Director Ridley Scott produces a Hood film worthy of the legend.
Mythical hero Robin Hood has been the subject of many productions, and his name conjures a multitude of different representations. When a new Robin Hood film was announced, its only saving grace was that Scott was on board as director, and the results are impressive.
The story begins during the crusades, as King Richard the Lion Heart makes his way back to England. During a bloody siege of a castle, the King is killed. As part of the King's army, Robin Hood and his fellow archer friends, realise the predicament of the situation, and must make their way back to England immediately. Fate throws them a lifeline after they stumble upon an ambush of the King's men, and overthrow the enemy. With the opportunity to pose as Royal officers, Hood and his gang are able to find passage home. Whilst in character, Hood must then present the crown of the fallen King to his Mother, who then crowns her other son Prince John.
Hood then makes his way to a small village to fulfil his promise to one of the King's men who died in the ambush, to take his sword back to his father, Sir Walter Loxley. Whilst there, Hood must maintain his false identity, this time as Loxely's son, in order to stop the man's land being taken away from him. This involves Hood pretending to be married to the lovely Marion Loxley. As Hood's life become a complex world of deceit and defence, his country spirals into chaos with the new King John on the throne. Political treachery is at hand, and the barons of the country rise in arms against the new king who is determined to bleed them dry. A secret French invasion adds to the conflict, and Hood becomes more than a pretend landowner.
It is an intense portrayal of the Robin Hood story, which takes the King Richard/King John era and the Magnacarta, and uses it perfectly to create a film that is robustly entertaining. Russel Crowe provides a brilliant performance as Hood, one which is gruff, dark and heroic. Cate Blanchet is superb as Lady Marion, with a performance that is engaging and realistic.
Scott does an excellent job of creating a 13th Century England that seems authentic in its dirtiness. The royal drama of the castles is contrasted geniusly with the downtrodden villages and battlefields.
The film is of an extended length, running at two and a half hours with the directors cut, but one of those films that is worth the extra minutes. It is a well developed story that encompasses a lot of history. Some of the editing is weak in places, voices become mumbled and incoherent, but that could be down to the "interesting" accents several of the actors adopt.
In summary, a Robin Hood film that is earthy, fulfilling and expertly executed.
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