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First Knight (1995)
Good.|Do you want to know how to win?
Be the only one with a sword. Easy. Give him a hand! He fought well! Well done. John. Winner takes all, my friends!|One more challenger and I'll leave. Once in a lifetime, you meet a man|so fearless. no man can touch him. While you're waiting for him,|you can practice on me. As sure as the sun will rise.|there's a man who's better than me. He could be here. It could be today. Yeah! It could be you. - He looks strong. Is he good?|- Try him and see! Go on. Mark. But don't hurt him. So, you're Mark, are you?|I'm Lancelot. - Are you ready?|- I'm ready. You don't have to kill me to win. - Got tight hold of your sword?|- Don't you worry about that! Can I give you some advice?|Don't drop your sword. Is this your sword?|Give him a hand! - Well done. Mark!|- How did you do that? - Was that a trick?|- No. That's the way I fight. Could I do it?|Tell me. I can learn. Study your opponent, so you know|what he'll do before he does it. - I can do that.|- And wait for the critical moment. - I can do that.|- You can't care about your life. Come on! Quickly! Shut the doors! Where's Daddy? Burn it down. We'll be burnt alive! We need water! Get water! - No! Wait till they've gone!|- We'll be dead by then! Malagant. Last night, men from this village|killed three of my people. In reprisal,|I have destroyed your village. The borderlands have been lawless|long enough. Know now. that I am the law! Come on! There she is. Mind the dog! - Come here, milady.|- Wait. - Milady ...|- I won't be much longer. There's been another attack.|Another border village burnt. Anne, take my place. - Is it Malagant again?|- Yes. A small group got away. - Are they being looked after?|- They want to see you first. No, no, please. You poor people,|after such a terrible Journey. We didn't know|where else to turn, milady. They say we're outlaws.|They say we crossed the border. I know. It's all Lies. He means|to frighten us into submission. - Don't give in to him. We'll fight.|- I'm not the yielding kind. Jacob. Take these good people in|and give them food and drink. When you've rested, we shall pray|for your village and for Leonesse. - God keep you safe, milady.|- And you. Now, go. - It's the third village he's burnt.|- Does he want to destroy us all? - He wants us to sign his treaty.|- He thinks we won't challenge him. If he doesn't get what he asks,|he has the power to take it. Oswald ...|You say nothing. - You know what I think. child.|- Yes, I suppose I do. - Prince Malagant must be answered.|- He will be. I shall decide today. Now leave me.|Oswald, stay. - I had hoped to have more time.|- Don't you know your own heart? I know what I want.|I want to marry. I want to live and die in Leonesse. But I can't have everything I want,|can l? Forgive me, but an offer of marriage|from Arthur of Camelot ... Yes. I know.|You're right, of course. No more words. Let it be done. - You accept the offer?|- I shall marry Arthur of Camelot. I was so proud to hold you|in my arms at your birth. I shall be prouder still|to see you wed. Poor Arthur. The only dowry|I bring him is a land in danger. - But I shall love him. Oswald.|- You should. child. I could never marry a man|without love. Arthur wears his power so lightly. He has such gentleness in his eyes. I've never known anyone like him. How could I love anyone more? Halt! It could be an ambush.|Look to the trees! Protect the carriage! Don't break the line. Wait! Wait! Now! Follow! Follow! It's all right. They're going. Wait! Watch your flank! We've got to jump!|Come on. Elise! Roll when you hit the ground! Petronella. come on! You have to! Hurry! Save yourself!|It's me they'll follow! She must have gone to ground. She can't be far. There! Don't move. - Who are you?|- Who cares? Kill him! - What is it?|- There were three. Don't even breathe.|You ... drop the sword. - Can I have her when you're done?|- You were after the woman? Of course. Have you ever seen|anything so beautiful? - I don't know about that.|- You don't want her? Her soft skin, sweet lips ...|young, firm body. - I have my orders.|- Who's to know? - I should take her back.|- I'll hold her for you. - It won't take long.|- I don't want any trouble. This one's no trouble.|Look at her. She wants it. - What's she doing?|- See for yourself. Turn her around. Look into her eyes.|See what she's got for you. Hello, pretty. Now ... what have you got for me? Come on. Come on. Let's go. Why did you risk your life for me?|They could have killed you. I'm not that easy to kill. Do you know who I am?|Guinevere. I'm the Lady of Leonesse. Well? Doesn't it please you to know|you saved the life of a lady? - I'd be happy to save a dairy maid.|- She couldn't reward you. If she were as pretty as you,|she could. - What did I do?|- You insulted me. Now I've insulted you. How dare you treat me like this? I take it you know no better. You have done me a good service|and I shall forget the matter. - Which way?|- I've never been here before. See the scavenger birds? They're looking for small animals|crushed by the passing wagons. - About this reward ...|- My man will pay you. - I don't want money.|- I'm on my way to be married. Then you're not married yet.|You're free. - I've given my word.|- I don't want your word. - I want you.|- I'm not to be had for the wanting. Why not? lf you want me. - You may impress servant girls ...|- I can tell when a woman wants me. - I can see it in her eyes.|- Not in my eyes. - You're afraid, aren't you?|- I have nothing to hide. Then Look at me. If there is any honour in you,|promise me never to do that again. I don't know about honour. But I promise you ... I won't|kiss you again until you ask me to. And that I never will. - When do you get married?|- On Midsummer's Day. Before Midsummer's Day dawns,|you'll ask me to kiss you again. - You insult me. then abandon me?|- That's the road ahead. And that, I presume,|is your brave escort. - My child ... Thank the Lord.|- Are my ladies safe? - Were you followed, milady?|- No. No. there's no one there. Your new country awaits you. - If anything should happen ...|- I'll send word. Never fear. Send Jacob. I want to know at once.|good news or bad. Promise me. I promise you. I promise you. Lady Guinevere of Leonesse.|Welcome to Camelot. God be praised, you're safe.|Nothing shall ever harm you again. My Lord honours me|with his kindness. Your coming brings me a happiness|I had not dared hope for. My Lord must not think too highly|of me, lest he'll be disappointed. Then I'll take you as I find you,|if you'll do as much for me. Leonesse awaits news of your safety.|John will send any message you want. My Lord grants my wishes|before I speak them. Tell my people I'm come safe|into my new country. Tell them you saw my eyes|filled with tears of Joy. Already a queen. - Agravaine, what happened?|- Ambush. sire. - Malagant?|- It has to be. - Was Lady Guinevere in danger?|- We were all in danger, sire. There were two separate forces. - Lady Guinevere was in danger.|- You weren't prepared for them? So many fell in the first strike. How could we guess|they had a second force? Malagant doesn't care how many men|he loses, so long as he wins. - I'll not fail you again, sire.|- We both know no one is perfect. - But I need to know everything.|- Sire. Come. I first climbed this hill as a boy|and saw what was to become my city. I named it Camelot. - It's so beautiful it frightens me.|- Why do you say that? I was brought up|to set no faith in finery. "Beauty doesn't last",|my father said. I remember the way he looked at you.|I remember him saying, - - "Do all fathers think|their daughters are so beautiful?" He never said that to me. Camelot. Good girl ... Thank you! You saved me from a long ride.|God knows when she'd have stopped. - She's a fine animal.|- Fit for a queen. - I'm Peter. King's stableman.|- Lancelot. Which king? The King. Arthur of Camelot.|This beauty is a gift for his bride. People swore he would never marry,|but I knew better. He was just waiting|for the right one. Like we all do. There'll be some feasting today!|Come on! The party's started! Beat the gauntlet and meet the King!|Who's got the heart of a lion? Be the first|to get through the gauntlet, - - and you'll be up there drinking,|as if he's your brother! Get up here! Get padded up|and beat the gauntlet! What about you boys out there? Give your support|to this brave, young man! Beat the gauntlet|and meet our lovely queen! Will you give the victor a kiss,|milady? How's that? Beat the gauntlet and|win a kiss from Lady Guinevere, - - soon to be our lovely queen! Who will it be? Not like that. idiot!|Come and get padded up first! Get down! You're mad!|You'll kill yourself! Go on! Yes! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! - Extraordinary. What's your name?|- Lancelot. Lancelot.|We won't forget that name. Your prize ... - Ask me.|- No. Ask me. Never. I dare not kiss so lovely a lady.|I only have one heart to lose. Come. Well done. - Have you run the gauntlet before?|- No. never. - How did you do it?|- You have to see the danger coming. Others have found it very hard.|You're the first one to do it. Perhaps fear made them go back|instead of forward. - And you felt no fear?|- No. I have nothing to lose. No home ... family?|Do you have a profession? - I live by my sword.|- You fight for pay. Nobody paid you to run the gauntlet. I knew I could do it. so I did it. Well. Lancelot ...|you're an unusual man. I've never seen such a display of|courage, skill, - - nerve, grace and ... stupidity. Come. Here, every life is precious,|even the lives of strangers. If you must die, die serving|something greater than yourself. Better still.|Live ... and serve. - The Round Table.|- Yes. The High Council meets here. No head. no foot.|Everyone equal ... even the King. "In serving each other,|we become free." That is the very heart of Camelot. Not these stones. timbers.|towers, palaces. Burn them all ...|and Camelot lives on. Because it lives in us.|It's a belief we hold in our hearts. Well. no matter. - Stay in Camelot. I invite you.|- I'll be on the road again soon. - What road?|- Wherever chance takes me. Do you believe that what you do|is a matter of chance? - Yes.|- In that hallway are two doors. - How will you choose between them?|- It won't matter. It's all chance. I hope chance leads you to the left.|It's the only way out. Lancelot!|Just a thought ... A man who fears nothing|is a man who loves nothing. And if you love nothing,|what Joy is there in your life? I may be wrong. Peter!|Show us how she goes. - She's yours.|- She's beautiful. Peter thinks|she's not suitable for a lady. - I would have chosen her myself.|- I know. - How do you know?|- Remember when you joined our hunt? - You were fearless.|- My father's word was "reckless". He was always sparing with praise. Come. - We could almost be alone here.|- Do you have secrets to tell me? No. No secrets.|Just a question to ask. Do you want to marry me? You don't have to marry me|because your father wanted it. Camelot will protect Leonesse,|whether you marry me or not. Thank you. You don't know what it means to me|to hear you say that. Do you want to be released|from the engagement? No. I want to marry you. Not your crown or your army|or your golden city. Just you. - Just me?|- Yes. If you love me. - Do you remember this?|- You hurt it in the hunt. - I didn't think you'd get a scar.|- Just a scratch. You wiped the blood away|with a sleeve of your dress. The sleeve still carries the stain. I never thought until then how sweet|it must be to be loved by one woman. And for the first time in my life,|I wanted ... - What?|- What wise men say doesn't last. What cannot be promised, or made|to linger any more than sunlight. But I don't want to die. without|having felt its warmth on my face. Marry the King, Guinevere,|but love the man. I only know one way to Love. And that is body ... and heart ...|and soul. I kiss the hurt|that brought me your love. Try her. - Shall I fetch a lady's saddle?|- No need. - She's a rare beauty, sire.|- Yes. she is. So is the mare. May God grant us the wisdom|to discover the right, - - and the strength|to make it endure. As you all know,|I am soon to be married. - And about time. too.|- Hear! We have had our share of war.|Now, I look forward to quieter days. But first, admit our guest. - Malagant ...|- Malagant is here at my invitation. May I congratulate the King|on his forthcoming marriage. I see my place|hasn't been taken yet. - I was first among your knights.|- You left of your own free will. We each of us|must follow our own road. Where does your road take you?|To Leonesse? Leonesse is my neighbor. I offered|the lady a treaty of friendship. - Is burning villages friendship?|- Yes, My Lady ... Your land is becoming lawless.|Were you not just attacked? - You know who attacked me.|- I made it my business to know. - Justice has been done.|- You know no law above yourself! "Armed forces to be given access|to all Leonesse." "Troops to assist in the enforcement|of law ... in all Leonesse." - Do you want to sign this?|- I'll never sign it. She's very brave ...|now she's to be married. - Will Camelot protect Leonesse?|- Is Leonesse in need of protection? Come. Arthur.|I'm here to settle this business. Leonesse is too weak to stand alone.|Let's say half each. The lesser gives way to the greater.|What nation is greater than Camelot? The land of Justice. Come ... your hand on it.|We'll all live together as friends. You offer me|what isn't yours to give. You all know me.|You know I'm a man of my word. Don't make an enemy of me. - I mean no harm to Camelot.|- You know the law we live by. Where is it written.|beyond Camelot live lesser people? People too weak|to protect themselves, let them die? Other people live by other laws.|Or does your law rule the world? There are laws that enslave men.|and laws that set them free. Either what we hold to be right|and good and true - - is right and good and true|for all mankind under God. - - or we're just a robber tribe. Your words are talking you|out of peace and into war. There's a peace you only find|after war. If that battle must come.|I will fight it! - And l!|- And l! The great Arthur ...|and his great dream. No dream lasts forever. - What is the status of the army?|- Four battalions. two in reserve. - I'll double the watch.|- I don't think Malagant wants war. Arm the reserves.|He wants war. - He wants Leonesse as a buffer.|- He wants Camelot. - How soon could he attack?|- His army is five days' march away. So much for my quieter days. Who approaches there? I come with a message|for Lady Guinevere! Enter. - My Lady, it's Jacob.|- Where? - Coming to the north gate.|- Leonesse ... Jacob ... - Mind the step.|- Jacob. what is it? They've taken Lady Guinevere! Taken? Taken where? A boat, sire. From the north gate|into the forest. I have scouts and dogs out already.|Give me a battalion of guards. - Give me the men.|- No, that's exactly what he wants. - Take one brigade, now!|- Sire. He'll not harm her. sire.|She's too valuable. - He'll try to trade her first.|- That's what I'm afraid of. I'd give my life for her.|But what if he asks for more? Welcome to my palace ... My Lady. I think we can release the lady|from her bonds. If she so wishes. What's this?|Your dress is torn. Ralph ... I gave orders that the lady|was not to be harmed. Your dress is quite spoiled. You ... ... almost ... ... a queen. Ralph. Did you do this? - Yes, My Prince.|- You see? This is|what Arthur doesn't understand. Men don't want brotherhood.|they want leadership. Shall we? This was once|the greatest castle ever built. Now grass grows in the halls|where kings once feasted, - - and peasants cart away the walls|to make shelters for their pigs. - Such is glory.|- What do you mean to do with me? Keep you|till Arthur becomes reasonable. He won't trade Leonesse for my life.|I'd rather die. Arthur knows that. Self-sacrifice is very easy. But sacrificing someone you love|puts your convictions to the test. I'm sure Arthur will come round|to the merits of compromise. This is called an oubliette. That's French|for a place of forgetting. Your quarters, My Lady.|No gates, no bars, no locks. Just walls of air. You can come out! I'm unarmed and alone! - Who are you?|- A messenger from the King. - He came alone?|- Yes, My Prince. - What is your message?|- Is Lady Guinevere unharmed? She's unharmed. I give you my word. - I need to see it with my own eyes.|- My word isn't good enough? I'm a common man.|I don't have much use for words. He does have a message. Take him|to the pit, then bring him back. - You've seen her. Let's go.|- No. - I still have a message to deliver.|- All right. We'll drag you back. Jump on! Jump! Come on! Jump! If the water can get out,|so can we. Come on. No! Hold on! Shoot! Why have we stopped? - I'm tired.|- Never. You battle in your dreams. - What are you doing?|- You'll see. Now. drink. Again. - Where did you learn to do that?|- I lived most of my life outdoors. Don't you have a home? No. I don't have a home.|Not for a long time. - That must be hard.|- Why must it be? I'm my own master.|I go where I please. Why build a house|for the warlords to burn? Is that how it happened? God save you from such a day. How old were you? Mother! Father! It was long ago. - God save us all from such a day.|- He didn't save me. - Ah. but he did.|- For what? It's made you who you are. A man who fears nothing and no one. You can use that gift.|If not, you might as well have died. But you didn't die. You lived. - Tell me what to do.|- Your life is your own. I give it to you. You forget I'm to be married. If you could freely do as you|pleased, would you marry Arthur? - I am free. As free as you are.|- Prove it. - How?|- Forget who you are. Let all the world go away ...|and all the people in it, but us. Do what you want to do. Here. Now. There she is! Thank you, God. Thank you. Thank you. You can go.|You must have better things to do. You have given me back my life.|I can at least give you your shirt. - Tell me what you want. It's yours.|- I did what any man would do. You risked your life for another.|There is no greater love. You have deceived me.|But now ... I know the truth. You care nothing for yourself.|No wealth, no home, no goal, - -Just the passionate spirit|that drives you on. God uses people like you. Because your heart is open,|you give all of yourself. If you knew me better,|you wouldn't say such things. I take the good with the bad. I can't love people in slices.|Now, no more protests. Let me thank you in my own way. They are welcoming you back. We owe Lady Guinevere's life|to one man. Lancelot. I believe he comes to Camelot|for a purpose, - - even though|he doesn't know it himself. What I'm about to offer this man|is already his. One seat stands empty. - You'd make him a knight, sire?|- I offer no life of privilege. It's a life of service.|If you want it, it's yours. - We don't know anything about him.|- Perhaps we should discuss ... Enough! What do you say?|Will you join us? My Lord, if I may speak? I owe this man|more than anyone here. He deserves any honour|you can give him. But he doesn't belong in Camelot.|He's a man who goes his way alone. In that freedom and solitude|is his strength. If you wish to honour him,|as I do, with all my heart, - - Let's honour him as he is. Let him go, alone and free ...|and with our love. Well ... Lancelot? Lady Guinevere understands me well. But here, among you, - - I have found something|that L want more than freedom. It would break my heart|to leave you. Bravo! Then you'll join us? - Yes.|- Welcome. This is only the beginning.|Go pass this night in prayer, - - for tomorrow you'll be born again,|into a new life. - Why?|- You know why. - Please leave Camelot.|- I want to be where you are. You must not say such things to me.|Say nothing. I will leave Camelot now.|if you come with me. - No.|- Then tell me you don't love me. I don't love you. Arise. Sir Lancelot. Brother to brother.|yours in life and death. Brother to brother.|yours in life and death. Brother to brother.|yours in life and death ... I swear to love and serve Guinevere.|my true and rightful queen. I swear to love and serve Guinevere.|and to protect her honour as my own. Jacob ... Forgive me, milady.|Black Malagant has taken Leonesse. Leonesse ... The gates are open. - Make camp for the night.|- Where. sire? There. It's too exposed. sire.|We could never possibly defend it. Sire. They're not here. There's no one here! Draw! Loose! Charge! Attack! - Archers in position, sire.|- Hold position. - Their left wing is falling back.|- Second battalion to the left! Is our center holding?|Charge! - They're breaking, sire.|- Do not give chase. - First battalion regrouped, sire.|- Sound the advance. - They're running. Do we follow?|- No. Let them go. On to Leonesse! Well done. Your sword ... Sir Lancelot. No! No! - Come out.|- They're alive. You're safe. Don't be afraid. We're glad you're safe. There's a step. Be careful. God bless you, sir. I'm so old now ... Can I go home now? Can I go home now? Yes.|Yes, you can go home now. Bless you, milady. Elise ... I've come to say goodbye,|and wish you well. It's been a long night.|You've not slept. - Where will you go?|- Wherever the road leads. When shall we see you again? I don't think I'll be coming back. Never? Never. I know what I must do now. I never believed in anything before.|But I do believe in Camelot. And I will serve it best by leaving. Tell the King, I'll always remember|that he saw the best in me. And what shall I tell myself? There was once a man who loved you|too much to change you. I'll not forget him. I sheltered under a tree|with him once ... in the rain. Lancelot ... - My Queen.|- I owe you a kiss. I'm asking you. Why? Why? The King asks for you, milady. I ask you not to lie to me,|even if you think you'll hurt me. - Have you given yourself to him?|- No, My Lord. Do you love him? Yes. - How did I fail you?|- You've never failed me, My Lord. I saw your face as you kissed him. Love has many faces. I look on you|differently, but not with less love. When a woman loves two men.|she must choose between them. - I choose you.|- Your will chooses me. - Your heart chooses him.|- My will is stronger than my heart. Do you think I put so high a price|on my feelings? They'll pass. My will holds me|to my course through life. As mine does me, and yet,|all I have to do is look at you - - and everything I ever believed in|fades to nothing. - All I want is your love.|- You have it. Do l? Then look on me|as you looked on him. I gave one moment to Lancelot. Yes, you're innocent.|But you love him! Any more of this innocence|and I'll go mad. - I'll do whatever you tell me to.|- I don't know what to think. I no longer see my way ahead. Only fools dream of the one thing|they can't have. Forgive me. What's to forgive? I dreamed the dream of you. It was a sweet dream ... ... while it lasted. - Unlock the door.|- Sire. - My Lord?|- I'll ask the questions. Did you come to Camelot|to betray me? - No, My Lord.|- You desired her. You pursued her. - The Queen is innocent.|- Innocent? I saw her in your arms.|I trusted you, and you betrayed me. - I never meant to hurt you.|- You leave me nothing! Nothing! You will be charged with treason.|Defend yourself in court. The law will Judge you! May God grant us the wisdom|to discover the right, - - and the strength|to make it endure. Amen. I was mistaken in Lancelot.|As a man, I may forgive ... As a king, I must see Justice done. There will be a trial tomorrow.|in the great square. - In the great square?|- Let's settle the matter privately. You think the honour of Camelot|is a private matter? Am I to hide in dark corners|as if I'm ashamed? Open the gates.|I want everyone there. Let every citizen see|that the law rules in Camelot. Guinevere, Lady of Leonesse,|Queen of Camelot. - Guinevere, Lady of Leonesse,|Queen of Camelot. - - and Lancelot.|Knight of the High Council, - - are charged in their own persons,|and in collusion. - - with dishonour to the realm.|and violation of the King's rights. These crimes constitute|an act of treason against Camelot, - - and the penalty under law|is death. - Sir Lancelot may speak.|- My words are for the King alone. My Lord.|The Queen is innocent. But if my life, or my death, - - serves Camelot. Take it. Do what you like with me. Brother to brother.|yours in life and death. Is it the King's wish|that the Queen be questioned? May God forgive me. Is it the King's wish|that the Queen be questioned? - Who goes there?|- Who goes there? Guards! Close the gates! Nobody move or Arthur dies! My men control the city gates. On every roof,|I have men with burning torches! I have only to lift my arm,|and your golden city burns to ashes. I am the law now!|You obeyed Arthur. Now, obey me. My people are unarmed, Malagant. If it's me you want,|here I am. Look at him! Look at the great|King Arthur of Camelot. He's a man waking up from a dream. The strong rule the weak!|That's how your God made the world. He makes us strong only for a while,|so we can help each other. My God makes me strong|so I can live my life! Arthur says, "Serve one another."|When will you live your own lives? This is the freedom I bring you!|Freedom from his tyrannical dream! Freedom from his tyrannical law!|Freedom from his tyrannical God! I want your people|to see you kneel before me here. Kneel before me. or die. Too proud, Arthur? Do you think|you serve your people better dead? I have no pride left in me. What I do now.|I do for my people, and for Camelot. And may they forgive me. This is my last act as your king. Do not be afraid. All things change. I am Arthur of Camelot. I command you now, all ... ... to fight! Fight!|Like you've never fought before! No! - Camelot lives!|- Burn everything! No! Be careful! Come on! Sword! Camelot will never fall|to the tyranny of Malagant! - Is there no more we can do?|- I'm sorry. - Lancelot ...|- Yes, My Lord? - Where's my sword?|- Here. My truest ... my First Knight. Camelot is your home now. You are the future ...|The future of Camelot. You take care of her for me.|Take care of her. I feel it now, my love. The sunlight. It's in your eyes. |
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