Let me make one thing clear from the start: Ridley Scott and his team of writers have created a totally fictional history of England and viewers would be advised to treat this film as something of a fantasy fiction, any resemblance to persons living or dead entirely coincidental etc etc. Yet despite the at times frankly ludicrous alternate history that is presented, I did enjoy the film rather a lot. Put simply, there is plenty of good action and a rollocking storyline. The old Robin Hood tale, with Richard the Lionheart returning at the end of the film, is ignored in this new version. Instead, the Lionheart dies in France and Robin Hood, complete with a small group of soldiers, makes his way back to England to deliver some trinkets to Bad King John. There is then a nod to modernity with discussions of the rights of the people etc, a clear reference to Magna Carta. Now in reality, Magna Carta was a baron's charter, with those who drafted it having little or no concern for those at the bottom, but the film presents a typical Hollywood 'power-to-the-people' charter. The film's plot sees a French invasion briefly uniting King John, Robin Hood and the rebellious barons. The writers obviously draw upon the actual invasion at the end of John's reign by Louis of France and bring it forward 15 years...so hardly accurate, but in this alternate reality let's just accept it! Anyway, long story short, Robin sees off the French, soon provoking John's jealousy and being forced into hiding with his 'merry men'. That sets up a sequel. The film did have a few weaknesses, not least a dull performance by Cate Blanchett as Maid Marion. Late 12th/early 13th century women did not have the freedom to express 'sisters doing it for themselves' views. As for Russel Crowe's accent as Robin Hood, it was ridiculous. At times he sounded Scouse, sometimes Irish, sometimes vaguely Scottish and the rest of the time a kind of hybrid northern England/Yorkshire twang. He should have wheeled out his Maximums voice and we would all have been happy. Overall, though, despite many failings, I did enjoy the film and wouldn't mind a sequel, if only to see what liberties they take with English history!
Review of Robin Hood
