Clash of the Titans (1981)

Introduction
The 1981 movie "Clash of the Titans" directed by Desmond Davis, and brought to life by stop-motion animation master Ray Harryhausen, is a classic fantasy, action and adventure movie based on Greek folklore. The tale focuses on the life and experiences of Perseus, a character from misconception, and his quest to beat the menacing Medusa and fearsome Kraken.

Main Plot
This story of Perseus begins with King Acrisius of Argos setting his daughter Danaë and infant grandson Perseus adrift in a wooden chest, to pass away at sea, due to an Oracle's prediction of his death by the hand of his grandson. Humbled by the innocence of the pair, Zeus (Laurence Olivier), who fathered Perseus with Danaë, chooses to retaliate on Acrisius by releasing the sea beast, the Kraken, upon Argos. Following this, Zeus orders Amphitrite, Poseidon's other half, to guarantee the survival of Danaë and Perseus, who ultimately come ashore on an island refuge.

Perseus (Harry Hamlin) grows up on this island unaware of his brave lineage till Zeus gifts him the 'Helmet of Darkness' which makes him invisible, a magical sword and a guard. After being transferred to the city of Joppa in his sleep by Thetis (Maggie Smith), the resentful goddess and mom of Calibos-- a once-handsome man developed into a beast by Zeus as punishment for his cruelty-- Perseus embarks on his brave journey.

Perseus falls for the locked up Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), who is cursed by Thetis to wed Calibos. Pledging to lift the curse, Perseus brings Pegasus, the winged horse and uses his magnificent gifts to victory over Calibos, consequently making Andromeda's hand in marital relationship. However, Cepheus, Andromeda's father, unwittingly sustains Thetis' wrath at their wedding event banquet by comparing Andromeda's charm to Thetis, therefore dooming Andromeda to be sacrificed to the Kraken.

Perseus' Heroic Journey
To save Andromeda, Perseus starts a brave mission to slay the Medusa, whose stare turns anyone into stone and who's the just one efficient in defeating the Kraken. Along with Andromeda's handmaid Ammon and couple of others, Perseus reaches the Island of the Gorgons and handles to behead Medusa while avoiding her lethal gaze using his reflective guard. Despite losing all his buddies in the encounter, he goes back to Joppa with Medusa's head.

Conclusion
In the climax of the movie, as the Kraken surfaces to declare Andromeda, Perseus trips Pegasus and eventually utilizes Medusa's head to turn the Kraken into stone, conserving Andromeda just in the nick of time. However, he unintentionally loses the helmet of invisibility in the sea. Zeus, happy with Perseus' heroism, uses him a location to live among the gods but he declines, choosing to stay with Andromeda in the world. Zeus respects his decision and sets constellations in the sky to honour Perseus, Andromeda and the slain Medusa.

"Clash of the Titans" (1981) is a precious and legendary action-adventure film with a strong mix of Greek folklore, rich characters, and the beauty of stop-motion creatures. It has a compelling narrative combined with a satisfying heroic journey that records the hearts of viewers and makes it a renowned classic.

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