conners76

22 May 2012

Hes Behind You!

This sorry pantomime of a costume drama was unsurprisingly eclipsed by theeffective and passionate Braveheart in 1995.The performances are perfunctory (although far worse than this in the caseof the two male leads), the production values are beneath those of a typicalTV costume drama, the cinematography is third-rate, the script is generallyvery limp (Roth's description of love as a dung-heap he climbs upon being anotable exception) and the characterisation rarely strays beyond onedimensional.I wasn't concerned about the usual whitewash of known history, but since theproducers decided to make their film free from the constraints of historicalfact, they should have been capable of delivering a far enticingstoryline.Neeson and Roth were so poor I felt like shouting "Oh no he isn't!" atvarious points in the movie. Only the appearance of Mother Goose could havemade the pantomime experience more complete.At the time this film was made, both actors were whores for the respectiveroles they play here: the put upon hero and the heartless villain. I'mpleased to see that they've branched out since then (in Roth's case goingbehind the camera), but it doesn't make this pitiful production any easierto endure seven years on. I'm only sorry I couldn't rate it half-out-of-ten on the IMDB voting system.

21 May 2012

DVD is the only way to fully appreciate this movie

When we first saw this movie on VHS P&S we thought it was a good movie (story wise). Now we've seen it on DVD WS DD, it is a great movie. DVD brings it fully to life with the beautiful scenery and music. An added extra is the ability to view subtitles if you cannot understand the Scottish accented dialog.

jeromemorrow

21 May 2012

A true testament to quality film-making ...

... of which I was reminded every time I popped in the VHS Cassette -and as recently as yesterday the DVD. You start in a relax state, andthe first thing you know you are thoroughly engrossed in it. There's noturning back. Nothing grates in terms of the storyline - the acting isso solid - even if you hit the pause/button - you are hard pressed theimagine they are "faking". Anyone wandering around sat for a fewminutes, got involved and never left their seats ... For me therevelation was Tim Roth & Brian Cox, amazing ! Jessica has long sinceleft her corny KingKong image behind. All the others were as good asthe best roles before or since (from what I had seen of them). Forthose that joined the viewing the final sword-fight (makes it soundlike there are many - NOT) left them breathless and squirming uneasilyin the seats. There is just enough light humour to balance inincredible grittiness of the epoch. Mature and unassuming, no 1 man vs10 (like some over-the-top kung fu movies), it's one on one, mano amano. A top 10 candidate for sure. Enjoy - they make so few of those.JM.PS: (notice I bypassed comparison with Braveheart / First Knight, thereis none, they may be good in the own rights, but all they share is themedieval times, period).

callingelvis

20 May 2012

Great movie, but not for the overly sensitive.

I first saw Rob Roy twelve years ago. With little money forentertainment, I rented it for my fiancé and I to watch on a bonechilling winter's night. The movie I had wanted was gone, so I rentedthis instead, not expecting much, and was very much surprised with howgood it was. I just recently watched it again, and loved it every bitas much as the first time. For those unfamiliar with the story, it's about Scottish outlaw RobertRoy MacGregor, a cattleman and folk hero. From the little I know aboutthe man and his story, liberties have been taken with the facts, butit's a movie, not a textbook, and so the filmmakers can be excused.Basically, the plot of the movie is that Rob Roy borrows money from theMarquis of Montrose to buy cattle which he then intends to sell andreap a large profit from. But, his plan is foiled when the friendentrusted with the money is robbed of the cash and murdered in theforest. Our hero finds himself on the run after failing to settle thematter with the Marquis, and Mary, his wife, suffers a sadistic rape atthe hands of Archibald Cunningham, a smarmy Englishman with no soul.Atrocities ensue, until, in an immensely satisfying conclusion, Robcarves Archibald up like a Christmas turkey. There are many great performances in this movie, but allow me to touchspecifically on a few. Liam Neeson, as usual, is fantastic, a sexybeast you can't take your eyes off of. Honestly, this man is like icecream: even when he's bad he's good. His Rob Roy is an honourable manstruggling to provide for those who depend on him, in the best way heknows how. Jessica Lange, as Mary, gives this woman a fierceness whichis a nice change from the simpering, dull movie wives audiences areusually forced to endure. You just know she doesn't take any b.s fromRob, or anyone else for that matter. Tim Roth is completely over thetop with his portrayal of the evil Archibald, yet somehow, it works.All the posturing and preening, combined with some wicked dialogue,result in one of the most memorable movie villains in recent memory.Combine all of this, and the stellar work by other supporting players,with the luscious scenery of Scotland, and you have what amounts to onereally, really cool movie. If you haven't seen this, I highly recommendthat you do.

19 May 2012

Excellent film.

This film is one of the best war-scene movies set in the UK. The gorgeous, but cold landscape of Scotland adds much to the dark but optimistic story. While Liam Neeson plays his role as the leader of the average people to the T, both Jessican Lange and Tim Roth steal the show. Roth is at his best here, playing a highly effeminate, highly skilled fencer who happens to be the nephew of a powerful official. While he is a one dimensional villain, if you have a fetish for well-played villains...you'll love this! He is absurdly pompous and his acting pays tribute to the art of being self-assuredly odd. Lange, as in everything, does an amazing job of bringing her flavour of weak strength...her resolve and nobility are also one dimensional, but the part manages to provide her with enough to make her very interesting in her choices and her acting will stun you.Great film. You won't be bored. It's not as exhausting as Braveheart, and has an enjoyable fencing-type fight scene which keeps you in suspense till the end!

19 May 2012

Rob Roy

Very pleased with the movie, glad we could get it on DVD. Service ordering and receiving was excellent. Thanks again

18 May 2012

Received

This review is from: Rob Roy (DVD) Thank you so very much for this great movie; I love it! I will be sharing it with my friends.

18 May 2012

a great character in Rob Roy

The story of Robert Roy McGregor is an inspiring and heart-touching one. Not only is he a character of unswerving morality, he is also the underdog that opposes a corrupt nobility. As such, the audience cannot help but mourn for his loss and cheer for his victory.What I really enjoyed (besides everything else you can expect from a good historical drama/action) is the conflict in Rob Roy's character. On the one hand, the very core of his being in rooted in honor. However, than same adherence to honor brings him so much trouble. Does he betray who he is in order to secure safety for his wife and children? Or is he strong enough to hold on to what he beliefs in the face of adversity? In addition, there is the question of whether his wife would still love him if he goes against who he is--who she fell in love with. Or whether she would still love him if he sacrifices his family for his own beliefs.The evil characters (Eric Stoltz and Tim Roth) gave great portrayals of people you would love to hate. And it's not the simple-minded evil that a lot of "bad guys" possess in films. Their firm belief that they are so right makes them so much scarier.

18 May 2012

Excellent

Excellent movie, better than Braveheart, though neither is truly historically accurate. This one is well-rounded as a story and excellently acted. Great cinematography, costuming and sets too. ** Not for children or the sqeamish.

17 May 2012

Its my opinion

This review is from: Rob Roy (DVD) This movie has four "scenes" imparticular that are not appropriate for children. Dare I say not appropriate for me either, I can't watch them without blushing. I do fast forward them. I started out with two scenes and now am up to four that would make this movie a bad family flick. We bought the movie for the history content and it is too sad that hollywood has to make it so graphic with sexual content.

16 May 2012

The fictional cousin to Braveheart

"Rob Roy" (1995): Think of this film as the fictional cousin to"Braveheart". Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange star in the Scottish taleof a hero of the people, who faced great adversities, gained manyscars, but never lost his honor or courage. Coming out the same year asits Celtic cousin, "Rob Roy" is full of incredible landscape scenery,gritty examples of life for the average person in the 17th century,and, plenty of glimpses into the world of conniving wealth, taking whatone chooses, and wearing the tackiest of clothing. Fops – to say theleast. Neeson does a good version of what he knows – the humane,passionate yet stoic hero. Lange pushes further, giving a wider rangeto her character. Tim Roth, the Swishing Weenie of Fopdom, is the manyou'll love to hate. If you're in the mood for an epic legend, this isa good one.

Breydel

16 May 2012

A well deserved 910

Rob Roy is an excellent movie. The story is good and all actors seem to fitin their roles very well. Jessica Lange, Tim Roth, Liam Neeson and a lot ofside-actors all gave a magnificent performance. But probably the best actorin the whole movie are the Scottish highlands. You just got to love natureitself when you see movies like this.Why not a 10/10 you might guess? Well it's the part of me that likes to seebig battles like in Braveheart or siege weapons like in The Messenger thatholds back that last point. If that's what you're looking for you won't bepleased with Roy Roy but for a good story in 18th Century Scotland thismovie is perfect. I enjoyed it a lot.

Joseph Harder

14 May 2012

An unforgettable epic of love and honor.

What can one say about a film that has one of the blackest, mostnihilistic, and occasionally most weirdly -I wont say 'sympathetic'..Iwillsay 'charismatic' villains in the history of the Cinema, and the best swordfight since Flynn and Fairbanks were in their heyday? This is an epic abouta stubborn, sometimes foolish, incredibly courageous and honest mans fightfor his honor and freedom against tyranny. I loved it. John Hurt and TimRoth were great villains. Jessica Lange was very moving, tender, andsensual.

14 May 2012

Accents too heavily accented

This review is from: Rob Roy [VHS] (VHS Tape) After ten minutes of trying to understand what the characters were saying in their THICK scottish brogues, I gave up. I found their English incomprehensible--words so slurred, accented, and joined that I just couldn't figure out what they were saying. This movie should be shown with SCREEN TITLES for those of us who are unfamiliar with such type of speech.

King_Opossum

12 May 2012

Good solid acting all round

ROB ROY was, if you like, the predecessor of BRAVEHEART - it seems thatevery cinematic cultural icon seems to have a 'training ground' - even withthe biggest directors this is true - many people say of SCHINDLER'S LISTthat it was Spielberg's first look at the serious issue of war. But whatabout EMPIRE OF THE SUN?ROB ROY is just such a film, only really coming to light after the successof it's younger prodigy. Dealing with very much the same sentiment (andhatred towards the English!), this is a cracking film! Liam Neeson turns ina first-class performance as the heroic Scot, and gives his stylist a dummyrun for STAR WARS! Jessica Lange is equally powerful as his long sufferingwife. Although Tim Roth's bad guy is maybe a little too comic-book for thereality of the film, he certainly makes this particular Brit none too proudof his roots!

11 May 2012

Not as good as Braveheart

Rob Roy is a very good movie, but it seemed to have less point then Braveheart. The battles weren't like Braveheart's and Rob Roy MacGregor has suffered far less than William Wallace. Overall, it is still a good movie.

11 May 2012

I loved this movie

This is a great movie, I highly recommend it. Tim Roth an Liam Neeson both do a fantastic job. The movie feels very real. I never get tired of it.

10 May 2012

Scotish Glory

One of the best epic films I have seen, I like the actors, and they played their parts well.

07 May 2012

Loved it!!

I liked this movie better than Braveheart. Tim Roth's performance is one of the most chilling "bad guy' performances in years... Liam Neeson was great as well as Jessica Lange.

JR-92

06 May 2012

One of the most passionate movies ever

Liam Neeson portrays the Scottish legend Robert Roy Macgregor from theearly 18th century. He is a true actor. He captivates the audience withhischarisma as he does in all his roles. Jessica Lange is excellent as hiswifeMary. Mary is such a beautiful woman. It's her love that makes Rob Roy thelegend, but it's his passion that makes her love undying. They need eachother.Tim Roth as the evil Cunningham is perfect; in one way or another, uponwatching the movie, you will find Cunningham disgusting.The Scotland scenery is beautiful. The environment and conditions of thetimes are depicted quite well.If you like history, romance, passion and love, you'll enjoy Rob Roy.Thereis violence and blood, but it's unavoidable in telling this story as itshould be told; no gratuitous violence. And you do have to listencarefullyif you're not used to a Scottish accent.One important point that makes this movie so good is that no one actor oractress is glamorized; they get dirty and actually look unattractive invarious scenes. It's their skill as actors that attracts you, they don'trely on marquee names, popularity or sex symbol appeal. This is somethingspecial.