From a long and varied list, I believe Nigel Terry as King Arthur in Excalibur (1981) was the most impressive. Named after King Arthur's legendary sword, this film retells the legend of the iconic king with mind-boggling action sequences and eye-catching visuals. Nigel's knack for historical and period dramas enabled him to embody the attributes possessed by the king immaculately. Ranging from his shining armour to his ambitious eyes, every finest detail was captured marvellously. His charm on screen was magnetic, winning over the audience with his entrancing performance. One of his famous dialogues from the film, "One day, a king will come, and the sword will rise... again" deftly sums up his journey from a young, curious boy to the king of Britain. Definitely one of the best portrayals ever! (Whose portrayal of King Arthur in Film/TV have you liked the most?... November 14)

Aayman Anwar Ali

I would love to have Mel Gibson play King Arthur's role. Mel Gibson has the charm to pull off that character. He did justice to his role in his earlier period movies where he played the hero. He slayed all the criticism with a scimitar. He has aura, vocab and strength to portray the English hero. We don't need a round table conference with twelve knights to decide that. His sword play, his mental mechanism and the hungry aggression for more violence say it all. A maverick in his own right.

Kousik Majumdar

To all avid students of English literature, Lord Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur (The Death of King Arthur) is that holy grail which was depicted in the movie Excalibur (1981) in all its splendour.

Directed by John Boorman, and with Nigel Terry in the role of King Arthur, it is the best adaptation of the 15th century saga of bravery and chivalry, of knights in shining armour, comely maidens, fierce battles, pride, loyalty and betrayal. And of course the legendary sword The Excalibur, which has been cast by the wizard Merlin in stone and magic, and which is drawn out only by the foundling, bedraggled and illegitimate son of Urthur, Arthur Pendragon, who is destined to lead his armies to victory again and again. To win the hand of the renowned beauty Guinevere, to found the legendary Round Table where knights sat and feasted, ready to lay their lives for honour and for the king.

Among newer adaptation of King Arthur's tale is the television series The Winter King. It is based on Bernard Cornwell's The Warlord Chronicles and Iain De Caestecker plays the role of King Arthur. Looking eagerly forward to the series which promises the 15th century tale of grit and glory in a new, earthy light.

Pampa Paul

I liked Nigel Terry's portrayal of the rueful and melancholic King Arthur in the 1981 fantasy adventure epic Excalibur the most. The British actor delivered a compelling performance while playing the role of the stoic hero in John Boorman's film.

Sourish Misra