Image credit:  Greg Williams

Robin Hood

by Derek Eng – Dr. EP Scarlett High School, Calgary AB Jun 1, 2010

4 stars

Director Ridley Scott delivers an epic tale about Robin Hood’s humble beginnings.

Rating: 14A
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Mark Strong, Max von Sydow

What’s the story?
Oscar winner Russell Crowe stars as Robin Longstride in this film depicting how the noble outlaw hero Robin Hood first came to be. Robin Longstride is an opportunistic expert archer who abandons King Richard’s army during the Crusades after Richard is killed in battle. In their escape, Longstride and his companions chance upon a group of the dead King’s knights who have been ambushed and left for dead. Only one dying knight remains, Robin Loxley, and his dying wish is for Longstride to return his sword to his father, Walter (von Sydow), in Nottingham. Longstride’s journey to Nottingham and subsequent meeting of Walter and Loxley’s widowed wife, Marian (Blanchett), lead Longstride straight into the middle of political unrest, plots and chaos. Amidst dealing with a new king who burdens his country people with even higher taxes and a French invasion brewing over the English coast, Longstride must fight against the corruption and injustice to ensure the survival of the people he loves.

Why see it?
Director Ridley Scott allows the characters to develop in the calms between the clashes of the blades so that the characters can still be, for the most part, believable. A great aspect of the film is the fact that Robin Longstride’s archery skills remain within the realm of human possibility and capability. There is also the perfect addition of mild comic relief within the film that keeps Robin Hood from becoming a deep drama where the situation is always too dire.

Who should skip it? Problems?
People who don’t like seeing a third of the characters shot by arrows should probably reconsider watching the movie. Also, although as mentioned, there is some comic relief to be had in the movie, it is obviously not a straight comedic film, so don’t expect the laughs to come too often.

All in All:
An entertaining movie that is surely a good way to pass your Friday night.

Comments (1)
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Robin Hood review

Submitted by esther (not verified) on Wed, 06/02/2010 - 16:50.

by Kelbey Belliveau - Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School, Burnaby BC

The action in this movie is intense. Unlike previous installments of "Robin Hood," this take on the classic tale turns to a more serious, violent retelling. Russell Crowe is perfect as the legendary character, creating a new image of the classic character. In addition, the entire cast has a good amount of chemistry with each other, making the movie more believable.

The only possible issue people might find with this movie is that in many of the action scenes, people are brutally killed in various ways. So younger children should not see this movie and should probably stick with the sillier, comical versions of this tale.

Overall though, director Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" is an amazing retelling of a classic tale, which has already put its name in the hunt for Best Picture at the 2010 Academy Awards.

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