Robin Hood

Synopsis: The legend of Robin Hood is told from the beginning before Sherwood Forest was his home.

Release Date: May 14, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Action, Period Piece

Film Review

Forget everything you know, remember, or think you know about the story of Robin Hood. Now go and watch this film.

Ridley Scott’s “Robin Hood” tells the story of the origins of the legend of Robin Hood. It begins during the Crusades and moves forward from the death of King Richard. The years that follow are turbulent and full of drama, deceit, and full fledged fighting. As the film packs full its entire two plus hours with many characters and subplots it can be disorienting at times. There is much to learn and grasp and although it is tightly edited there are many instances where you are trying to remember exactly who someone is or how a new subplot fits into the story. Once you wrap your mind around all that is going on you find it is an incredibly enjoyable movie with solid performances by all involved and just enough action and romance to please any filmgoer. The best part is how it breaks away from the convention of the Robin Hood films and weaves a tale that is fresh and engaging. Marion (Blanchett) is a strong, take charge woman who can wear a pretty dress just as well as she can plow a field. Robin (Crowe) is full of mystery and his background and future a puzzle to unravel for both the audience member and Robin himself. The resident bad guy, Godfrey (Mark Strong), is deliberately evil with his traitorous ways. Every way you look at it each character is developed just enough so we care, or care to despise, them; which in turn makes the movie more than just another period piece about men running amuck in a forest. It makes it a good film worth watching.

These were violent times, and this is a violent movie. I am not talking about blood and guts exactly but it is full of sword fights and brawls that will keep anyone searching for a movie packed full of that type of action completely fulfilled. As for the choreography of these scenes, they can be a bit repetitive but organized warfare is repetitive so we cannot fault the movie for it. Just as well, the filmmakers add just enough surprise and glorified violent acts to keep the viewer complacently happy.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): Ridley Scott
• Producer(s): Brian HelgelandRussell Crowe (Robin Longstride)
• Screenwriter(s): Cate Blanchett (Marion Loxley)Max von Sydow (Sir Walter Loxley)William Hurt (William Marshall)
• Story: Mark Strong (Godfrey)
• Cast: Oscar Isaac (Prince John)Danny Huston (King Richard)Mark Addy (Friar Tuck) Pietro ScaliaJohn MathiesonArthur Max
• Editor(s): Janty Yates
• Cinematographer: Marc Streitenfeld
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): 
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: USA