Outlaw King Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After stabbing a guy, Robert the Bruce decides to become king and fights the English, leading to lots of mud and surprisingly clean beards.

🍿 Outlaw King: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Surrender and Marriage

In 1304, Robert the Bruce and other Scottish nobles surrender to King Edward I of England. Edward promises to return their lands in exchange for homage. Robert is then wed to Elizabeth de Burgh, Edward’s goddaughter, solidifying the English control and alliance.

Rising Tensions

Two years pass, and discontent grows under English rule. Robert witnesses the English conscripting his servants and observes the public display of William Wallace’s quartered body, further fueling his desire for freedom. He starts planning a revolt with the support of his family, including Elizabeth.

Murder and Crowning

Robert tries to persuade John Comyn to join him, but Comyn refuses and threatens to inform Edward. In a moment of panic, Robert stabs Comyn to death. To atone, Scottish clergy offer Robert the crown of Scotland, which he accepts. He is crowned King of the Scots, defying Edward and igniting open rebellion.

Defeat and Escape

De Valence attacks Robert before the Prince of Wales arrives with reinforcements. The English launch a surprise attack during which most of the Scottish army is massacred. Robert escapes with only a handful of men, seeking refuge and planning his next move amidst dwindling resources and constant threat of capture.

Guerrilla Warfare

Robert’s wife and daughter are captured. He begins a guerrilla warfare campaign, taking back castles and inspiring resistance. He is reunited with his brother and continues to fight against the English, using cunning and bravery to overcome the odds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick (Chris Pine): A Scottish nobleman who rises to become King of Scotland and leads the fight for independence from England.
• King Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane): The ruthless King of England, determined to maintain control over Scotland and crush any rebellion.
• Edward, Prince of Wales (Billy Howle): The arrogant and cruel heir to the English throne, tasked with suppressing the Scottish uprising.
• Elizabeth de Burgh (Florence Pugh): Robert the Bruce’s English wife, who eventually becomes a loyal supporter of Scotland’s independence.
• James Douglas (Aaron Taylor-Johnson): A fierce Scottish warrior and loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce, seeking vengeance for the loss of his lands.
• Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke (Sam Spruell): An English nobleman and commander, tasked with maintaining English control and defeating Robert the Bruce.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robert Bruce: “You could fight for God, or country, or family. I do not care, so long as you fight!” – Robert rallying his men, emphasizing the importance of fighting regardless of their personal motivations.
• James Douglas: “We do not kneel.” – Douglas’ defiance shows his rebellious spirit and loyalty to Bruce.
• Robert Bruce: “I am not surrendering Scotland. I am freeing it.” – Bruce declares his intention to liberate Scotland rather than submit to English rule.
• Elizabeth de Burgh: “I am your wife now, Robert. I stand with you.” – Elizabeth pledging loyalty to her husband Robert showing her decision to support him even against her own country.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $120,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Outlaw King Reviews

Personal Review

I thought ‘Outlaw King’ was a decent historical action flick. The battle scenes were brutal and kept me on the edge of my seat, especially the final showdown at Loudoun Hill. I really appreciated seeing the Scottish landscape brought to life so vividly. However, I felt the movie was a bit rushed; I wish they’d spent more time developing the characters and exploring the political complexities.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Scottish history”
  • “Those who appreciate realistic battle scenes”
  • “Viewers seeking stories of rebellion and leadership”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Some nudity”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While visually impressive, ‘Outlaw King’ suffers from pacing issues and a lack of character depth, cramming too much historical material into a relatively short runtime. The battle scenes are visceral, but the emotional core feels underdeveloped.
• The Guardian: “Chris Pine delivers a solid performance, but the film, directed by David Mackenzie, doesn’t quite reach the epic heights it aims for. The historical details are compelling, yet the narrative sometimes feels rushed, sacrificing character development for plot progression.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography and battle choreography were absolutely stunning.: Viewers generally praise the film’s visual aspects and realistic battle sequences, noting the impressive cinematography and attention to historical detail.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s performance as James Douglas was a standout.: Many viewers felt the pacing was too fast, resulting in underdeveloped characters and a shallow story.

Overall Consensus: Visually stunning with visceral battle scenes, ‘Outlaw King’ is a decent historical drama, but suffers from a rushed narrative and underdeveloped characters.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film underwent significant changes after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Around 20 minutes of footage was cut to improve pacing based on initial audience reactions.”
• “The opening scene is a complex, nearly 8-minute-long single take, showcasing the surrender of Scottish nobles to King Edward I.”
• “The filmmakers aimed for historical accuracy, filming on location in Scotland and consulting with historians to authentically portray the period.”
• “Chris Pine underwent extensive training to master the Scottish accent for his role as Robert the Bruce.”

🖥️ How to Watch Outlaw King?

Outlaw/King is currently streaming on Netflix. Check your local Netflix availability. You can also purchase or rent the movie through various online platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check these platforms for pricing and availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Outlaw King, you might like these similar films:

• Braveheart (1995): Both films depict the Scottish struggle for independence from England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, though Outlaw King focuses on Robert the Bruce after William Wallace’s death.
• The Last Kingdom (TV Series, 2015-2022): Features similar themes of war, political intrigue, and the clash between different cultures during the early medieval period in Britain.
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Both feature epic battles, political maneuvering, and a protagonist grappling with leadership during times of war and religious conflict.
• Gladiator (2000): Features a betrayed leader fighting against tyranny, a theme similar to Outlaw King even though the setting is ancient Rome.

🛒 Outlaw King Related Products

• Outlaw King (Blu-ray): Own the epic film on Blu-ray and experience the stunning visuals and intense battle scenes in high definition. Perfect for history buffs and action movie enthusiasts.
• Robert the Bruce: King of Scots: Dive deeper into the true story of Robert the Bruce with this historical biography. Learn about his life, battles, and legacy in detail, offering a comprehensive understanding of the real ‘Outlaw King’.
• Medieval Scottish Highland Greatsword: Own a replica of a Medieval Scottish Highland Greatsword. Featuring a high carbon steel blade this prop sword is battle ready. Perfect for cosplay or as a display item.
• Scotland Travel Guide: Plan your own epic journey to the filming locations of ‘Outlaw King’ with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the breathtaking landscapes and historical sites of Scotland.

🎧 Soundtrack

Outlaw King features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Land o’ the Leal” – performed by Kathryn Joseph

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ancient-Warfare Expert Rates 10 More Battle Tactics In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered if the battles in ‘Outlaw King’ were actually realistic? This expert breaks down the movie’s tactics and compares them to real ancient warfare. Honestly, it’s fascinating to see what they got right (and wrong)!

Chris Pine Mastered The Scottish Accent on Outlaw King | The Graham Norton Show

Chris Pine nailing that Scottish accent in ‘Outlaw King’ was seriously impressive, right? Check out this clip from Graham Norton where he casually reads Shakespeare in the accent! It’s a fun little peek behind the scenes.

Exclusive: Outlaw King River Chase Deleted Scene

Want more ‘Outlaw King’ action? This deleted river chase scene is intense! I actually think it should have made the final cut – what do you think?

Castle Warfare Expert Rates 8 Fortress Defenses In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Do you think that Outlaw King had accurate warfare? Well, this video is perfect for you. This video brings in a fortress expert and explains how accurate and realistic Outlaw King really is. Prepare to be impressed!

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