Rob Roy Reviews

A movie with heart

So much of the movie depends upon the casting, and in the three pivotal roles, the actors are terrific. Liam Neeson is just the right man to play the hero - he has the physical stature and the presence to be Rob Roy MacGregor, a man who keeps his word and does his best to look after his family and clan. As his wife, and love of his life, Jessica Lange delivers a complex performance. It becomes one of her greatest screen roles - we first see her as a down-to-earth and practical woman (and very naughty with her husband), but when tragedy befalls her, she brings such dignity to the role of a woman who suffers silently in order to protect her husband and pushes aside her own pain to help him any way she can. And lastly, Tim Roth is the supreme villain. He doesn't really look it at first, with his wigs and his effeminate clothes and mannerisms. But he is lethal and callous, and doesn't think twice about raping or killing. He is one villain that you will wish dead almost from the first time you see him.

The movie is very emotional; you get caught up in it easily. Because the story takes place on such a personal level, between a simple, honorable man and the villains trying to squash him, it doesn't take long to get involved and feel deeply about what's going on. The love between Rob Roy and his wife is also beautiful to watch, as the movie first allows us only glimpses of its raunchier side and then shows us its depths when they are beset with tragedy; Neeson and Lange have great chemistry. And surprisingly enough, there are also moments of real humor - a funny line here and there - that catch you off-guard.

Excellent film with a breath taking back drop of the Scottish Highlands. Great for a Sunday afternoon.

Watchable Action

Watched this a few times now and it goes into my 'Sunday Afternoon' section.

Rob Roy

This film is absolutely brilliant... the atmosphere of the highlands, honour, love, betrayal, power, corruption, and a story told with passion are the elements that make up this film, Rob Roy. And its all based upon a true story.

What happened to the storyline?

This film is quite excellent for the most part, but after 3/4 of the film the story seems to disappear

What happened to the storyline?

This film is quite excellent for the most part, but after 3/4 of the film the story seems to disappear

Fair tale of Scottish folk lore

This was an entertaining film that makes good use of the beautiful Scottish highland scenery. A well chosen cast all contribute some great performances. The true(ish) story tells of how a rogish cattle herder is wronged by the gentry of the day, but more than just honour is at stake as he fights to clear his name.

Scenic and.................

The scenery is terrific, the acting good and yet, the story line is less than it should be in this movie

[Highly rated reviewer]

Love is a dung hill, Betty, and I am but a cock that climbs upon it to crow.

Liam Neeson plays the title character Rob Roy MacGregor. He is the leader of the MacGregor clan and his basic function is to tend to and protect the cattle of the local nobleman of record known as the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt). Things look pretty rough for the MacGregor clan as winter is approaching, and there seems to be a lack of food for everyone. Rob Roy puts together a plan to borrow 1000 pounds from the Marquis and purchase some cattle of his own. He would then sell them off for a higher price and use the money to improve the general well-being of his community. Problems arise when two cronies of the Marquis steal the money for themselves. One of them, known as Archibald Cunningham, is perhaps the most sly and calculating characters ever put on film. Played wonderfully by Tim Roth, this man is a penniless would-be noble who has been sent to live with the Marquis by his mother. This man is disgustingly effeminate, rude, heartless, and very dangerous with a sword. Though it is painfully obvious to most people what happened, the Marquis still holds MacGregor to the debt. This sets up conflict that will take many lives and challenge the strengths of a man simply fighting to hold on to his dignity.

From the excellent acting of an extremely impressive cast, to the intelligently written (and very quotable) script, from the lavish cinematography to the beautiful music score by Carter Burwell, Rob Roy offers a rarity in movie going experiences: one that is nigh impossible to find fault with in any area.

There have been several comparisons made with Braveheart, which came out the same year. Braveheart works hard to be a serious epic, Rob Roy just grabs you and absorbs you into its tightly edited storytelling. Not a single scene is wasted.

Rob Roy contains the perfect balance of dramatic tension, action and even occasional humour. The characters are well fleshed-out, perfectly conveying vernacular and mannerisms that anchor them in their authentic period setting.

Rob Roy is a delightful treasure, featuring one of the greatest sword fights ever choreographed and a climatic ending worthy of all the tense anticipation.

A Rousing Drama

The film of the Legend does not disapoint, this is the Highlands as it would have been,

possibly not historically accurate but good entertainment.

A film Rob Roy would have been proud of.