Robert the Bruce

My title kind of sums up the general feeling towards this watchable but pensive movie, concerning the life and times of one of Scotland's greatest heroes. In fact it's only really about a month in real time and leading up to his final, victorious battle against the English. Great scenery, competent acting (with authentic details ans accents) but lacking in the sheer excitement and high drama of say a Mel Gibson production.

Scottish history is vigorously disputed territory and the story of Robert the Bruce its most prominent narrative. The story of the spider is deeply embedded in the Scottish psyche and the Bruce's struggles to overcome English domination with the victory at Bannockburn are the stuff of legend.

This film will disappoint those who crave battle scenes as much as those who demand historical accuracy; it depicts the complex psychology of the times with subtle dialogue and the close examination of intimate relationships between fictional characters, rather than chart the course of events. It is intense and engaging, and uses acting not action to tell the story, which concerns only that bit of the legend immediately after the spider and before banishment of the English, when the Bruce is struggling with demons and the rest of the characters dealing with issues of betrayal, resentment and loss.

The release of this film comes at a crucial moment in Scottish history. It is already despised and written off by opponents of Scottish independence as propaganda, criticised for its alleged historical inaccuracy and sentimentality. The director is after all a prominent supporter of Scottish independence and felt that his film would help the cause. In this context, it has already strayed into Scotland's most disputed territory. Viewed with an open mind, it is nevertheless a fascinating portrayal of how actual people in an actual situation might behave and relate to each other.

The acting is pretty good, although one or two accents did not quite make the grade, and there was some mumbling. Impressive work in the children's roles and very good camera work to bring horses deep inside the drama.

Go see it!

Below average. With most of the external shots being from Montana, which looks exactly like Montana not The Highlands of Scotland, it reminds me of a cowboy film. Many of the accents are terrible and the storyline is just limp and unbelievable. There is even a visit to a witch living in an Indian style teepee at one point. Shooting a deer with an arrow after making a racket is not likely to happen, unless the deer is deaf, stupid and stuffed but the worst and most extensive part is that Montana is not Scotland and it doesn't look like Scotland! It's like filming an American Civil War movie in the desert. It might be cheaper but it Just doesn't work. Shame as it's a good tale to tell so many inconsistencies makes it hard work to watch - Montana, witches, accents... :(

I am going to start by saying that the accents in this film are diabolical. Apart from the main star, Angus McFadyen, I found it painful to listen to everyone attempting to try a generic Scottish accent. For this reason I am deducting stars, because I couldn't concentrate on the plot.

The film runs at a very slow pace, which does add to the atmosphere but almost at the detriment of keeping the viewer's interest.

On the plus Angus McFadyen is great in the role as Robert and it is truly wonderful to see him in this role again (after 24 years since Braveheart). The action that we see is very well done and you can tell there is a lot of love in this film.

I would recommend this as a film you could watch in an afternoon but I wouldn't say that this is a film I would desperately go out of my way see otherwise.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film seeing him in a different light and all his vulnerabilities on show. It was very moving and hits you in the heart. Beautifully done and loved it. Look forward to next one. Please say there will be a next chapter.