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Robin Hood (2010)
- Review Date: May 13, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Big bow-and-arrow action in powerful redo of classic tale.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Robin Hood adaptation is quite violent: There's a lot of realistic medieval warfare (not ultra-stylized like in some other movies) in the two-hour-plus movie, and a significant body count. Otherwise, there's just a few scenes of sexuality: one couple is interrupted in bed, but there's no nudity, plus some kissing, flirting, and innuendo. A few scenes show the Friar and Merry Men drinking too much honey mead or wine, and the language is limited to insults like the occasional "bastard" or "traitor." On a positive note, the rights of all individuals and villagers are championed over the tyrannical rights of the king.
What's the story?
Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) is an archer on King Richard the Lionheart's (Danny Huston) medieval crusade. When the king falls in battle in France, Robin and his friends Alan A'Dale (Alan Doyle), Will Scarlet (Scott Grimes), and Little John (Kevin Durand) escape and find the king's circle of knights have been ambushed in the woods by an English traitor, Godfrey (Mark Strong), and a band of Frenchmen. Robin encounters a dying Sir Robert Locksley and promises to fulfill his last wish of returning his sword to his father in Nottingham. Upon returning to England disguised as knights, Robin and his Merry Men travel to Nottingham, where an elderly, blind Sir Walter Locksley (Max von Sydow) asks Robin to pretend to be his son and husband to Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett), in exchange for the sword and information about the orphaned Robin's past. The young, shallow King John (Oliver Isaac) imposes a hefty pay-or-burn tax on the Northern territories, but it's soon discovered Godfrey is in cahoots with the French King and is purposely sowing unrest so French troops can invade. Robin and company take action, fall for Nottingham's women, and step up to protect the town and their country from injustice.
Is it any good?
After his paunchy characters in State of Play and Body of Lies, it's refreshing to see Crowe back in action-hero form as the legendary Robin Hood. His fifth collaboration with director Ridley Scott isn't as excellent an epic as Gladiator, but it features some terrific performances by some of today's very best actors -- from Crowe and Blanchett to von Sydow and Eileen Atkins (Eleanor of Aquitaine). It would be virtually impossible for Crowe or Blanchett to deliver anything less than a remarkable performance together, and their banter and chemistry is palpable, even if you must dispense with all memories of Marion being a maid; she's a widowed but fierce "lady" in this revisionist origin story. Even the Merry Men shine as they provide much-needed comic relief. Grimes and Durand, who are better known for their roles on the TV dramas ER and Lost, are particularly well cast.
The political intrigue and Robin's backstory bog down the momentum, making the movie feel even longer than its 131 minutes. Yes, it's long and serious, and quite violent for a PG-13
film, but it's definitely worth seeing for the understated acting and some of the beautifully executed battle scenes (there's just something special about framing an aerial shot of hundreds of arrows descending onto their targets). Don't expect an Alan Rickman-worthy Sherriff of Nottingham, because the lawman barely gets a cameo in this one (and is played by Matthew Macfadyen). For that matter, don't rely on your memory of Robin as outlaw at all, because this is the story of what happened before he was a wanted prince of thieves. Go for the legend, stay for the performances.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the Robin Hood legend has been portrayed in media. How is this version of the legend different than others? Which do you prefer -- this origin story with an older Robin, ones with
an already outlaw Robin, or adaptations with a much-younger Robin,
Marian, and Merry Men? Why?This Robin Hood character hasn't really begun to steal from the rich and redistribute to the poor, but he does call for the king to allow for more individual rights. What's the message about kings and their subjects? If Robin Hood were alive today, where would he fit into modern society?
Why do you think there was so much violence in this movie? Did it make the movie feel more realistic, or was the violence gratuitous? What kind of impact does watching movie violence have on you?
What does Robin mean when he says no king has the right to keep a man
from providing for his family? What do you think about his idea that if most people disagree with a law, they should not obey it? Do you see that happen anywhere in modern society?
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AGE
Very well done!
Just rented this yesterday and was very surpried...Crowe was VERY good...Really cool how the movie sets up the legend....hope they follow up with another installment...side note....some of the other reviews didn't see the movie I saw.........
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AGE
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE UNRATED DIRECTORS CUT.
it was pretty violent, some inappropriate sexual content, it can get boring, but overall i liked the action scenes.
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AGE
It is Robin Hood but with a twist.
So everyone used to seeing nottingham and all the merry men right away but in this they start out at the very beggining when robin is coming back from the crusades. Some people dont like it just because its not the story we are all used to. I believe they did a pretty good job creating a new twist to the whole Robin Hood story.
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AGE
Pretty good
Pretty good movie its kind of hard to understand but, overall not bad at all. And by the way Russel Crowe is a great actor and he was a wonderful choice for a movie like this and Gladiator too!
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AGE
A bit violent
This movie was a bit violent for my tastes. The movie itself was OK though, I found it hard to understand and kind of confusing. I really went to see it because I liked one of the people acting in it.
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AGE
For the kid in you
We've all read the Robin Hood story to our children and now it's time we help their imagination by playing the movie. It's a great cinematographic piece that's suited for the entire family. Although your teenagers will show they're reluctance you'll see smiles on their faces if you can convince them to watch the whole thing. It's a nice alternative to movies portraying killers. They don't use guns here, they duel with swords. All and all, a classic piece for you and your kids.
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AGE
Awesome!
Excellent Movie!! I Recommend this movie to everyone!
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AGE
A True Epic
The tale of Robin Hood has to have been told a hundred different ways. This is defiantly the best. This movie succeeds on every level. From a great cast to a well thought out story line 'Robin Hood' delivers. This movie is a true epic.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Ridley Scott |
| Cast: | Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, Russell Crowe, William Hurt |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 131 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 14, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | September 21, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content |
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