My Movie Review: Merlin

The first time I watched Merlin I was pleasantly surprised I liked it more than I thought I would. The plot is about the story of a young man named Merlin and has a gift of magic but has to conceal it due to the fact that making magic is a forbidden subject in the kingdom of Camelot. As a Nigerian female watching it, I was very interested in the story because it combines friendship, loyalty, power and destiny in one.

The series concentrates on the relationship between Merlin and Prince Arthur. Arthur is arrogant and proud at the beginning, but with time passes, Merlin serves as his best friend and protection. It is special because Arthur is not aware of all the truth behind the magic of Merlin until he is very late in the stories. I liked the way Merlin did not reveal his powers and yet saved Arthur a number of times. It gave that kind of fullness to the story of tension and excitement.

Something that I liked about this show is that it combines action and emotion. There are a lot of battles, sword fights, and threatening enemies, yet moments of love are present, betrayal, and sadness. Morgana, who initially is a benevolent and very caring individual, gradually grows to become one of the lead antagonists. It was painful and powerful to see her change. It reflects how human beings transform when they are offended or they feel betrayed.

The other power element of the movie is the theme of destiny. We learn at the very beginning that Merlin and Arthur are supposed to transform the future of Camelot. Fate is not easy Both of them are challenged in the ways that make them prove their courage. This lesson was relevant to me because in life, it is never as easy as it may seem, even when one is selected to do something so outstanding. We have to continue to struggle, regardless of the tribulations.

The actors did an excellent job. The man who acted as Merlin was innocent and mature at the same moment. He was young looking, and very plain, yet there was something hidden in his eyes. The character of Arthur was also unique in that he emerged through the character as a proud prince to an actual king. I was able to see that Merlin remained true to himself and made sacrifices in order to develop into a better leader.

I also liked the character of Gaius, an old physician who behaved like a father to Merlin. He managed to always advise him, give instructions and even conceal him when Merlin worked magic. His position is what I consider relevant to our Nigerian culture of the value of elders. They are not only kinsfolk, but they are also custodians of wisdom.

The imagery of the film was lovely. Castled, dense forests and costumes gave a magic world a touch of reality. Special effects were also simple but still strong, especially when Merlin with the use of spells. I was fascinated into the world as though being there The music used gave extra emotions particularly in a sad or a strong scene.

What was the most moving was the ending. The last episodes are well emotional, but I will not give too much away. The truth of Merlin is finally exposed and Arthur has to confront it about what he actually is. Their relationship is challenged and it has finished in a manner that made me both melancholy and contemplative. It reminded me that life is not without any sacrifice and that sometimes heroes are those who get the heaviest burdens.

Watching Merlin also led me to thinking about Nigeria and the myths we have. Issues of loyalty, friendship, betrayal and destiny are timeless. Although this story takes place in a distant kingdom it resonated with me as I could relate some of the battles that it takes place into our real lives. Manipulations, deception, and compromise occur in any community and ours is not an exception.

Altogether, Merlin is not so much about magic or kings. It concerns friendship and duty, and the price of doing the right thing. The characters seem real, the narrative is touching and the lessons are profound. In my case, it is not only entertainment but a story of life in itself.

I would definitely advise Merlin to people who are interested in a combination of action, emotion, and lessons. The story is one that remains with you after you observe it. It was so funny, it was so sad and that led me to think about fate and self sacrifice. As a female viewer of the Nigerian background, I could say I was touched personally by the story.