“The One who gave the vision still calls”.
We excitedly ripped open the package, and held the DVD case in our hands for the first time. Pendragon was here, it was finally here! At last, the moment of truth had come. Would this ambitious independent film project live up to its trailers, posters, and our own expectations? It was time to find out.
The Story
The film begins in 411 A.D. The Romans have left Briton, leaving the door wide open for barbarian invaders. We are introduced to Artos, son of a valiant and wise commander known as “Pendragon”. He and his family live in a small village near the coast, and face the full brunt of the Saxon barbarian attacks. It is here that Artos’s father dies in battle, leaving the young man a prisoner of the Saxons with the certain knowledge that his family (and younger sister) had been killed.
These events set up a classic historical epic woven into a pronounced Christian theme – An escape, a wise mentor, rising through the ranks (very “Hentyish”), good ol’e fashioned fight scenes, a girl, and of course, a power hungry bad guy that you love to hate. There is honor, there is duty, there is saving the kingdom and said girl from destruction, there is persevering even when all hope seems to be lost.
What more can you ask for? 
The Technical Stuff
This is not Lord of the Rings, people. Don’t expect that level of production quality. I could point out minor technical and acting flaws, but for what purpose?
I will say that for a movie produced mostly by small donations and the rest out-of-pocket, the Burns Family did an incredible job! They have set the bar high.
Nick Burns as the the evil Caderyn gave the best acting performance in our opinion! You don’t get any more “classic bad guy” then that.
The cinematography was excellent, especially during the night village attack scene. Although post-processed very well, the video didn’t seem to have that “Hollywood theater” look. It’s probably just a difference in video camera settings (number of frames per second, I’m thinking).
The soundtrack was not as memorable as, say, the Pirates of the Caribbean theme – but it did its job, and was integrated into the film nicely.
Conclusion
Pendragon ends with the stirring reminder – “What God has called us to, he gives us the grace to complete it”. (OK, OK, I’m paraphrasing…)
Some might call the film “preachy” or “very Christian”. My response would be, “What’s wrong with that!?” I only wish that we had more of these “preachy” movies around!
(Especially good quality, historical epic “preachy” movies!)
You can buy your own copy of Pendragon by clicking here.
- Walter
