How do you invigorate a character such as Robin Hood that’s been toyed with over the years in Hollywood? Well a good step is casting the likes of two of the best actors in the game such as Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.
The two Oscar-caliber actors do justice to the story built on serving justice and equality throughout the world.
Russell Crowe stars as Robin Longstride, a man who leads a pack of survivalists skilled in Arching. He leads a life of honor and good morale. Witnessing some wrong-doing, he’s asked to return a sword to the fallen soldier’s father. Believing in karma, Longstride accepts the mission. During this task, he meets Lady Marian (played by Blanchett), he witnesses a village under duress from its king. Seeing no other recourse, Longstride does what he can to defend the people with no means to defend themselves.
The sexual tension between Longstride and Marian is palpable. Both display strong individuality, unwilling to trust the other. Leaders in their own right, they meet at the common purpose of surviving, the right way.
The movie starts quickly and never slows down. The run-time is over two hours but it flies by. The story is strong and the acting was superior. Along with the strong performances from Crowe and Blanchett, William Hurt plays a vital character in the movie as well, adding to the great acting.
Though the movie was directed by Ridley Scott (same director from “Gladiator”) and marketed like the “Gladiator” movie, “Robin Hood” held less cheesy motivational speech moments. It made the film more realistic and easier for the viewer to embrace. The films couldn’t be more different.
The film showed how the legend of Robin Hood came to be.
Is it worth your time? Worth a visit to the theater? Worth your money? For once a Robin Hood movie won’t rob you.
Other notable appearances: Mark Strong plays a great character, Godfrey.
Flickr: Andre Portfolio
