Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Duration: 104 minuten
Country:
United Kingdom / United States
Directed by: Don Chaffey
Stars: Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack and Gary Raymond
IMDb score:
7,3 (35.898)
Releasedate: 13 June 1963
Jason and the Argonauts plot
"The epic story that was destined to stand as a colossus of adventure!"
Film adaptation of the ancient Greek mythological story. After the murder of the king of Thessaly by Pelias, only the king's son, Jason, who is still a child survives. Years later, when Jason is an adult, he is told by the gods that he is destined to take back the throne, and that to do so he must go get the golden fleece in Colchis. On his journey there he encounters many obstacles.
Actors and actresses
Jason
Medea
Acastus
Argos
Zeus
Hermes
Pelias
Aeëtes
Hera
Hylas
Reviews & comments
RuudC
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- 4636 messages
- 2529 votes
It's been a while since I read the ancient Greek story of Jason and the Argonauts. So I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly how the story goes, but I won't soon forget the main lines. While watching this movie, at least some pieces start to fall into place, like the prophecy about the man with a sandal. Greek mythology easily fascinates with its great heroes, wonderful adventures and eternally bickering gods.
With the exception of some recent big budget films, I think the best films about the classics are from the mid-century. The strongly outdated image feels archaic in the right way, but also the somewhat theatrical way of acting and the brass instruments that provide the music, create the perfect atmosphere. This film adaptation is without a doubt better than the one from 2000, although of course it also has its moments. This 1963 film adaptation is smooth, well acted and full of good action. I can't remember some chapters. For example, the famous skeleton attack does not appear in the original story (as far as I can remember). Nevertheless, it is a brilliant piece of stop motion by Ray Harryhausen. The scenes with the harpies, the bronze colossus (from Rhodes 
) and the multi-headed dragon are also fantastic. Too bad there was never a sequel, because Jason's return journey is also a great adventure. At least the most important scenes are in it, although I can't remember Poseidon coming to the rescue of our heroes in the Bosphorus either. Wonderful adventure movie!
Translated from Dutch · View original
Brix
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- 19841 messages
- 5259 votes
One of my most favorite "Harryhausen" movies.
Fantastic stop-motion figures.
The battle with the skeletons is undoubtedly a high point in the history of stop-motion film.
Equally captivating for me is the bronze statue of Talos, which comes to life.
I think Harryhausen's stop-motion creations still have more "life" and character than today's digital effects.
Also impresses Nigel Green in the role of Hercules (Herakles actually)
A completely different interpretation than that of the many body builders who could be seen at the bushes in the Peplum films at the time.
The story was made into a movie again in 2000, in TV mini-series form, and a new movie version is currently in the works.
But as far as I'm concerned, this remains a classic in the peplum genre.
Translated from Dutch · View original
John Barry
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- 3425 messages
- 643 votes
After a bit of a slow start, the film releases all brakes. Slightly more breaks would have been welcome, because except for the beginning, the film hardly has any moments of rest. But what a spectacle! The stop-motion creatures are fantastic with the highlight for me personally the bronze statue of Talos. Also the environment and the sets are very good. The film is supported by the epic music of Bernard Herrmann.
The acting of the cast is a bit mixed but overall decent. The characters in the film are completely overshadowed by everything that happens around them. The movie ends a bit abruptly.
Very strong classic.
4.0*
Translated from Dutch · View original
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