ROBIN HOOD (REVIEW)
The legend of 'Robin Hood' is a familiar one in film history,
with the story of robbing the rich to provide to the poor. There has
been numerous Hollywood incarnations. The latest from director Ridley
Scott ('Gladiator', 'Blade Runner') may not be as epic as the promotional
advertising may suggest. However, largely thanks to the great Russell
Crowe, this version certainly holds a spirited quality.
This is an origin tale of the warrior not yet known as
Robin 'the Hood, but rather his given name of Robin Longstride. From
the opening arrow filled battle scenes, to the bloody battle across
a baron windswept beach, to a French soldiers ambush in the woods, Longstride
proves to be a brilliant swordsman and daring journeyman.
It's 13th century England and from humble beginnings,
Longstride wants out of the King's army that treats him as a slave.
Fleeing from the army whilst captive after the king is felled in battle,
he with a bunch of marauders join forces to confront the escalating
corruption and take it upon themselves to lead an uprising against the
country hierarchy.
In a spontaneous act of integrity, Longstride has made
a promise to return the sword of a dying Knight to his father, Sir Walter
Loxley, back in the town of Nottingham. Upon arrival to deliver the
sword, the father takes a shine to Robin. Sir Loxley hopes to use his
arrogance towards authority against the corruption of the ongoing trauma
caused by the order of the new Majesty as towns are being pillaged or
destroyed.
It may not have been on Robin's mind, but romance is in
the air when he meets the recently widowed Lady Marion (Cate Blanchett).
Definitely no Maiden, she is smart and independent, while very protective
of her father. Her barriers are obviously hard to break through. Her
tender moments with Robin are highlighted by a slow dance of seduction,
a rare sweet moment they share in-between fiery banter, and aggressive
courtship.
A brutal civil war looms complete with horseback warfare
and dare I say it, a rousing gladiatorial speech. With a glint in his
bloody eye, pulling a long bow astride his noble steed, Russell Crowe
is a spectacular hero and perfect actor to complete the role. The arrow
filled, sword slashing finale down cliff faces on the ocean's edge is
worth waiting for.
Director Scott however has used storytelling as a detailed
character builder, thus slowing proceedings down to a snail's pace at
times which really halted momentum. The brilliant locations around Wales
and the English countryside are captured in some memorable widescreen
cinematography. Cate Blanchett is as always confident, especially when
joining the battle at the end in full Joan of Arc style abrasiveness.
The costume department has worked overtime in authenticity,
while veteran Max Von Sydow is always a pleasure to see and hear with
his disguised voice - no matter what film he appears. Friar Tuck &
Little John are part of Robin's 'merry' men, but luckily there are no
tights in sight.
Overall, 'Robin Hood' is about loyalty and love. Comparisons
to 'Braveheart' and of course 'Gladiator' are there to be seen, but
this is a unique story that's well crafted. Hugely entertaining, however,
just not as epic as one might assume.
Shane A. Bassett
