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All Movie Info
Starring:
Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, Tim Roth, John Hurt, Eric Stoltz, Andrew Keir, Brian Cox, Brian McCardie, David Hayman, Jason Flemyng, Shirley Henderson, Ewan Stewart
Directed By:
Michael Caton-Jones
Written By:
Alan Sharp
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Rob Roy (1995)
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Movie Review by Jarrod
August 8th, 2007
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'Rob Roy' is a grand, sweeping historical epic, marvelously entertaining, with one of the best sword fight sequences ever filmed, far more intense and better choreographed than any before it, particularly those in Erroll Flynn swashbucklers, or in a Musketeer tale, where one would most often find the sword as the primary combat weapon and means of defense. Based on a novel by Sir Walter Scott, 'Rob Roy' is the story of a Scottish folk hero, Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson), a man of honor and dignity, kind-hearted, happily married to Mary (Jessica Lange), with two children. He is a farmer and seeks out the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt), a prancing, spoiled aristocrat, to ask for a loan of 1000 pounds, which he intends to invest wisely in cattle raising, which would turn a handsome profit, benefitting both he and the Marquis.
However, the money is stolen by the scheming, sadistic Cunningham (Tim Roth), who is always in debt, and relies on the Marquis to bail him out. MacGregor is blamed for the theft, and Cunningham pursues him. Cunningham is a deadly sword fighter, his skills unrivaled in England, and disguised by his effeminate demeanor and foppish appearance, his head always covered by a powdered wig. He kills and rapes without compunction, and even beds chambermaids. Brian Cox is Killearn, a greedy tax collector who tips off Cunningham about the loan and the man MacGregor has sent to retrieve it. Rob Roy goes on the run, gets captured, eventually faces Cunningham in a duel.
Tim Roth creates a memorably nasty villain, in a terrific performance that earned him a well-deserved Oscar nomination. There is little sympathy to be had for the selfish, cruel, and immature Cunningham. John Hurt is great as the arrogant Marquis, who intriguingly seems to suspect Cunningham of robbing him, but chooses to go after MacGregor, because this is how he could salvage his own reputation. Lange is wonderful as MacGregor's strong-willed, supportive wife. And Neeson, needles to say, is the perfect choice for the title character; he embodies all of the inherent qualities, and has incredible screen presence.
The movie looks spectacular, as well, with marvelously lush scenery and sterling recreations of 18th century Scotland, the grime of the peasants' villages, the luxurious opulence of the nobles' estates and palaces, the green, natural beauty of the open countryside. It is also a celebration of Scottish history and culture, with loving odes to traditional Scottish music, made with affection and style by director Michael Caton-Jones. 'Rob Roy' works as both exhilarating action and first-rate drama, and is a superlative achievement.
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