The Mists of Avalon - What did you think?

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   kittythedreamerposted 13 years ago

   So amidst all of the misconstrued and prejudiced movies on witchcraft today, The Mists of Avalon was a TV movie that aired back in the late 90s (I believe) based on a book written by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Have you seen it and what do you think about the way it portrays the old religion and the goddess? For the record, I love the movie...it's one of my favorites of all-time.

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      Evylyn Roseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I finally watched this movie a few months ago (after years of promising others in the Pagan community that I would). Honestly, it was long. It was long and there were moments when it seemed to drag. Aside from that, I rather enjoyed it. It was a different take on the Arthur legends and I loved some of the twists to tale. It definitely made me squirm a little at times, but then again such things would not have been entirely uncommon in the days of old. (For those who haven't seen the movie or read the book you probably have no idea what I'm referring to and I hate to give spoilers.) Overall, it was a good movie. I definitely recommend watching it (and break it down into parts if you can't sit still for long).
      
      As for portraying any "old religion," the story is fictional. Does it incorporate concepts and views that resonate with Wicca and other modern Pagan paths? Yes and yes. Does it portray Wicca and other modern Pagan paths? No and only the ones that have based themselves upon The Mists of Avalon. Speaking of paths based upon the story, I've actually come across one that did it very nicely. I was actually a bit shocked since my experiences with such fiction-inspired paths usually were a result  middle schoolers watching The Craft or Charmed.

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      Brenda Durhamposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Wow.  I really loved that movie too.  I considered it simply fantasy, and I like those movies sometimes.  I had no idea that it would be taken seriously by wiccans, etc....
      ...Until, of course, the very last few moments, where the reference to paganism was revealed.

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      Disappearingheadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I watched The Wicca Man (the original one based in the Scottish islands) and thought it was a documentary.

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      Daniella Lopezposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I saw the movie and read the book as a kid and loved it then. I haven't seen nor read it in a long time, so I really don't remember the Pagan themes within the story. I need to watch it again. =P

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      Ochreposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I have not seen the movie but I found the novel an enthralling read when I was an undergraduate.  From my reasonable knowledge of the myth of King Arthur, Zimmer Bradley appears to have done her research; historical as well as literary.  However that said, the novel is definitely one for those fond of sensationalism!

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   Emile Rposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely loved the novel. I didn't see the tv adaptation.

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      kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I found it to be super inspirational and in my readings and research and meditations, I have found that a lot of the scenes and undertones DO in fact mimic the old ways and witchcraft in general, specifically Pagans from the Celtic days.

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         Emile Rposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I don't know anything at all about the old ways, but I found it inspirational also. I live in a tiny community. I doubt if there is a Pagan or a witch living within 50 miles, but I'd love to sit down and talk to one. There is quite a lot brought up here on the forums that I've never heard of before.

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            kittythedreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks, Emile. I agree...I wish there were more people around where I live to talk to in person.

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