While there are also many changes in the plot of the movie compared to the book, in my humble opinion it is a far better and entertaining watch than the old movie from the 1952. Specifically, actors are more suited for their roles and Olivia Hussey is so breathtakingly beautiful that you will watch her with amazement for the whole movie. While I think TV series is far better suited for telling the whole story of "Ivanhoe" (there are multiple ones which I yet have to watch), considering the movie form, I think this version takes the crown, though that may be tested as I continue to watch other adaptations, though I seriously doubt it. The movie is a bit on the long side though and the pacing of the movie (both due to relatively faithful approach to the book's story) will test you attention span in it's second half, though it isn't a really a flaw because even in this form, a lot was left out. I give it 7.5/10 and I recommend it to anyone who likes the book. Casuals probably won't enjoy it as much due to it's slowness.