Iffy for 13+
Big bow-and-arrow action in powerful redo of classic tale.
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.
- 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 withan 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 manfrom 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: The messages include: the "inalienable rights" of individuals to their own land, their own food, their own ability to provide for their families is greater than the "sovereign rights" of a dynastic king. The central idea is that if a law is deemed immoral by most people, one should not obey it.
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Role models: Robin, Marion, and the Merry Men are all decent role models, as they fight for what they believe in and for the greater good. They're flawed, but loyal, brave, and kind.
What to watch for
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Violence: Incredibly violent, whether it's aerial shots of thousands of arrows about to descend on the French, cauldrons of hot oil splashing down, or hand-to-hand combat. The action is nearly relentless in the first and last parts, and the battle scenes include deaths via weapons such as arrows, spears, swords, knives, sticks, stones, burning bags of oil, and fists. In several scenes, entire towns are sacked and their inhabitants herded and burned alive (or almost burned alive).
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Sex: The prince is obviously naked in bed with his mistress, when his mother walks in; he stands up naked to talk to her (we only see his lower back). Robin stares at Marian's behind and at her silhouette undressing behind a curtain. The Merry Men spend "a historic night" with three Nottingham women (some kissing is shown but nothing else). Little John says "he's proportionate" despite his moniker, and then tells a very tall girl he's "going to make her smile." Robin and Marian flirt, dance, and eventually kiss passionately.
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Language: Very mild; just some insults like "little bastards," and insinuations about the proclivities of Welshmen. A few exclamations of "Christ."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The Merry Men (and the entire adult population of Nottingham) drink to excess on more than one occasion (on the ship and then in Nottingham, thanks to Friar Tuck's homebrew of honey mead). They're shown nearly passed out from drink. Sir Locksley keeps asking for more wine for him and Robin and later comments on how wonderful it is to hear everyone in Nottingham indulging themselves and having fun.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Five Word Review by redyeah
Barf lame just don't go
4
Good but not great... by meccassault
Let me start by saying I am a fan of both Ridley Scott and Russel Crow and the work they did together in Gladiator, which was amazing. Here's where the BUUUUT comes into play. Although this is a good movie, it's not anything special. The acting was good, as expected, but to be honest- I didn't really care about any of the characters. I didn't despise the enemy, nor did I love the hero. The movie fell short in that aspect as well as a few others. This film moves but at a slow rate. I was catching myself thinking about what I had to do today after the movie was over...That's never good. Then, I refocused and still wasn't getting lost in the movie. Nothing intense ever really happens and the climax is non-existent. There are some action/battle/fight parts but, they weren't at the caliber you would hope and/or expect from the one's involved making this film. All in all, it's worth seeing but, it won't knock your socks off..In fact, a rental might be the way to go with this...I'm shocked
4
Great Epic Action story oft Robin Hood told from more of an historical perspective for the time by critcallyme
I enjoyed this different spin on the story of Robin Hood. The story is presented with the events in history that were occurring at that time and gave an interesting alternative version of his origins. It starts with him and his band of archers in the service of King Richard on their way home from the crusades. It shows a betrayal by John's childhood friend who plans to help France take siege of England. All the main characters are still there but how they pull together is somewhat of a different story. There are plenty of battle scenes, festivties, treachary and loyalty to please all.
4
Not Your Typical Robin Hood Story by Litton62
Leave your old notions of Robin Hood at home; sit back and enjoy something new This is actually much like "Wicked" in that this movie tells the back story of Robin Hood rather than focusing on his time as an outlaw. It is historically accurate in other details which was gratifying. We enjoyed it very much - nicely acted by a great cast. Fun to see William Hurt in this kind of role. The last battle scene is terrific - great action in an unusual location. Must have been incredibly tough to shoot this footage! Writing could have been a bit tighter for a a shorter, more intense movie but we were satisfied with how it played out and enjoyed watching the buildling attraction between Robin and Marian.
4
Original Boys in the Hood by chriskurth
Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe have teamed up for yet another epic film. This film is full of action, adventure, romance and yes, long bows! If you've seen Robin Hood Price of Thieves and liked it, then you'll love this take on the classic story. The writers put a refreshing twist on the story and it doesn't give you that recycled feeling you tend to get when watching films that have been made over as many times as "Robin Hood." This movie, despite the fighting, is a great family movie. Maybe not appropriate for young kids prone to bad dreams, but kids old enough to handle their share of action.
So in conclusion: Great film, refreshing story, must see, great way to get the summer movies rolling!
4
Good Strong Prequel by dmaslyn
All the familiar characters Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham - BEFORE "robbing the rich to give to the poor" begins.
Exciting storytelling. Visually nice to watch. Crowe & Blanchett had decent screen chemistry. The characterization of Marian was creative & different than I ever envisioned her. The bad guys were bad and the good guys were good... you definitely knew whose side you were on.
Particularly fitting in light of our current government situation here in USA right now. So much BIG government trying to tax us into oblivion and and to take from us what isn't theirs. Rules and punishments at every turn - LET US BE FREE! Where is Robin Hood when you need him??
It was a long movie - which fit since this seemed like an epic "saga". The ending more or less promises a Part 2 - instead of saying "the end", it basically said something like "and so the story begins". We will be happy to SEE the next one.
5
Robin Hood ROCKS!!!! by karicanary
Ever wonder where Robin Hood came from? This film will tell you all you need to know. I thought this was a great action/adventure flick. This film gave me a whole new way of looking at Robin Hood. Dump the old movies with the green tights, and welcome the realistic world of old England, and how hard it really was for the common man to survive.
This is a must see for anyone who has ever enjoyed a Robin Hood story. It might be a little violent for the very young in the audience, so use your better judgment when it comes to your little ones. The battle scenes are realistically graphic.
Go, and enjoy this movie!
4
Robin before the hood by moodrojam
Just watched an advanced screening. This film tells the story of Robin prior to becoming an outlaw and before Sherwood Forest. This take on Robin Hood, throws the protagonist and his fellow "Merry Men" into the service of King Richard, and then King John for saving England from the French. The film is heavy on story, taking detailed strides on the build up of Robin Longstride's story and how he becomes an outlaw, which is revealed at the end of the film. It's tongue-and-cheek humor, adventure, action, with little romance. The backdrop revolves around English history along with beautiful shots of the English countryside. The real guiding light of the production was the action scenes, which are on par with Gladiator. Not suprisingly, the director Ridley Scott, was the architect of Gladiator, as is for Robin Hood. Honestly, this is Gladiator with arrows. It's not a "must go", but it is worth knocking a few arrows for. There's nothing after the credits.
4
Robin Hood the real story revealed! by kimmiehud
When you see Scott Free, Imagine Entertainment, Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett as part of a movie - no question: go see the film. It has a few spots that are slow, but if you are paying attention its a set up for the big deal that's coming. Crowe is at his best, methodical and clearly enjoying the role. Blanchett, no stranger to films regarding her native England is wonderful as Marian and definitely puts a new spin on this character. Action is good, locales and cinematography are just right and makes the case for the beautiful countrysides. If you're thinking Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone sword play, not gonna happen, but you don't care - the action is excellent. The flashbacks, the main characters all were great - the story was well constructed, had humor, romance all in the right places. I'm a huge Robin Hood fan and enjoyed this immensely. I'll be purchasing it when it comes out on DVD!
4
Good Review by Optimism
Intensity. Action. History. Scenery and Costumes. Fine actors. Unusual twists. It was a gripping movie. Recommend it. Glad we went!