 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Adventures of Robin Hood
- Review Date: April 30, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 1938
Common Sense Media says
Errol Flynn stars in swashbuckling family delight.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while there's little sexuality and no foul language on display, there's a lot of old-fashioned violence: no blood, but lots of characters are hanged, extorted, skewered with swords and arrows, and generally attacked. The film's villain is an effeminate simperer, pairing villainous deeds with stereotypically gay characteristics, which could in effect demonize both together.
What's the story?
Errol Flynn stars as Lord Robin of Locksley, a Saxon nobleman who's enraged at the mistreatment of his people and the world-domination ambitions of his government. When King Richard the Lionheart (Ian Hunter) leaves on a crusade, England falls into the hands of his meglomaniacal and simpering brother Prince John (Claude Rains), who is only out to fill his pockets with Saxon money. He abuses the people, overtaxes them, and leaves them impoverished and enraged. Robin takes on their cause as a leader, becoming an outlaw for resisting Prince John's will. Soon, Robin is making a fool of the prince and wooing the beautiful Norman Maid Marion (Olivia de Havilland). But can he win out over John and return King Richard to the throne?
Is it any good?
It's almost hilarious these days to watch much older films. The rat-tat-tat quickfire dialogue, the arch, patrician accents, and acting that seems stilted and false can make it hard for younger viewers to enjoy a film like THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. But if they stick it out, they'll be treated to a great story, some unintentionally funny moments, and a window into a distinctly 1930s American sensibility. What's fascinating about this Robin Hood is that it's less a sweet and cartoonish fairy tale than it is a thinly veiled attack on American capitalism and an absentee leader. When the king returns in disguise and asks Robin whom he blames for the chaos in England, he says, "I blame Richard. His task was here at home defending his own people instead of deserting them to fight in foreign lands." You can't get much more transparent than that.
And the whole robbing-from-the-rich-giving-to-the-poor couldn't be more clear: "To them this is heaven," Robin explains to Marion after ambushing the royal entourage and taking their riches and giving them to the starving Saxons. "Suits for rags, kindness instead of riches, limitless food instead of hunger. Why, they're actually happy." It's hard to imagine a blockbuster movie today offering such lefty sentiments. Politics aside, it's a rare action movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that definitely adds to the fun here. Even during fight scenes, the music is light and upbeat. Compared to other man-against-his-government films like the dour Shooter, Robin Hood is refreshing. And don't forget to enjoy the costumes. It's delightful that in Medieval England, Marion still manages to float through Sherwood Forest in a collection of silk, lame, satin, and chiffon ball gowns. You have to admire that in a girl.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the film reflected what was happening in the world in 1938. It's a good opportunity to teach kids about allegories -- that is, stories that have both literal and symbolic meaning. Can viewers spot the allegories for issues at the forefront of World War II America, including labor unionism, the Holocaust, and the Great Depression? What does Robin Hood represent? Why is the idea of a resistance important?
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AGE
We loved men in tights!
Funny, high energy, just a good time movie! I highly recommend it.
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AGE
Old-Fashioned Fun and a great introduction to classic movies
One of the best classic movies to introduce kids to old movies. Equally enjoyable for boys and girls. Teaches kids about tyranny, justice, fair play, sharing with others when you have more and they have less. There is some violence (e.g., fighting with bows and arrows, swords, an attempted hanging) and a little blood, so it's important to watch these scenes with your kids and explain how real violence hurts. But mostly, it's good clean old-fashioned fun, exhilarating and charming. Though the bad prince is a bit effeminate, I wouldn't necessarily characterize this as outright homophobia, as the reviewer on this site does. Also pair this movie with Disney's animated ROBIN HOOD and invite the kids to compare.
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AGE
One of my most favorite versions of Robin Hood! Errol Flynn does an awesome job playing Robin! Sure to be a hit and a family favorite :)
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AGE
Classic Adventure - Lots of Fun
This is a great movie, which has good fighting scenes and evil villains. Errol Flynn makes a good Robin Hood. I recommend this movie for kids 6 and up.
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| Topics: | adventures |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Directors: | Michael Curtiz, William Keighley |
| Cast: | Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 14, 1938 |
| DVD release date: | September 30, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | adventure violence |
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