Review of Robin Hood

We would have expected professionalism and attention to detail by Ridley Scott, his team of skilled craftsmen, and those drawn from cinematic and acting communities. We would have known going in that the pre-production efforts as to authenticity of period and research into the historical evidence would be on the screen where it belongs. We would have done more then sense the care and concern for issues of the time, place, and people. Such concerns are now known to be given if one is honored by the arrival of a film by Scott.

What many may not notice is the depth of characterization and fulfillment of purpose his group of works possess. This is where the viewer's own research must come in.

I have followed the career of Ridley Scott since the early years, and one realization has been evident. You must not be satisfied with first impressions.

Certainly his genius includes the selection of the best collaborators in the business, his uncanny ability to select talent in actors, his unflinching bravery in understanding not only what is working but what is not--and changing what needs to be changed--but also his willingness to appreciate other viewpoints and ideas in the midst of the creative process. What is often not seen is the intuitive connection Scott has with the eyes and brains that face the screens of the world and absorb every moment of his work.

Everything is not revealed at first viewing.

By this I do not mean that a later 'director's cut' or 'added scenes' or 'key to the making of' brings instant enlightenment or understanding. What is meant is that there is so much value crammed into every image, every scene, every one of those 'moments' that one viewing is not enough to grasp what has happened in front of you. As I have before in the case of every one of Scott's films, I find something hiding there even after multiple views.

I do not envy someone who watches a Ridley Scott film once. Certainly the choice may be economic, but that someone will never know what they missed. Many years ago, in film school at college, I heard a friend say: "If you can't get it all after seeing it once, you're not paying attention." Perhaps, but I will try it my way.

To me, the choice of Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett as Robin and Marion is a lucky accident of scheduling and fate. Both are masters of the craft. To see them work together is historic and downright great fun. Finally we have these iconic movie characters 'flayed' by so many actors in the past offered as real people, bound up in the cares and decisions of their times, but still not seeming polished in speech or manner. Both of these great actors become who they play right in front of your eyes as they have in all their films. Scott uses them--and the amazing and talented support cast as well--to once again work his magic and transport us back in time to a gritty, bloody, savage England of the 1100's.

It is the nuance and detail of the film that grips you beyond the words said. It is the skill displayed in musical score, stunt work, set construction, lighting and costuming that hold you there while arrows whiz past your head and steel crashes against steel. It is the sheer heroism, humor, movement and scope of this film that makes it far more then just enjoyable.
It is, simply, a historic modern masterpiece.

George Register

From Judith via Schmiddy: "From the moment Robin Hood began I was instantly drawn into a powerful world of wonder and beauty, mingled with intense and consuming emotion that captured my total focus to the very end.  The story unfolded with insightful historical and epic adventure on a scale that mesmerized me.

Russell Crowe has a way of making you feel comfortable and confident to let your mind drift into the story and get caught up in what becomes lifelike in every respect.  He doesn't let you down from beginning to end.  His relationship with Lady Marion is enduring and you can sense the chemistry between them with just a glance of their eyes.  I loved the way they that just fit together so perfectly.

The entire cast was perfect. The story was unique. The landscape was gorgeous and the trees were so breathtaking that you felt as if you were walking through the forest absorbing their powerful majestic beauty (I am a tree person).  The ocean scenes with crashing waves upon the ships brought goose bumps as the sound raged through the theater and I felt as if they were going to come crashing down on me.  And yet there were many moments I smiled and laughed, as did the audience, which further enhanced the emotion of truly feeling the story was alive, filled with real life experience that never left a doubt as some movies do.  The story held strong as it continued to draw me in and make me forget that I was sitting in a theater.  It was one of those movies that time ceases and when it was over it left you wanting more without lacking the satisfaction that so many other films have done (and always dislike that feeling)  It left me with the sense of knowing there was so much more to be told .. yet the foundation had been laid and I walked away with the feeling of great awe and excitement knowing more was sure to be ahead in the future.

I know I will watch Robin Hood again and again and again with same untiring spirit that has captivated me with all of Russell Crowe’s movies.  He has done it again!  Inspiring and Awesome in every sense and I'm so happy I was able to see it on the big screen.

Well I could go on and on like how great it was to see Alan Doyle, who really brought a fresh and cheerful presence to the story.  And how much I've always enjoyed William Hurt and was so pleased to him among the cast.  And Cate was as beautiful as ever.  And Russell as handsome as ever.  And and and ....

And I was very impressed with all the hard work and detail and historical research that went into making this movie.  The best Robin Hood I've ever seen!!!"

From Gustee:

Ok,another UK viewer point of view; I’ll keep it brief:

We went on a late Saturday night showing,(the whole family;3 teenage kids and hubby.)

So having grabbed the best seats in the back row, loaded down with popcorn and iced slushies .;we saved up our pennies for this!!

The cinema was choc-a-bloc other families, young couples, old people, and even older people!, and all ready to be entertained;

So, Robin Hood? Yes great! Loved it!

Good to see it retold in a different light, we get a lot of robin’s here, TV dramas as well as the films.
The idea of him starting out as a mere man and how he ends up as this legend was enjoyable, it’s fresh and new.
And massive thanks to Ridley for bothering to go on location, Yeah! Yes its muddy and wet- its England and Wales-and hurrah for that!
 how lovely to see its green hills and wild seas.

So kudos for the ideas: much better than I was expecting.

Loved_  the wild boys great way of starting that thread. but wanted to see more of them!
        _  the merry men, worked really well together, and just adore our own Mark Addy as friar Tuck!
        _ Russell and Cate,well suited together, have the chemistry on screen; but a lil too brief. Has to be a sequel?
        _amazing battle scenes- got well into it, with the soundtrack of the arrows and waves splashing behind our ears!
       
I’m glad it wasn’t Gladiator –what a cop out that would have been.

 But I’m biased, so what did the crew think?

 I mean teenagers go to the cinema all the time, I don’t.

 Oldest two gave it 8/10; they liked the merry men and battle scenes particularly the arrow through the neck.  Mmmm….
 Hubby likes history and got more out of that than I did, he gave it a 9/10,
 I got lost with whose sword it was, and where it came from? But that’s ok; I’ll go to see it again!
And I’m afraid we lost the youngest 11year old the minute Russell walked in with poor lil dead bunnies. Oh,oh.
Only to be redeemed finally with the arrow at the end- phew!

So a good, fun night out for all the family and seemed most people there agreed.

But there has to be a sequel, right?

From Ann Mary in Spain. DIFFERENT AND ENTERTAINING: A GOOD COMBINATION.

I am a Spanish fan of Russell Crowe since I saw him in LA confidential. This is my first review in English.

Yesterday night I saw the film with my sister and my brother-in-law. Before seeing the film a friend of mine told me: “Ann, you must forget other Robin Hood’ films. This is different”. And it’s true.

First of all, the storyline is great and different. The film is long (148 minutes) but entertaining. When the film ended I told my sister: “ I want more. I want a sequel soon”.

Besides Russell Crowe is, as always, terrific. In my opinion, nowadays he is the  best actor in Hollywood because he has the ability to play many different  characters( Outlaw in 3.10 to Yuma, journalist in State of Play, policeman in  American Gangster, ect...) with a physical and phychological change in each  one.

Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion is wonderful. The chemistry between her and Russell is huge. Their romance is lovely. First she didn’t trust him but the confidence between them increases and turns into love at the end of the film.

The rest of the cast are excellent also especially Max von Sydow as Sr Will Loxley( the scene which he told Robin what happened with his father is amazing).

Beautiful photography and great soundtrack especially the final battle scene.

My score is 9.5 out of 10 because there is something I don’t understand very well. I wondered at the end of the film: Who was the former owner’s sword? Robin’s father?

I hope everybody enjoy the movie as me. I will be seeing again next Saturday!!!!

From Nicole: Disappointed.I saw RH last night with my son and his partner. Russell is good as Robin Longstride but we all agreed to say that this movie is missing something. We were waiting for something that never came. Hard to explain. A lot of events happen and we expect more about it but there is no development. Everything is treated superficially. Cate Blanchet is great and we can feel the chemistry between her and Russell. The name of this movie, Robin Hood, isn't really adapted as the "outlaw" Robin was born at the end. We were expecting something else.

Just got back from seeing this amazing flick.  I was thoroughly entertained and enthralled.  I must admit to being nervous after reading some critics reviews.  Well, after actually seeing it, all I can say is the movie I saw was obviously not the same one that many of the critics saw.

First of all, the theatre we were in was enormous - easily seated 800 or so people.  I am very happy to report it was about 90% full and no one left at all.  In fact, you could count on one hand the number of people who even left their seats to use the restrooms.  The movie just holds you in its grip and you don't want to leave for fear of missing something.

The movie was everything I had hoped for and more.  Action-packed almost from start to finish.  And some critics had said it was boring!  I am flabbergasted at this because boring it most definitely was not.

Russell Crowe IS Robin Hood.  He easily gets into the role and makes it his own, just as he does with almost any role that he's played. And he is in FINE form too.  There is a scene where he is getting ready to take a bath and you get a great look at his upper body.  All I can say is - Mmmmmm.

Cate Blanchett is his equal as Maid Marion.  And the supporting cast was wonderful - the Merry Men, the King, Sir Godfrey and a wonderful turn by William Hurt as an English nobleman.  Max Von Sydow is excellent too as Sir Walter Locksley.

To any who haven't seen this movie, and who may have been put off by some of the critics reviews, I say go and enjoy it.  You will not regret your decision.

Teresa Elbin

From Pat:

Every seat was taken at the Metreon theater in downtown San Francisco last night for the Advanced Preview.

Several rows were reserved for the Press, but we managed to get into such a row for a good view of the wide screen presentation.  I recognized a reviewer for one of our local TV stations sitting on the aisle.

Ridley Scott has produced a film of epic proportions.  The story is well-told, and the various delays in script rewrites resulted in an interesting and gripping interpretation of history.   Make no mistake, this is an ‘action film’ every step of the way.  Battle after battle is portrayed realistically, in a time where fighting was done on a man-to-man basis.  Swords, knives, axes, and of course, the archers dominated scene after scene.  Our hero was in his element, looking wonderful while fighting the enemy, galloping on his white steed, or working through personal relationships with Marion, and Sir Walter Loxley.  This is another solid acting performance by Russell Crowe.

No expense is spared to make the viewer feel part of the French landing on the English beachheads.  It was an astonishing re-enactment, but my credibility was strained on two counts:  1) could archers standing on the white cliffs ½ mile away really hit the arriving Frenchmen struggling to exit the medieval version of wooden troop landing carriers?; and 2) how did Marion get into the fray?  

The theme of brutality is omnipresent and comparisons between RH and Gladiator will be undoubtedly discussed by reviewers.
There is not a weak link in the actors; all are superb.  I was surprised at how good Kevin Durand was as Little John.  The effort to be authentic on so many levels is evident; there is no question each movie-goer is catapulted back to 1199.  The genius and vision of Ridley Scott as reflected in the final cut of Robin Hood is the real star of this film.

********************************

From Liz: 4.30pm Hull England

I have just returned from watching the first showing in Hull of Robin Hood.

I haven't been so excited about seeing a film since Master and Commander. History does seem to be Russell's forte.

After enduring the adverts and trailers IT WAS TIME................

Most will have read previous reviews and know what the story and it's aims are.

The story scanned nicely, the action sequences were breathtaking and Russell WAS Robin Hood, 

I'm afraid it will draw comparisons with Gladiator, but that is because of the the action sequences, the nasty King and the fact it is a historical tale.

Russell looked really fit and honed in the short scene without his shirt. Cate Blanchett was just right as Marion. Her accent was excellent.

The Merry men were great, I had hoped we would see more of them but the film seemed keen to set the scene and time,  rather than all the characters.

A couple of 'downsides' Russell didn't quite nail the accent, he tended to sound slightly Scottish at times.

Also some of the dialogue was muffled (to hide the accents??)

Oscar Isaac was very good as King John, naturally going to be compared to Joaquin Phoenix.  I wasn't a fan of Matthew MacFadyen before but he aquitted himself well in the little screen time he had. Mark Strong as ever was  wonderful and is surely destined to be a 'baddie' in more films. A shame he was killed off in this one.

Knowing that the action scenes were real made it more impressive  not 'looking for the joins in the CGI'

I'm going for 9.75 out of 10. The sound let it down. Some of the scenes were a little short, not allowing us to settle and get a feel for the characters.

It's begging (as am I) for a sequel, there HAS to be one, so we can get to see more of the Merry Men and give us a chance to wipe away the memory of 'Prince Of Thieves' forever !!!!!

There has got to be a sequel,

Anyway it was amazing.................. I'm going again tomorrow.

From Robyn: I'm going to have to stop saying that I never win anything after scoring a pass to the May 11th advanced showing of Robin Hood.  Happily, a two hour, 15 minute stand in line paid off handsomely.  A stroke of luck had me "leapfrogging" into a center seat as people circulated asking, "Is that seat saved?"  I didn't realize that a good "chunk" of seating would be taken by reviewers and movie theater staff.  The hunt for seating delayed the movie by twenty minutes.

Anyone jaded enough to claim that Robin Hood is really "Gladiator II: Sherwood Forest" is going to be surprised.  Different time, different battles.  You have to keep your head on a swivel to see who's doing what to whom.  Not as good as Gladiator or Braveheart, but well done. 

Beautiful photography, especially of King Richard's ship arriving with the news of his fate.  And as a horsewoman, I also get a "charge" (no pun intended) out of seeing horses running full tilt.  And excellent horsemanship, which was abundant in the movie.

I didn't think the "merry men" were going to be half as good as they were.  The only thing that was a puzzle was the boys from the forest, who appeared to be Marian's antagonists, then came to her aid and joined the battle against the French.

This was a "manly man" role that shows Russell back in form.  I suspect that "Ask me nicely" may become a new catchword.

I'm glad, and kind of relieved, that this movie was as good as it was.  A sequel should be a given.

From Steph: Ok , I won’t lie. As a teenager, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves made such an impression on me that I suspect Kevin Reynolds version to be responsible for  starting my education as a movie-goer  ( Keep your bows down mates , I do not own  the very best of  Bon Jovi ). Nevertheless , I think that things slightly changed after this bloody afternoon. Nevermind  Kevin , you can ask me nicely as much as you want , but I  am seriously more keen to dance with you and your wolves than falling in love with you after witnessing you taking a bath naked under a waterfall ( Sorry Mary Elizabeth )

I digress , go back to the present  version. Seen it in Paris ,  in a movie theater near the Opera Garnier  where there was hardly a free seat at the beginning of the showing . The  “smart “ people who thought that this whole affair would look like “ Gladiator 2 “  were all wrong .  This is what I like with Ridley and Russell , they made five movies together , and each time you feel like they’re starting from scratch and offer the viewer a whole new experience .

So yes , This was above my expectations . During  2 hours and a half,  I was completely immersed in a gripping  storyline , written and directed with smartness and efficiency . Thanks a lot Ridley , because even if they have small scenes ,  you gave the opportunity to Denis Menochet  and Jonathan Zaccai  to show  that they could easily cope with Hollywood heavyweights in a superproduction . Lea Seydoux  is no way  Sophie Marceau in Braveheart , but that  wasn’t the aim , and she manages to get noticed in all the scenes she appears .  What can I say about Matthew Macfadyen ‘s sheriff of Nottingham ? Too bad , no direct confrontation with Russell ( saving arrows for the next installment ? ) , but his kiss to Cate Blanchett in his first appearance , His hallucinated look  and the line “   I am half French by my mother ! “  make  me thinks he really “ nailed “ it  :) . Alan Rickman can keep on polish  his small spoons  , he’s always the scariest one ( after all he was raised by a witch hey ! ) . Not that  Mark Strong not frightenned me , but that became a routine since  Sherlock Holmes

Saved the best for the end of my review .  In Gladiator , Russell impressed me by the sense of equity and the respect his general inspired to his men then the wild beast side given to his gladiator . Here , you begin the journey with an arrant knave only interested by saving his skin, you end (?) with a Man rooted to his land and his people by Love . I enjoyed the fact that this wasn’t “ Love at first sight “ between him and Marian ( haughty Cate Blanchett , as always ) . Good thing their chemistry grows up through the movie , so that when they share their real first kiss  , you find it  natural ( not to mention the vision they give at the end of the D-Day  revisted battle on the beach ) . Don’t know why , some visions of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy crossed my mind during their scenes together . Max Von Sydow  , real Lion in Winter , moved me a lot , Eileen Atkins often made me crack a smile and the Merry Men definitely are better singer than Boys 2 men ( and worthier opponents in battle and drinkings sessions )

Sorry , this was clearly a LONG review , but it deserved it . I’ll ask nicely  a Sequel please !

Steph , always lost in the Sherwood forest . Is it coconuts striking I’m hearing ? Ho well , I have  ended in Spamalot .

From Anna: Robin Hood in Bulgaria
Cinema City, Mall of Sofia 
13th of May 2010, 7:45 pm

It is the first time I’m writing such a thing. So don’t judge me too harshly.

I was planning to see the movie on 15th of May with bunch of friends, but by circumstance I attended the last night’s Bulgarian premier of Robin Hood.

The event was in the Mall of Sofia Cinema city.

I went there 7 pm and found that there will be a small cocktail before the actual event.
The Bulgarian distributor organized archery game for the guests. The only problem was that instead bow and arrows you got darts arrows and distance from the target about 5 meters. I throw the arrows and ended up a proud owner of a poster. Couldn’t make it for T-shirt.

The magic began a 7:45 pm. The hall was packed. It was really strange because the hall number was 3; I was on 13th row, 13th seat on 13th of May. Hopefully it wasn’t Friday.

I was glad to see again the fruits of Ridley and Russell’s collaboration. They proved again to be great team. Everything was really impressing. And now I wish to see more of England. I haven’t known that there are such beautiful places.

I was impressed and excited by the chemistry between Russell and Cate. I wasn’t expecting anything else. Russell proved to be the best actor nowadays. I always admire his ability to speak without words. It was strange moment when Robin played the game with Little John in the beginning, because just after the changes in 1989 in Bulgaria there were people who were doing it on the streets of Sofia. I don’t know what the English name of it is. We call it “tuka ima, tuka nyama”. Translated is something like “there is, there isn’t”.

Cate Blanchett’s Lady Marion was intelligent, stand for her belives character. Merry men were as fun as hell and at the same time decent people who will stand for the right cause. I was expeciting more from Matthew Macfadyen as the Sheriff of Nottingham, but concerning the plot and the fact that the real villain was Godfrey it was satisfying. Mark Strong again made it clear he is great when he is the bad guy. Remember Sherlock Holmes. Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Oscar Issak, Léa Seydoux, Eileen Atkins, Mark Addy were outstanding.

It was stunning experience and I’m glad I had the chance to see it on the first screening for Bulgaria.

Saturday……Robin Hood I’m coming with my Merry Ladies...
That is it from me. Have a nice time watching it.

From Jeanette in Texas

Went to see Robin Hood last night at midnight showing.

Younger crowd – bless those fans…noisy in waiting but when the lights dimmed---a pin could have dropped and you would have heard it.

As far as the movie—thoroughly entertaining as a movie should be.

Surely as a fan I am prejudiced, but not once did the word Gladiator enter my mind…as usual when Crowe and Scott get together, it is a new experience.

I had no problems with the sound…there was only one phrase that escaped my ears due to a cough in the audience.

The score was just right.

The chemistry  between Marion and Robin was believable and lovely.

The story line flowed seamlessly through the movie and the merry men were indeed  the merriest.

If you go to see the movie just to watch the movie, you will enjoy it. Don’t compare it to anything else, because it stands alone.

It is a winner in my book--- Crowe as always becomes the character he portrays never seeing the man known as Russell Crowe on the screen.

Alan Doyle, Kevin Durand, Scott Grimes and Cate Blanchett and the rest of the cast are excellent also.

I hope you enjoy the movie as I will be seeing it again this evening!

From Hatchepsout:

I have seen RH on May 12 in the theater that made available the live Cannes Opening Night together with RH. Unfortunately, it was in French and, as you know, you can't perfectly enjoy the gist of the film when not in the original version. Nevertheless, once again I have been impressed by Russell's acting, which seems to be simplified thus conveying a more efficient impact. Indoor intimate scenes are very striking to illustrate it, he plays exquisitely with his voice tone and his wonderful eyes and eyelashes shadows sometimes (thanks Ridley !).
 
Of course, I can't forget it's an outstanding action film with exceptional  battle scenes either in France or England, there are so many actors, extras, horses, diverse actions everywhere,  you feel you are missing things, your own eyes are  not enough to watch everything ! The scenes in the woods enjoy gorgeous and varied colours, the Middle Ages hues are so convincing ! The battle on the sea with the French is a marvel.  

Cate is wonderful as Marian so smart and elegant  in her gestures, Russell and Cate make a wonderful couple. The Merry Men seem to have always lived together, they are really convincing and so at ease with long bows (excellent training) ! All the actors are impressive, Mark Strong is definitely the "ideal" bad guy and Max von Sydow so fragile and strong at the same time. The soundtrack is very efficient and in keeping with the film action.
 
As I was shocked by people saying that RH would be "Gladiator" in the Middle Ages, I watched G this night, according to me both films are fantastic but so different. Of course, the Ridley touch is pervading the films but that's the reason why we like his works of art. What a genius !

I shall see Robin Hood original version at the end of the week, I can't wait !