Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many directors in Hollywood have got the talents of Ridley Scott. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Scott has become a strong filmmaker. Whether it’s medieval gladiators, American gangsters or political leaders, Scott has crafted many strong characters. Arguably, Scott’s best strength as a filmmaker is strong versatility. He is one of those rare filmmakers which has always had an aptitude for making engaging films in nearly every genre. Through his abilities to create characters that prove to be compelling, Scott has built a legacy which is lasting. Although he is arguably best known for his medieval movies, Scott has proven that he can produce great films in various genres. Despite reaching the age of retirement, Scott has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. Throughout an enduring career, Scott has made many unforgettable films that are worth talking about.
I am a huge fan of Scott and adore all movies he has created in his career. However, “Robin Hood” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2010, Ridley Scott’s movie offered a beautiful tribute towards a legendary literary character. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best medieval films ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Oscar Isaac, who portrays a majestic king seeking to protect a kingdom. Ultimately, what makes “Robin Hood” a masterpiece is timeless appeal. Unlike most medieval movies, the film tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A captivating medieval masterpiece, there are countless strong reasons why “Robin Hood” is worth seeing.
Set in Nottingham, “Robin Hood” tells the story of a thief that’s misunderstood. Russell Crowe portrays Robin Hood, a skilled thief with a gift for committing robberies which cause sorrow. Robin has always gotten away with committing crime without facing a price to pay. However, Robin’s dreams of being a thief soon become threatened when he faces disaster. Targeted by the Prince John (Oscar Isaac), Robin soon becomes aware that there are consequences for crimes he has committed. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Robin wonders whether it’s possible to overcome punishment for crimes causing disaster. Feeling as if he is misunderstood, Robin is forced to question if he is able to survive in a violent crime-ridden neighbourhood.
Ridley Scott is fascinated with the stories of medieval warriors. A phenomenal filmmaker, Scott has often made engaging films about medieval warriors in danger. His iconic movie “Gladiator” captured an ancient gladiator that seeks vengeance for his family’s murder. With “Robin Hood”, however, Scott created his first ancient medieval epic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempts to adapt a legendary literature tale but he succeeded tremendously. Through captivating cinematography, Scott captures a thief embarking upon a journey to discover his identity. Scott successfully employs handheld camera to capture a thief enduring a dilemma. For instance, handheld camerawork enhances the thief scene. During this memorable scene, Robin Hood steals a precious artifact causing tension. Through stunning handheld camera, Scott creates a portrait of medieval warriors which is compelling. Handheld camerawork is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” proved, handheld camera enhances science fiction films. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through captivating visuals, Scott captures the tension that ancient thieves are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Robin Hood” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Scott has often excelled at using costumes to construct compelling characters, and “Robin Hood” showcased his strength as a filmmaker. Scott effectively uses captivating costumes to capture tensions that thieves are facing. Throughout the movie, Robin Hood’s costumes showcase his transformation into a thief that experiences adversity. For instance, costumes elevate the battle scene. During this unforgettable scene, Prince John has a tense confrontation with Robin Hood which causes tensions. Through stunning costumes, Scott created a portrait of medieval warriors who h audiences can relate to. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Marc Streitenfeld’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing a painful burden medieval warriors bear. Through bold production design, Scott captures medieval warriors that experience a painful decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Robin Hood” is a medieval movie which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses flashbacks to capture a thief facing tension. For instance, flashbacks enhance the childhood scene. During this bold scene, Robin Hood recounts his fond memories of growing up in a doomed city. Through clever flashbacks, Scott crafts a portrait of medieval warriors that audiences relate to. Flashbacks are tricky techniques to use in movies. As J.J. Abraham’s “Star Wars: the Force Awakens” suggested flashbacks enhance Star Wars movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Scott captures thieves which experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Oscar Isaac delivers one of his best career performances as Prince John. Isaac earned appreciation for playing famous singers in musical dramas. With “Robin Hood”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a Klingon facing catastrophe but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him: intense, charismatic and bold in his most memorable role. Isaac has often had a talent for playing emotional heroes facing pressure, and “Robin Hood” showcased his strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, Bravery and tensions of a medieval warrior facing tension. It’s a bold performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Oscar Isaac, the support cast is also great and merits attentions. Russel Crowe is strong, capturing the sorrow of a thief engaging in a life of crime at a low. Cate Blanchett is superb, capturing the regret of a woman engaging in crime causing her to fret. Lastly, Danny Huston merits appreciation. As a comical thief, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “Robin Hood” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing thieves which prove misunderstood. Unlike most movies about bold warriors, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, mental health and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Robin Hood tales to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message regarding trauma which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Robin Hood” is one of those rare medieval movies everyone would definitely in time adore.
Fans of Ridley Scott would definitely enjoy “Robin Hood” and so would movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. A riveting medieval epic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy that’s iconic.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a thief seeking to defend an endangered kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has achieved stardom by playing compelling characters with wisdom in memorable movies that definitely don’t deserve any criticism.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 