac of York, and Olivia Hussey's Rebecca is every bit as passionate as Elizabeth Taylor's. Lysette Anthony has all the ingenue quality of a Saxon princess; yet one wonders whom Ivanhoe would have chosen to marry if race and religious prejudices had not been the order of the day. One of the strengths of this film was, to my mind, the triumvirate of villains Bois-Guilbert, de Bracy, and Front de Boeuf. Sam Neill is brilliant as the knight torn between his order and his obsession with a "Jewess heathen", and Stuart Wilson shines in the supporting role of the besotted de Bracy. This film was released on video at one point, as I rented it from a video store. I highly recommend it.
I saw this when I was a kid, then as a teenager and now as an adult...it's great!
karl-jonas9 January 2010
As a classic storytale it has it all. A great plot, characters you fall in love with, evil bad guys etc But the film has aged well as a drama also, I reckon now way later... The cast is excellent. Top quality actors all over the place. And Olivia Hussey in this role, breaks my heart every time. I'd say this is one of those classic films that you can watch as a kid, with your parents and their parents and you will all enjoy it (for the same or different reasons) It is a crying shame if it's not available on DVD. My VHS copy is falling apart, but I'm lucky since Swedish National Television airs Ivanhoe every Christmas....
Claptrap!
davyd-0223725 April 2020
Really only for kids who haven't yet learned their History. Richard 1 spoke NO English. He despised England which is way he spent so little time here, a soldier who wanted to fight. He was NOT a Christian but a Catholic, as indeed were most of the UK at the time. Perhaps I should have called my review "Kill a Jew anyone?" which really should be the subtitle of this film. Throughout, the "Christians" (who should be referred to as "Catholics" are nothing short of murdering thugs who can kill, rape and pillage for their own good pleasure and enjoy the slaughter of anyone Jewish as part of their allegiance to their faith. This isn't remotely close to the events of the time, as depicted in this version with Richard as a soldier wanting to unite his country - completely untrue or "claptrap" and not worthy of anyones time
Beats the 1952 version by several leagues
PennyLANE778 June 2005
If you have the chance, catch this splendid Ivanhoe remake on the tube or on VHS (it is a crying shame that this doesn't come on DVD, Amazon). It punches several well deserved holes in the tedious, pompous and dire 1952 version with the two Taylors, each performing worse than the other. Come on, Robert Taylor as Ivanhoe?? The 1952 film is clearly a case of a movie being made at the wrong time in Hollywood history.
Anyone questioning the acting capabilities of Anthony Andrews clearly hasn't seen Brideshead Revisited. He is a great, believable, and may I add, gorgeous Ivanhoe.
The film boasts a great, thought provoking script (which granted does take some liberties with the source material although much of the lovely dialog from Scott's book has found its way into the film), great performances (especialy by Neill, Mason and Hussey and the incomparable George Innes as Wamba) as well as beautiful production values and photography.
And, as an added bonus, it is a virtual babe fest (Wilson, Neill and Andrews are all at their physical prime here)!
Anyone questioning the acting capabilities of Anthony Andrews clearly hasn't seen Brideshead Revisited. He is a great, believable, and may I add, gorgeous Ivanhoe.
The film boasts a great, thought provoking script (which granted does take some liberties with the source material although much of the lovely dialog from Scott's book has found its way into the film), great performances (especialy by Neill, Mason and Hussey and the incomparable George Innes as Wamba) as well as beautiful production values and photography.
And, as an added bonus, it is a virtual babe fest (Wilson, Neill and Andrews are all at their physical prime here)!
Tells the story
jdmcox5530 January 2024
I give this TV movie a low score only because the directing is the absolute worst directing in any movie I've ever seen. The story is the true story that Walter Scott write, which I tried to read but gave up because of the extreme prolixity and obfuscation of the writing. The story was very good, and deserves a better representation. The actors were professional actors, but they had to act in an amazingly amateurish production. I suppose cost may have been the limiting factor that led to such an amateurish undertaking, although I can't believe the director would ever get another job directing because he put up with this type of production.
Good Television
dsnazel27 August 1999
Television is such a wasteland at times.
Every once in a while a good thing comes out of TV. Ivanhoe is one of those things. It's episodal, which diminishes the dramatic impact sometimes, but considering its budget and the medium, it really is a fine piece of work.
A great story...some great acting (Rebecca is exceptionally played) and a wonderful blend of drama, adventure, romance and raw violence.
Every once in a while a good thing comes out of TV. Ivanhoe is one of those things. It's episodal, which diminishes the dramatic impact sometimes, but considering its budget and the medium, it really is a fine piece of work.
A great story...some great acting (Rebecca is exceptionally played) and a wonderful blend of drama, adventure, romance and raw violence.
The best cinematic adaptation of this classic
Marta11 December 1999
Warning: Spoilers
Many moons ago, CBS used to make excellent adaptations of classic novels, before they switched to those endless "Disasters/Diseases of the Week" TV movies. "Ivanhoe" is one of the best they ever made; worlds better than the static 50's version with Robert Taylor.
Sir Walter Scott threw everything he could find into Ivanhoe, from saxon warriors to Richard the Lionheart to Robin Hood to the Knights Templar to anti-semitism, and sometimes it's difficult to see the storyline for the trees, but this version does a good job of plotting everything out and telling a rousing story at the same time.
The joust at the beginning is one of my favorite scenes in any film; John Rhys-Davies, Sam Neill and Stuart Wilson are wonderful as a trio of evil knights who want to see Prince John on the throne and will do anything to get ahead in life, including raping, pillaging and torture. As they gang up on Ivanhoe, whacking away at him with enormous swords while everyone just watches, the entrance of the Black Knight and his rescue of Ivanhoe is perfectly timed and eminently satisfying.
James Mason as Isaac the Jew and Olivia Hussey as his daughter, Rebecca, form the nucleus of the cast. When Mason tears his shirt from his body in despair, just prior to Rhys-Davies roasting Isaac over a bed of coals to worm the whereabouts of his gold coins out of him, I felt despair right along with him. Hussey is quietly radiant throughout, especially fine when threatening to jump out the window to avoid being raped by a man of God. Except for the initial joust, Anthony Andrews spends most of the film laying around trying to heal, moaning effectively about how useless he is, but when he finally rouses himself to defend Rebecca's honor he is great. Lysette Anthony hasn't got many lines, but what screen time she does get is wonderful. Robin Hood and his merry men just ride around and around the forest, sabotaging whatever they can get their hands on; eventually, the Black Knight, played by Julian Glover, joins them. He's a mysterious fellow who won't tell them his real name is King Richard till the end of the film. Prince John and his retinue are merely there to hang the story on and they are hardly seen, and Michael Hordern doesn't get to chew the scenery like James Mason does, which is a shame since he's such a great actor.
This is a fine family film, not available for sale on VHS but shown on cable every once in a while. If you run across it, don't pass it up. The kids will love it.
Sir Walter Scott threw everything he could find into Ivanhoe, from saxon warriors to Richard the Lionheart to Robin Hood to the Knights Templar to anti-semitism, and sometimes it's difficult to see the storyline for the trees, but this version does a good job of plotting everything out and telling a rousing story at the same time.
The joust at the beginning is one of my favorite scenes in any film; John Rhys-Davies, Sam Neill and Stuart Wilson are wonderful as a trio of evil knights who want to see Prince John on the throne and will do anything to get ahead in life, including raping, pillaging and torture. As they gang up on Ivanhoe, whacking away at him with enormous swords while everyone just watches, the entrance of the Black Knight and his rescue of Ivanhoe is perfectly timed and eminently satisfying.
James Mason as Isaac the Jew and Olivia Hussey as his daughter, Rebecca, form the nucleus of the cast. When Mason tears his shirt from his body in despair, just prior to Rhys-Davies roasting Isaac over a bed of coals to worm the whereabouts of his gold coins out of him, I felt despair right along with him. Hussey is quietly radiant throughout, especially fine when threatening to jump out the window to avoid being raped by a man of God. Except for the initial joust, Anthony Andrews spends most of the film laying around trying to heal, moaning effectively about how useless he is, but when he finally rouses himself to defend Rebecca's honor he is great. Lysette Anthony hasn't got many lines, but what screen time she does get is wonderful. Robin Hood and his merry men just ride around and around the forest, sabotaging whatever they can get their hands on; eventually, the Black Knight, played by Julian Glover, joins them. He's a mysterious fellow who won't tell them his real name is King Richard till the end of the film. Prince John and his retinue are merely there to hang the story on and they are hardly seen, and Michael Hordern doesn't get to chew the scenery like James Mason does, which is a shame since he's such a great actor.
This is a fine family film, not available for sale on VHS but shown on cable every once in a while. If you run across it, don't pass it up. The kids will love it.
Great movie!
British_Revolver24 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Ivanhoe" is one of the best historical movies I've ever seen! I would recommend this to anybody because it's full of romance and adventure. I didn't like the ending though, only because Sam Neill's character didn't end up with Rebecca (Olivia Hussey), which was really sad.
I don't know what else to say besides the fact that I fell in love with this movie after I saw it the first time. But the fact that they portrayed Rowena as the beautiful girl that everybody was supposed to like was kinda depressing. Between Rebecca and Rowena, I think Rebecca stole the movie because of her courage and will to help Ivanhoe even though they have different backgrounds. So if you have read this, go out and buy the video.
I don't know what else to say besides the fact that I fell in love with this movie after I saw it the first time. But the fact that they portrayed Rowena as the beautiful girl that everybody was supposed to like was kinda depressing. Between Rebecca and Rowena, I think Rebecca stole the movie because of her courage and will to help Ivanhoe even though they have different backgrounds. So if you have read this, go out and buy the video.
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