169 reviews
This is a very good, under-rated action/drama/and slightly historical movie.
The basic story concerns Rob Roy's borrowing of 1000 pounds, its theft, and the problems it causes for his family and indirectly his clansmen.
Cunningham( Tim Roth) is an amazing villain and character in this story. Brutally cold and if you watch his face he seems to be able to turn his eyes off and look completely evil.
Rob Roy (Liam Neeson) is excellent too, but i think the writers used the word "honour" 1 too many times.
The rest of the cast is strong, and the whole movie is very well acted and filmed.
The Action is exciting and the sword play very realistic, but not too gory. The story is good and you really want Rob to win.
All in all just shy of a classic.
The basic story concerns Rob Roy's borrowing of 1000 pounds, its theft, and the problems it causes for his family and indirectly his clansmen.
Cunningham( Tim Roth) is an amazing villain and character in this story. Brutally cold and if you watch his face he seems to be able to turn his eyes off and look completely evil.
Rob Roy (Liam Neeson) is excellent too, but i think the writers used the word "honour" 1 too many times.
The rest of the cast is strong, and the whole movie is very well acted and filmed.
The Action is exciting and the sword play very realistic, but not too gory. The story is good and you really want Rob to win.
All in all just shy of a classic.
- stormruston
- Aug 19, 2005
- Permalink
Rob Roy is directed by Michael Caton-Jones and written by Alan Sharp. It stars Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Eric Stoltz, Andrew Keir and Brian Cox. Music is by Carter Burwell and cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub.
Neeson is Rob Roy MacGregor, an 18th Century Scottish historical figure who borrows £1,000 from the Marquis of Montrose (Hurt) with the plan to improve his clan's way of life. But the money is stolen in transit by the dastardly Archibald Cunnigham (Roth), so unable to repay the loan, Roy is forced to live as an outlaw. From such seeds are legends born.
Beautifully shot on location in parts of the Scottish Highlands, Rob Roy somewhat got lost in the slip stream of Mel Gibson's Braveheart. A shame, for although not as epic or as rousing as Gibson's Oscar grabber, Caton-Jones' film is a different and more reflective type of historical piece. Thematically the film is a play on virtues, in fact it's a trumpet playing fanfare for such. Honesty, honour, loyalty, fidelity and love nestle in nicely with the wonderful landscapes, born out by Sharp's intelligent script. But that's not to say that the director hasn't got the requisite thrust of stirring adventure within, he has, and Rob Roy rewards in that department as well. The films crowning glory is a climatic sword fight, no tricks or hard to believe heroics, just an expertly shot long sequence that's choreographed sublimely by William Hobbs and Robert G. Goodwin. While Carter Burwell's score sits nice with the visual treats - even if the Gaelic strains within the orchestration sound more Irish than Scottish...
Cast work well. Although Neeson looks the part as the robust Roy, there's no need for being dashing here, character calls for strength of mind and body, as well as emotional fortitude with the love of his family, and thus Neeson plays it with ease. Lange, an interesting casting choice as the missus, shorn of make up, yet still naturally sexy, she gives Mary MacGregor believable strength. However, it's undeniably Tim Roth's movie, part effeminate fop, part calculating bastard, his villainous turn as Archibald Cunningham has to be seen to be believed. He was rightly nominated for an Academy Award for his efforts. The rest impact well, Cox and Hurt, great pros as always, and Stoltz too isn't found wanting. There's some iffy accents at times, so what's new there? And if I'm to be churlish, then it often feels wrong in period. Yet they are small complaints in what is otherwise a smart and lovely splinter from the swashbuckling tree. 8/10
Neeson is Rob Roy MacGregor, an 18th Century Scottish historical figure who borrows £1,000 from the Marquis of Montrose (Hurt) with the plan to improve his clan's way of life. But the money is stolen in transit by the dastardly Archibald Cunnigham (Roth), so unable to repay the loan, Roy is forced to live as an outlaw. From such seeds are legends born.
Beautifully shot on location in parts of the Scottish Highlands, Rob Roy somewhat got lost in the slip stream of Mel Gibson's Braveheart. A shame, for although not as epic or as rousing as Gibson's Oscar grabber, Caton-Jones' film is a different and more reflective type of historical piece. Thematically the film is a play on virtues, in fact it's a trumpet playing fanfare for such. Honesty, honour, loyalty, fidelity and love nestle in nicely with the wonderful landscapes, born out by Sharp's intelligent script. But that's not to say that the director hasn't got the requisite thrust of stirring adventure within, he has, and Rob Roy rewards in that department as well. The films crowning glory is a climatic sword fight, no tricks or hard to believe heroics, just an expertly shot long sequence that's choreographed sublimely by William Hobbs and Robert G. Goodwin. While Carter Burwell's score sits nice with the visual treats - even if the Gaelic strains within the orchestration sound more Irish than Scottish...
Cast work well. Although Neeson looks the part as the robust Roy, there's no need for being dashing here, character calls for strength of mind and body, as well as emotional fortitude with the love of his family, and thus Neeson plays it with ease. Lange, an interesting casting choice as the missus, shorn of make up, yet still naturally sexy, she gives Mary MacGregor believable strength. However, it's undeniably Tim Roth's movie, part effeminate fop, part calculating bastard, his villainous turn as Archibald Cunningham has to be seen to be believed. He was rightly nominated for an Academy Award for his efforts. The rest impact well, Cox and Hurt, great pros as always, and Stoltz too isn't found wanting. There's some iffy accents at times, so what's new there? And if I'm to be churlish, then it often feels wrong in period. Yet they are small complaints in what is otherwise a smart and lovely splinter from the swashbuckling tree. 8/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- Jun 6, 2011
- Permalink
"Rob Roy" was made at a time when the success of "Dances with Wolves" and "Unforgiven" had revived interest in the traditional Western, and director Michael Caton-Jones, himself a Scot, has admitted that the film is essentially a disguised Western. It transfers what could be a classic Western plot from 19thcentury America to early 18th century Scotland, with claymores standing in for six-shooters. The hero is even a cattle drover or, as Americans would put it, a cowboy. That hero, Robert Roy MacGregor, was a real historical figure who also features in Walter Scott's novel of the same name. ("Roy" in this context was a nickname, derived from Gaelic, meaning "red-haired", but here it is treated as a second Christian name; Liam Neeson does not play the part in a red wig).
The film does not follow Scott's plot but is loosely based on the facts of the real MacGregor's life. In 1713 Rob Roy, a clan chief in the Scottish Highlands, is financially ruined by the machinations of the unscrupulous Marquess of Montrose and his villainous protégé Archibald Cunningham. (Cunningham is fictitious but Montrose was another real person). Cunningham has been described as an "aristocrat", but this is not really accurate because, for all his dandyish appearance and foppish mannerisms, he is really the illegitimate son of a prostitute and does not know who his real father is. Montrose has probably taken him under his wing because he recognises in him a kindred spirit, equally unscrupulous and even more ruthless.
When Rob Roy is unable to repay the money he owes, Montrose has him declared an outlaw, seizes his land and slaughters his cattle; Cunningham brutally rapes his wife Mary. Rob Roy and his followers, who have fled into hiding in the mountains, wage a guerrilla campaign of revenge against Montrose, stealing his cattle and other property.
This was one of two historical films with a Scottish setting made in 1995, the other being the Oscar-winning "Braveheart". The two films share one feature, namely a somewhat disapproving attitude towards homosexuality, which today makes them look rather old-fashioned, even though they were only made around twenty years ago. In "Braveheart" the future King Edward II is portrayed as stereotypically weak and effeminate, whereas here the treacherous Cunningham is gratuitously made bisexual, a lover of boys as well as women, a piece of characterisation which the scriptwriter presumably thought would make him seem all the nastier.
That said, I must say that I found "Rob Roy" a considerably better film than the much-hyped "Braveheart". Mel Gibson's epic is a reasonably entertaining adventure story, but it does have its faults, quite apart from its many historical inaccuracies. It is overlong by at least half an hour, and the acting is of a variable standard. In "Rob Roy" Caton-Jones paces the action in a more satisfactory way than does Gibson, and the acting is also a lot better. I was not too keen on Tim Roth's performance, as I felt that he made Cunningham a bit too much of a one-dimensional pantomime villain, but there are three outstanding contributions from Neeson, Jessica Lange and John Hurt.
Despite his status as Chief of Clan MacGregor, Rob Roy lives simply in a modest house which contrasts sharply with Montrose's elaborate palace. The code by which he lives is equally simple- honesty, loyalty and honour; when Montrose offers to forgive Rob's debt if Rob will testify falsely against one of Montrose's enemies, Rob indignantly refuses. Hurt's Montrose appears to be an elegant, courtly gentleman, but his surface sophistication hides a ruthless opportunist who will use other people in any way he can, provided it is to his advantage. Mary MacGregor could simply have come across as a hapless victim and little else, but Lange (who copes well with the Scottish accent) instead plays her as a tough, independent-minded woman who frequently disagrees with her husband even though she loves him dearly.
The sword-fighting scenes, particularly the climactic duel between Rob Roy and Cunningham, were well handled; the film-makers clearly realised that the Scottish claymore was a heavier weapon than the duelling rapiers more commonly seen on screen and called for a different fighting style. Overall this is a splendid, stirring historical yarn on the themes of honour, love and loyalty. 8/10
The film does not follow Scott's plot but is loosely based on the facts of the real MacGregor's life. In 1713 Rob Roy, a clan chief in the Scottish Highlands, is financially ruined by the machinations of the unscrupulous Marquess of Montrose and his villainous protégé Archibald Cunningham. (Cunningham is fictitious but Montrose was another real person). Cunningham has been described as an "aristocrat", but this is not really accurate because, for all his dandyish appearance and foppish mannerisms, he is really the illegitimate son of a prostitute and does not know who his real father is. Montrose has probably taken him under his wing because he recognises in him a kindred spirit, equally unscrupulous and even more ruthless.
When Rob Roy is unable to repay the money he owes, Montrose has him declared an outlaw, seizes his land and slaughters his cattle; Cunningham brutally rapes his wife Mary. Rob Roy and his followers, who have fled into hiding in the mountains, wage a guerrilla campaign of revenge against Montrose, stealing his cattle and other property.
This was one of two historical films with a Scottish setting made in 1995, the other being the Oscar-winning "Braveheart". The two films share one feature, namely a somewhat disapproving attitude towards homosexuality, which today makes them look rather old-fashioned, even though they were only made around twenty years ago. In "Braveheart" the future King Edward II is portrayed as stereotypically weak and effeminate, whereas here the treacherous Cunningham is gratuitously made bisexual, a lover of boys as well as women, a piece of characterisation which the scriptwriter presumably thought would make him seem all the nastier.
That said, I must say that I found "Rob Roy" a considerably better film than the much-hyped "Braveheart". Mel Gibson's epic is a reasonably entertaining adventure story, but it does have its faults, quite apart from its many historical inaccuracies. It is overlong by at least half an hour, and the acting is of a variable standard. In "Rob Roy" Caton-Jones paces the action in a more satisfactory way than does Gibson, and the acting is also a lot better. I was not too keen on Tim Roth's performance, as I felt that he made Cunningham a bit too much of a one-dimensional pantomime villain, but there are three outstanding contributions from Neeson, Jessica Lange and John Hurt.
Despite his status as Chief of Clan MacGregor, Rob Roy lives simply in a modest house which contrasts sharply with Montrose's elaborate palace. The code by which he lives is equally simple- honesty, loyalty and honour; when Montrose offers to forgive Rob's debt if Rob will testify falsely against one of Montrose's enemies, Rob indignantly refuses. Hurt's Montrose appears to be an elegant, courtly gentleman, but his surface sophistication hides a ruthless opportunist who will use other people in any way he can, provided it is to his advantage. Mary MacGregor could simply have come across as a hapless victim and little else, but Lange (who copes well with the Scottish accent) instead plays her as a tough, independent-minded woman who frequently disagrees with her husband even though she loves him dearly.
The sword-fighting scenes, particularly the climactic duel between Rob Roy and Cunningham, were well handled; the film-makers clearly realised that the Scottish claymore was a heavier weapon than the duelling rapiers more commonly seen on screen and called for a different fighting style. Overall this is a splendid, stirring historical yarn on the themes of honour, love and loyalty. 8/10
- JamesHitchcock
- May 5, 2017
- Permalink
Well done, scenic, finely made film, Liam Neeson is great here and shoulda had the same basic part in Phantom Menace, he is a force of nature here. Roth is a great nasty, Hurt too. I thought the assault scene on Jessica was tough to watch but that crap did happen. The British were tyrants up in the High Heather in the 1700s even as they were in the 1300s in 'Bravehearts' day.
I see this as a bit of a forerunner to Braveheart, though they came out at about the same time, it shoulda done better at the box office and ditto at the Oscars.
***1/2, and boys...that final fight between Roth and Liam...my o my.
I see this as a bit of a forerunner to Braveheart, though they came out at about the same time, it shoulda done better at the box office and ditto at the Oscars.
***1/2, and boys...that final fight between Roth and Liam...my o my.
"Rob Roy" came out in 1995 with a couple other heroic swordplay films: "Braveheart" and "First Knight." I prefer "Rob Roy" to "Braveheart," even though the two films shouldn't really be compared since "Rob Roy" focuses on the conflict of individuals in Old Scotland and "Braveheart" focuses more on whole armies battling.
The location cinematography of the Scottish Highlands is breathtaking (and superior to "Braveheart"). Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange are fine in the roles of Rob Roy and his wife. The sword-fighting (between individuals) ranks with the best in cinematic history. The film also possesses a very realistic vibe -- no anachronisms or campy humor here; the pic really helps one realize what life was like in rural Scotland 300 years ago.
What works best, to my mind, is Tim Roth's exceptional performance as Rob Roy's foppish-but-deadly nemesis. This is a villain you love to loathe. The Roth character is so foppish that he appears somewhat effeminate; but this is merely disguise as he's actually a ruthless master swordsman. Surely this is one of film's top villains ever (It doesn't sound right to say "good villain," does it?).
On the downside, the story doesn't have a lot of drive from beginning to end unlike, say, "Last of the Mohicans." Your attention may wander at points. Of course this may not be an entirely bad thing in light of the schizophrenic editing of many films post-"Armageddon" (1998). In other words, the leisurely pace can be refreshing.
There are aspects not appropriate for children: Sexual brutality (a rape scene) and vulgarity (a man shoves his fingers up a woman's nightgown); as well as blatant love-making. There are also overt scenes of, believe it or not, urination; many may regard this as needless, but (for me) it helped drive home the point of what everyday life was like back then, e.g. Where do you pee if you're living in a shack out in the hills? Or, in the middle of the night, if there's no upstairs bathroom?
The story's lack of drive prevents "Rob Roy" from attaining true greatness in my mind, but the positive aspects noted above certainly achieve greatness and there are several memorable scenes.
The film runs 2 hours, 19 minutes, and was shot entirely in Scotland.
GRADE: B+
The location cinematography of the Scottish Highlands is breathtaking (and superior to "Braveheart"). Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange are fine in the roles of Rob Roy and his wife. The sword-fighting (between individuals) ranks with the best in cinematic history. The film also possesses a very realistic vibe -- no anachronisms or campy humor here; the pic really helps one realize what life was like in rural Scotland 300 years ago.
What works best, to my mind, is Tim Roth's exceptional performance as Rob Roy's foppish-but-deadly nemesis. This is a villain you love to loathe. The Roth character is so foppish that he appears somewhat effeminate; but this is merely disguise as he's actually a ruthless master swordsman. Surely this is one of film's top villains ever (It doesn't sound right to say "good villain," does it?).
On the downside, the story doesn't have a lot of drive from beginning to end unlike, say, "Last of the Mohicans." Your attention may wander at points. Of course this may not be an entirely bad thing in light of the schizophrenic editing of many films post-"Armageddon" (1998). In other words, the leisurely pace can be refreshing.
There are aspects not appropriate for children: Sexual brutality (a rape scene) and vulgarity (a man shoves his fingers up a woman's nightgown); as well as blatant love-making. There are also overt scenes of, believe it or not, urination; many may regard this as needless, but (for me) it helped drive home the point of what everyday life was like back then, e.g. Where do you pee if you're living in a shack out in the hills? Or, in the middle of the night, if there's no upstairs bathroom?
The story's lack of drive prevents "Rob Roy" from attaining true greatness in my mind, but the positive aspects noted above certainly achieve greatness and there are several memorable scenes.
The film runs 2 hours, 19 minutes, and was shot entirely in Scotland.
GRADE: B+
In my review of ULZANA`S RAID I made the point that Alan Sharp had written a Vietnam war movie and had located it back a hundred years to the wild west . Here Sharp has written a western and transferred it to the Glens of 18th century bonnie Scotland . I mean think about the plot for a moment , a greedy cattle baron strikes up a land deal only to double cross the home steaders and it`s up to Mister home steader in a white hat to clear his name and bring Mister greedy cattle baron to justice . The allegory is even more obvious with the amount of scenes that take place in crowded bars that always end with somebody challenging someone else to a fight
No matter because I actualy preferred ROB ROY to BRAVEHEART . Okay I`ve got to be honest and say I wasn`t entirely overwhelmed by either production but at least ROB ROY was actually filmed in Scotland with a Scottish director working from a script that was written by a Scot and this movie has the better cast . Liam Neeson is good as the title character ( And I`m glad no one thought of casting Clint Eastwood ) and he is very well supported by John Hurt , Brian Cox , Andrew Keir and of course Tim Roth deservedly won an Oscar nomination for his role . The only disappointing performance is with Jessica Lange , or rather her accent which keeps turning from American to unplaceble Scots , but I guess the Scottish accent is difficult to capture , rather like the hero of this movie
No matter because I actualy preferred ROB ROY to BRAVEHEART . Okay I`ve got to be honest and say I wasn`t entirely overwhelmed by either production but at least ROB ROY was actually filmed in Scotland with a Scottish director working from a script that was written by a Scot and this movie has the better cast . Liam Neeson is good as the title character ( And I`m glad no one thought of casting Clint Eastwood ) and he is very well supported by John Hurt , Brian Cox , Andrew Keir and of course Tim Roth deservedly won an Oscar nomination for his role . The only disappointing performance is with Jessica Lange , or rather her accent which keeps turning from American to unplaceble Scots , but I guess the Scottish accent is difficult to capture , rather like the hero of this movie
- Theo Robertson
- May 18, 2004
- Permalink
I had never heard of Robert Roy MacGregor before "Rob Roy" came out, but the movie is definitely worth seeing. Playing the title character, Liam Neeson brings the same spirit to the role that he brought to Oskar Schindler, and Jessica Lange also does a really good job as his wife Mary. Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth) is one person very likely to make your skin crawl.
All in all, this comes out as good as "Braveheart" (maybe even better). I laugh when I think of how Hollywood released two movies almost back-to-back taking a swipe at England. Very good. Also starring John Hurt, Eric Stoltz, Brian Cox and Jason Flemyng.
All in all, this comes out as good as "Braveheart" (maybe even better). I laugh when I think of how Hollywood released two movies almost back-to-back taking a swipe at England. Very good. Also starring John Hurt, Eric Stoltz, Brian Cox and Jason Flemyng.
- lee_eisenberg
- Jul 31, 2006
- Permalink
- davidarmbruster
- Mar 5, 2006
- Permalink
The movie is brillant and the acting is as well. Nothing more to add to that. As for the acting, particularly Tim Roth is memorable as the stunningly evil Archibald "Fancypants" Cunningham. This is the role he does so well. Just take a look at The Hit where he also starred next to John Hurt as a neo-nazi, trigger happy sidekick. Not unlike this Archibald character.
Of course, the rest of the cast was simply perfect. The only problem I had with this movie, was slightly messy filming. It was, however, remedied somewhat by the sheer beauty of the scenery. Not knowing much about Scottish history, I find it quite refreshing to know, that at least someone have a low-key, peace loving war hero.
Of course, the rest of the cast was simply perfect. The only problem I had with this movie, was slightly messy filming. It was, however, remedied somewhat by the sheer beauty of the scenery. Not knowing much about Scottish history, I find it quite refreshing to know, that at least someone have a low-key, peace loving war hero.
From the excellent acting of an extremely impressive cast, to the intelligently written (and very quotable) script, from the lavish cinematography to the beautiful music score by Carter Burwell, Rob Roy offers a rarity in movie going experiences: one that is nigh impossible to find fault with in any area.
There have been several comparisons made with Braveheart, which came out the same year. With all due credit to Mel Gibson, Braveheart struck me as too much of a self-conscious and preachy epic to rival Rob Roy as the kind of movie I would care to see more than once. While Braveheart works hard to be a serious epic, Rob Roy just grabs you and absorbs you into its tightly edited storytelling. Not a single scene is wasted.
Rob Roy contains the perfect balance of dramatic tension, action and even occasional humor. The characters are well fleshed-out, perfectly conveying vernacular and mannerisms that anchor them in their authentic period setting.
Further, they are not caricatures of good and evil as we all too often observe in even modern film.
For example, while we hope the heroic Rob Roy prevails, we realize his predicaments are products of his own pride and sense of honor. Tim Roth plays one of the most hateful bad guys in the history of cinema, yet there are moments when we can understand how the events of his life have shaped him into becoming what he is. Rob Roy employs a level of character development that makes its story even more believable and gripping.
Rob Roy is a delightful treasure, featuring one of the greatest sword fights ever choreographed and a climatic ending worthy of all the tense anticipation.
There have been several comparisons made with Braveheart, which came out the same year. With all due credit to Mel Gibson, Braveheart struck me as too much of a self-conscious and preachy epic to rival Rob Roy as the kind of movie I would care to see more than once. While Braveheart works hard to be a serious epic, Rob Roy just grabs you and absorbs you into its tightly edited storytelling. Not a single scene is wasted.
Rob Roy contains the perfect balance of dramatic tension, action and even occasional humor. The characters are well fleshed-out, perfectly conveying vernacular and mannerisms that anchor them in their authentic period setting.
Further, they are not caricatures of good and evil as we all too often observe in even modern film.
For example, while we hope the heroic Rob Roy prevails, we realize his predicaments are products of his own pride and sense of honor. Tim Roth plays one of the most hateful bad guys in the history of cinema, yet there are moments when we can understand how the events of his life have shaped him into becoming what he is. Rob Roy employs a level of character development that makes its story even more believable and gripping.
Rob Roy is a delightful treasure, featuring one of the greatest sword fights ever choreographed and a climatic ending worthy of all the tense anticipation.
To bad for this fine film that it had to be released the same year as Braveheart. Though it is a very different kind of film, the conflict between Scottish commoners and English nobility is front and center here as well. Roughly 400 years had passed between the time Braveheart took place and Rob Roy was set, but some things never seemed to change. Scottland is still run by English nobles, and the highlanders never can seem to catch a break when dealing with them. Rob Roy is handsomely done, but not the grand epic that Braveheart was. There are no large-scale battles, and the conflict here is more between individuals. And helpfully so not all Englishmen are portrayed as evil this time. Rob Roy is simply a film about those with honor, and those who are truly evil.
Liam Neeson plays the title character Rob Roy MacGregor. He is the leader of the MacGregor clan and his basic function is to tend to and protect the cattle of the local nobleman of record known as the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt). Things look pretty rough for the MacGregor clan as winter is approaching, and there seems to be a lack of food for everyone. Rob Roy puts together a plan to borrow 1000 pounds from the Marquis and purchase some cattle of his own. He would then sell them off for a higher price and use the money to improve the general well-being of his community. Sounds fair enough, doesn't it? Problems arise when two cronies of the Marquis steal the money for themselves. One of them, known as Archibald Cunningham, is perhaps the most evil character ever put on film. Played wonderfully by Tim Roth, this man is a penniless would-be noble who has been sent to live with the Marquis by his mother. This man is disgustingly effeminate, rude, heartless, and very dangerous with a sword. He fathers a child with a hand maiden and refuses to own up to the responsibility. He rapes Macgregor's wife and burns him out of his home. This guy is truly as rotten as movie characters come. Along with another crony of the Marquis (Brian Cox) Cunningham steals the money and uses it to settle his own debts. Though it is painfully obvious to most people what happened, the Marquis still holds MacGregor to the debt. This sets up conflict that will take many lives and challenge the strengths of a man simply fighting to hold on to his dignity.
Spoilers ahead!!!!!
Luckily for the MacGregor's, a Duke who is no friend to the Marquis sets up a final duel between Rob Roy and Cunningham to resolve the conflict one and for all. This sword fight has been considered by many to be one of the best ever filmed. Cunningham is thought by many to be a sure winner with his speed and grace. And for most of the fight, it looks like these attributes will win out. Just when it looks like Rob Roy is finished, he turns the tables in a shockingly grotesque manner. The first time you see what happens, you will probably be as shocked as Cunningham! Rob Roy is beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted, and perfectly paced. The score is quite memorable, too. The casting choices seem to have worked out as Jessica Lange, who might seem to be out of her element, actually turns in one of the strongest performances as Mary MacGregor. The film is violent, but there isn't too much gore. It is a lusty picture full of deviant behavior, however. The nobility are largely played as being amoral and sleazy. The film has no obvious flaws, thus it gets 10 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
Liam Neeson plays the title character Rob Roy MacGregor. He is the leader of the MacGregor clan and his basic function is to tend to and protect the cattle of the local nobleman of record known as the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt). Things look pretty rough for the MacGregor clan as winter is approaching, and there seems to be a lack of food for everyone. Rob Roy puts together a plan to borrow 1000 pounds from the Marquis and purchase some cattle of his own. He would then sell them off for a higher price and use the money to improve the general well-being of his community. Sounds fair enough, doesn't it? Problems arise when two cronies of the Marquis steal the money for themselves. One of them, known as Archibald Cunningham, is perhaps the most evil character ever put on film. Played wonderfully by Tim Roth, this man is a penniless would-be noble who has been sent to live with the Marquis by his mother. This man is disgustingly effeminate, rude, heartless, and very dangerous with a sword. He fathers a child with a hand maiden and refuses to own up to the responsibility. He rapes Macgregor's wife and burns him out of his home. This guy is truly as rotten as movie characters come. Along with another crony of the Marquis (Brian Cox) Cunningham steals the money and uses it to settle his own debts. Though it is painfully obvious to most people what happened, the Marquis still holds MacGregor to the debt. This sets up conflict that will take many lives and challenge the strengths of a man simply fighting to hold on to his dignity.
Spoilers ahead!!!!!
Luckily for the MacGregor's, a Duke who is no friend to the Marquis sets up a final duel between Rob Roy and Cunningham to resolve the conflict one and for all. This sword fight has been considered by many to be one of the best ever filmed. Cunningham is thought by many to be a sure winner with his speed and grace. And for most of the fight, it looks like these attributes will win out. Just when it looks like Rob Roy is finished, he turns the tables in a shockingly grotesque manner. The first time you see what happens, you will probably be as shocked as Cunningham! Rob Roy is beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted, and perfectly paced. The score is quite memorable, too. The casting choices seem to have worked out as Jessica Lange, who might seem to be out of her element, actually turns in one of the strongest performances as Mary MacGregor. The film is violent, but there isn't too much gore. It is a lusty picture full of deviant behavior, however. The nobility are largely played as being amoral and sleazy. The film has no obvious flaws, thus it gets 10 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
- TOMASBBloodhound
- Jun 2, 2007
- Permalink
I guess that everybody who sees this movie will immediately compare it to "Braveheart". And that's not only because both stories are situated in Schotland and are based on a historical figure. I found it quite surprising that two movies, who were made with only one year in between, could share so many similarities, but still could be so different. But I believe that every movie has the right to stand on its own and that's why I will not compare the two into detail.
In the highlands of Schotland, Rob Roy tries to lead his small town to a better future. As a former cattle thief and because he now protects these animals for other thieves, he knows the difference between good and bad cattle. He decides to borrow money from the local nobility so he can buy a herd on the market, which he then will sell on the other side of the country with a large profit margin. But when the money is stolen and he is accused of the theft, he has not only to defend his honor, but also his family from the ones that have always wanted to get rid of him...
The best thing this movie had to offer were the realistic characters. The highlanders, the thieves, the noblemen,... all characters were well-developed and interesting. The fact that they all felt real in this movie also has a lot to do with the good acting of course. Let's take the character of Rob Roy for instance. Somehow, Liam Neeson isn't exactly the man I would think of for this kind of role, but he sure proves that he is capable of doing it well. But only talking about Neeson's performance wouldn't be fair towards the other actors as they all did a very fine job portraying their own characters.
Overall this is an interesting movie with a good story, some nice scenes and fine performances. When you've seen Braveheart, you'll notice the similarities, but these are still two different movies and should be treated that way. I give this movie a 7/10, maybe even a 7.5/10.
In the highlands of Schotland, Rob Roy tries to lead his small town to a better future. As a former cattle thief and because he now protects these animals for other thieves, he knows the difference between good and bad cattle. He decides to borrow money from the local nobility so he can buy a herd on the market, which he then will sell on the other side of the country with a large profit margin. But when the money is stolen and he is accused of the theft, he has not only to defend his honor, but also his family from the ones that have always wanted to get rid of him...
The best thing this movie had to offer were the realistic characters. The highlanders, the thieves, the noblemen,... all characters were well-developed and interesting. The fact that they all felt real in this movie also has a lot to do with the good acting of course. Let's take the character of Rob Roy for instance. Somehow, Liam Neeson isn't exactly the man I would think of for this kind of role, but he sure proves that he is capable of doing it well. But only talking about Neeson's performance wouldn't be fair towards the other actors as they all did a very fine job portraying their own characters.
Overall this is an interesting movie with a good story, some nice scenes and fine performances. When you've seen Braveheart, you'll notice the similarities, but these are still two different movies and should be treated that way. I give this movie a 7/10, maybe even a 7.5/10.
- philip_vanderveken
- Jul 17, 2005
- Permalink
"Rob Roy" is a historical adventure in the spirit of "Braveheart" with a little bit of "Lord of the Rings" thrown into the mix. It wants to be exciting and epic, but try as it might, it's rather forgettable.
Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) needs money, so he goes to the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt) to offer him a business proposition that will make them both a lot of money. Things don't go as planned, and a man named Cunningham (Tim Roth) steals the money and blames it on MacGregor. So MacGregor must fight to save his clan and defend his honor.
That's the story in a nutshell. It's really more complex than that, but truthfully it's not worth going into.
By all accounts this should be a good movie. The performances are solid, being both standard adventure characters and complex individuals at the same time. The film looks great. So why isn't this a great film? The truth is that apart from a few instances, I could really care less about anything that happened. The most important thing a movie has to do is draw the audience into the story, and for me, "Rob Roy" fails to do that.
There are two characters that illicited a response from me. Most importantly is Cunningham, played by Tim Roth. He's as vile as they come. He could care less about anyone, and no act of villainy is beyond his capability. The second Alasdair MacGregor, Rob Roy's brother, if only because he's rather likable.
There are two things I must address. One is why they chose "Rob Roy" as the title. Liam Neeson's character is never referred to or addressed by this name. Maybe it's the name of the legend, but my bet is that most people, such as myself, would have no idea who the man was except for the movie.
The second is that the film contains the best sword-fight in film history. Please. It may be realistic because people act in a normal way, but like the rest of the movie, it's rather lifeless.
If you're looking for a good historical epic, stick with "Braveheart." There's a reason why Mel Gibson's film is widely regarded as a classic and most people don't know this one.
Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) needs money, so he goes to the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt) to offer him a business proposition that will make them both a lot of money. Things don't go as planned, and a man named Cunningham (Tim Roth) steals the money and blames it on MacGregor. So MacGregor must fight to save his clan and defend his honor.
That's the story in a nutshell. It's really more complex than that, but truthfully it's not worth going into.
By all accounts this should be a good movie. The performances are solid, being both standard adventure characters and complex individuals at the same time. The film looks great. So why isn't this a great film? The truth is that apart from a few instances, I could really care less about anything that happened. The most important thing a movie has to do is draw the audience into the story, and for me, "Rob Roy" fails to do that.
There are two characters that illicited a response from me. Most importantly is Cunningham, played by Tim Roth. He's as vile as they come. He could care less about anyone, and no act of villainy is beyond his capability. The second Alasdair MacGregor, Rob Roy's brother, if only because he's rather likable.
There are two things I must address. One is why they chose "Rob Roy" as the title. Liam Neeson's character is never referred to or addressed by this name. Maybe it's the name of the legend, but my bet is that most people, such as myself, would have no idea who the man was except for the movie.
The second is that the film contains the best sword-fight in film history. Please. It may be realistic because people act in a normal way, but like the rest of the movie, it's rather lifeless.
If you're looking for a good historical epic, stick with "Braveheart." There's a reason why Mel Gibson's film is widely regarded as a classic and most people don't know this one.
- moviesleuth2
- May 31, 2008
- Permalink
- callingelvis
- Dec 12, 2007
- Permalink
As a Cinematic Experience, 'Rob Roy' is decent, but if you're clearly looking to see some fine acting, 'Rob Roy', just might do the trick. This 1995 Historical Drama has Liam Neeson & Tim Roth delivering performances that are so sharp & effective, that, they even manage to the hold the film, when it falters.
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, 'Rob Roy' stars Neeson as Robert Roy MacGregor, the famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw of the early 18th century, who battled with feudal landowners in the Scottish Highlands.
Robert Roy MacGregor's Journey On-Screen, is decent in parts. The Writing Material is slow and slightly deary in the first-hour, but picks up the second-hour and reaches to a memorable culmination. Michael Caton-Jones's direction is satisfactory. Cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub is stunning. Editing is fair.
Performance-Wise: As told, Neeson & Roth rule the show with their sharp & effective performances. Neeson gets into the skin of the character, and plays a robin-hood of his time perfectly. Roth, on the other-hand, plays the bad guy, most effectively. Jessica Lange is adequate. John Hurt & Brian Cox are fairly good.
On the whole, A Must See for Neeson & Roth Fans!
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, 'Rob Roy' stars Neeson as Robert Roy MacGregor, the famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw of the early 18th century, who battled with feudal landowners in the Scottish Highlands.
Robert Roy MacGregor's Journey On-Screen, is decent in parts. The Writing Material is slow and slightly deary in the first-hour, but picks up the second-hour and reaches to a memorable culmination. Michael Caton-Jones's direction is satisfactory. Cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub is stunning. Editing is fair.
Performance-Wise: As told, Neeson & Roth rule the show with their sharp & effective performances. Neeson gets into the skin of the character, and plays a robin-hood of his time perfectly. Roth, on the other-hand, plays the bad guy, most effectively. Jessica Lange is adequate. John Hurt & Brian Cox are fairly good.
On the whole, A Must See for Neeson & Roth Fans!
This film is often compared to "Braveheart" because both talk about Scottish heroes. But all the similarities stop there. They portray distinct historical periods. However, this film isn't the true portrait of Rob Roy's life. It totally ignores, for example, Rob Roy's participation in the Scottish Jacobite uprisings and the Battle of Glen Shiel (1719), to focus on the personal conflict between him and the Marquis of Montrose. The film also ignores that it was Rob Roy's popularity among the Scots that truly saved him, forcing King George I to grant him royal pardon. So we can say that this film is partly fiction.
Liam Neeson gives life to the main character and does it in a convincing and enjoyable way. His Rob Roy is a thoughtful and intelligent man, who balances courage and good sense, knowing when and why to fight. This makes the character into someone nice to the public, especially when we realize that he is being cheated and fighting for his family and his honor. Tim Roth is the great villain, Cunningham, a penniless lower-ranking aristocrat with effeminate manners (its normal at the time in the nobles of the royal courts). Cunningham is full of wickedness, perfidy and disdain for those around him, showing that nobility of blood doesn't necessarily give us nobility of character. Lord Montrose is brilliantly played by John Hurt and Jessica Lange shone in the role of the honorable Mrs. MacGregor. Some characters feature a loaded Scottish accent that sometimes fails and turns out to be false, but that is a forgivable mistake. Apart from the positive work of the cast, we can still admire the good use of the film locations with beautiful Scottish landscapes. Cinematography is regular and satisfying. The costumes and scenarios are very good and historically accurate. The final product is a good historical context film, with no dead moments or flagrant anachronisms.
Liam Neeson gives life to the main character and does it in a convincing and enjoyable way. His Rob Roy is a thoughtful and intelligent man, who balances courage and good sense, knowing when and why to fight. This makes the character into someone nice to the public, especially when we realize that he is being cheated and fighting for his family and his honor. Tim Roth is the great villain, Cunningham, a penniless lower-ranking aristocrat with effeminate manners (its normal at the time in the nobles of the royal courts). Cunningham is full of wickedness, perfidy and disdain for those around him, showing that nobility of blood doesn't necessarily give us nobility of character. Lord Montrose is brilliantly played by John Hurt and Jessica Lange shone in the role of the honorable Mrs. MacGregor. Some characters feature a loaded Scottish accent that sometimes fails and turns out to be false, but that is a forgivable mistake. Apart from the positive work of the cast, we can still admire the good use of the film locations with beautiful Scottish landscapes. Cinematography is regular and satisfying. The costumes and scenarios are very good and historically accurate. The final product is a good historical context film, with no dead moments or flagrant anachronisms.
- filipemanuelneto
- Jun 23, 2017
- Permalink
The portrait of honor is portrayed well by Liam Neeson. Tim Roth does well counteracting Neeson as Cunningham. When I saw it the first time I thought, Neeson is the man. But then I saw it again and thought that it was brilliant in painting the picture of honor in the Scottish society. The colors blended well and the people did too. Jessica Lange as Mary, the dutiful but colorful wife, was terrific. The whole movie overall captures the Scottish Honor and holds it for all
- battleshades
- Jul 26, 2000
- Permalink
This sweeping drama has it all: top notch acting, incredible photography, good story. It is often compared to "Braveheart" because both movies take place in historical Scotland. Even though I love Braveheart, I think this is the better of the two films. Jessica Lange gave an incredible performance (should have been nominated for an Oscar). Liam Neeson is fantastic in the title role. Tim Roth plays one of the most evil, despicable, characters in film history (he was nominated for an Oscar). John Hurt is excellent as Lord Montrose, another dislikeable character. I am always amazed at the incredible range of characters that John Hurt can play. This is a story of a dispute over money between Rob Roy and his clan, and Lord Montrose. Rob Roy is a self made man, who will not solve his problems with Montrose if it violates his sense of honor. Montrose, who, inherited his title, has no sense of honor. And that is basically what this story is all about; honor of the common man versus corruption of the nobility. This movie is very entertaining, it should appeal to all. It has romance, action, beautiful scenery, and has a exciting plot. One of my favorite films.
A simple but effective action movie set in a historical backdrop. Besides a well acting cast (Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth), Rob Roy got a fine production, settings and that never getting old storyline: that of love, of rebellion against injustice and that of revenge. If you like movies like Braveheart, The Last Mohicans (1992) and The Patriot (2000), you know this one too, I take any bet.
- Tweetienator
- Sep 28, 2021
- Permalink
What can one say about a film that has one of the blackest, most nihilistic, and occasionally most weirdly -I wont say 'sympathetic'..I will say 'charismatic' villains in the history of the Cinema, and the best sword fight since Flynn and Fairbanks were in their heyday? This is an epic about a stubborn, sometimes foolish, incredibly courageous and honest mans fight for his honor and freedom against tyranny. I loved it. John Hurt and Tim Roth were great villains. Jessica Lange was very moving, tender, and sensual.
Tim Roth and John Hurt team up once again, over a decade after their stellar performances in Stephen Frears 'Gangster Noir' film, THE HIT. Tim Roth is mesmerizing as a swishy swordsman with a yen for robbery and rape. The sword fighting scenes in ROB ROY rank with the very best ever captured on film. Although certain Japanese Samurai films might display more frenzied technique, Michael Caton-Jones(the director)seems to allow the sword play to help define his characters' roles. Roth demonstrates a brazen, yet strategic approach-cruelly and intuitively seeking his adversary's weaknesses, while Neeson's character exhibits the ability to stoically absorb the hits, and continue to slug it out. Although, Liam Neeson seems a bit stiff as the noble Scottish clan leader, John Hurt hits the bull's eye as a very wry, British upper class fop. And, Jessica Lange puts a big romantic bow on the entire project. All in all, ROB ROY is a love story about honor and courage without a trace of sappiness.
- kevhol2000
- Nov 2, 2002
- Permalink
Not much of a film really. Liam Neeson is about as convincing a Scotsman as Groucho Marx would be, you just want Jessica Lange to get raped and the pair of them are just too bloody holier-than-thou to be true.
But Tim Roth? - brilliant! He sneers his way through the entire film, when he isn't crawling to John Hurt that is. Even his name is a sneer! What a loathsome character he portrays and he does it so well, ably aided and abetted by the masterful Brian Cox, doing quite nicely in Hollywood in his old age.
As for the rest of it? Rubbish! Certainly not a patch on its contemporary 'Braveheart'!
But Tim Roth? - brilliant! He sneers his way through the entire film, when he isn't crawling to John Hurt that is. Even his name is a sneer! What a loathsome character he portrays and he does it so well, ably aided and abetted by the masterful Brian Cox, doing quite nicely in Hollywood in his old age.
As for the rest of it? Rubbish! Certainly not a patch on its contemporary 'Braveheart'!
Born, raised, and educated in Scotland, I was appalled at this disgusting portrayal of a man who was no more nor less than a cattle rustler. Worse yet, the thread of the entire movie was sex in one form or another, by implication or verbally. To view it, one would think that 18th century Scotland was populated by a bunch of sex perverts and homosexuals. Lange was a joke acting as the "young" mother at age 49 but Liam Neeson was even worse! Taking a "bath" in a Scottish loch is NOT commonplace as they portrayed him - but, it did give them yet another opportunity to demonstrate how sexually driven we were. Save your money and watch Pinnochio.