Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - Review

“Sometimes the only way to uphold justice... is to break the law” – a review of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. 

You likely know the story of Robin Hood already. The outlaw, Robin Hood, has captivated generations and his tale has been told numerous times, his story of robbing from the rich to give to the poor making him a complicated but morally just hero. Whilst Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves isn’t the only good version of the story; it is my favourite.

Released in 1991, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves had an incredible cast. Kevin Costner starred as the infamous outlaw, and he was joined by incredible talent such as Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, and Alan Rickman who played the part of the Sherriff of Nottingham brilliantly.

The film follows Robin of Locksley who has returned to his homeland from the Crusades. Far from receiving a hero’s welcome, Robin finds that his father has been murdered by the Sherriff, and his home has been ravaged. Joining a band of outlaws, his Merry Men, and the enigmatic Moor Azeem (Freeman), revolution against the Sheriff’s tyranny begins. Action, drama and romance come together to form one of the best retellings of the classic English folklore tale of all time.

There’s so much to love about this film. Costner plays a brave, just and honest Robin Hood, and whilst he has been criticised for a lack of an authentic British accent, he’s still an incredibly compelling hero you find yourself rooting for, capturing the bravery and honesty of the beloved hero. The romance between Robin and Maid Marian is all you’d want it to be too; heartfelt, true and forbidden, with so much on-screen chemistry that you just can’t wait to watch the pair get their happy ending.

For me, the best part of this film is Alan Rickman. The Sheriff of Nottingham is a classic villain, but Rickman brought something new to the role; witty, malevolent, sarcastic and genuinely threatening, the Sheriff is a true barrier and threat. There’s something melodramatic about Rickman’s Sheriff, but in the best way; lines such as “Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans, no more merciful beheadings, and call off Christmas!” could have easily felt like pantomime but instead it’s something darker. Yes, it’s funny – this is an iconic line which is often quoted when this film is discussed – but there’s an underlying anger which makes the Sheriff truly threatening rather than a comedic pantomime villain. The Sheriff is dangerously charismatic and avoids falling into the trope of a cartoon villain, instead being a highly entertaining one, and this performance from Rickman is genuinely the highlight of the film.

Morgan Freeman is of course not to be overlooked either. I love Azeem. Warm, wise and quietly strong, Azeem’s character brings with it moral and ethical lessons as well as some light comedic relief. His character introduces themes such as cultural differences, respect, tolerance and unity, and Freeman does this with a wonderful, quiet dignity, making this character impossible not to love.

The cinematography is great too. Sherwood Forest was so beautifully captured, bringing the life and mist-shrouded forest to the screen in a way that almost made it feel like its own character. Of course, there are fight scenes and chases to be found too, and they’re paced wonderfully, despite the film running for over two hours. The score is wonderful and is best known for including Bryan Adams’ ballad “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”, a song that perfectly captures the romance and emotion of the tale and has now of course been used countless times as a first dance song at people’s weddings.

There’s tonnes of action to be found to keep things exciting, from sword fights to flaming arrows, and whether you’re watching a daring rescue or a nearly impossible escape, the action sequences are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Escapist, earnest and passionate, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a spectacle full of wit, hope, justice and love. If you’re a fan of a good, swashbuckling adventure, folklore or legend, you’ll be sure to love this incredible classic. This is a film that reminds you that being a good person and being a law abiding one aren’t necessarily one and the same. It reminds you that you’re more than your title and birthright counts for nothing if you don’t do some good with it. It reminds you that the underdog can win, and that power isn’t everything. “The Sheriff calls us outlaws, but I say we are free! And one free man defending his home is more powerful than ten hired soldiers".

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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