🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Irvin
- Genre: Drama, Adventure, Romance, Action
- Release year: 1991
- Runtime (length): 1h 44min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (6.1K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dude gets kicked out of his castle, makes some forest friends, and annoys some Normans until everyone gets married.
🍿 Robin Hood: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Robert Hode Becomes an Outlaw
In 12th century England, Robert Hode, a Saxon nobleman, clashes with the Normans due to their oppressive rule. His friendship with Baron Daguerre, a Norman lord, is tested when Sir Miles Folcanet, a visiting Norman nobleman, demands harsh punishment for a minor offense. Hode defends a local villager, defying Folcanet’s cruelty. This act of defiance results in Hode being declared an outlaw and stripped of his title and lands.

Joining the Merry Men
Forced to flee into Sherwood Forest, Robert Hode embraces the identity of Robin Hood. He gathers a band of outlaws, including Little John and Will Scarlett, united by their desire to fight Norman tyranny and protect the Saxon people. Robin and his Merry Men begin to challenge the authority of the Norman lords, disrupting their tax collections and redistributing wealth to the impoverished villagers. Their actions quickly earn them a reputation as folk heroes.

Robin and Marian’s Love
Amidst the conflict, Robin Hood develops a deep connection with Maid Marian, Baron Daguerre’s niece. Marian, portrayed as a strong and independent woman, shares Robin’s ideals and actively participates in his fight against injustice. Their relationship blossoms despite the dangers and political tensions surrounding them. Marian’s loyalty is tested as she faces pressure from the Normans and her own family to conform to their expectations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Robin Hood (Patrick Bergin): A Saxon nobleman turned outlaw, fighting Norman oppression and injustice in 12th century England.
- Maid Marian (Uma Thurman): A strong-willed noblewoman who supports Robin Hood’s cause and challenges societal norms.
- Sir Miles Folcanet (Jürgen Prochnow): A malicious Norman knight and Robin Hood’s antagonist, representing the oppressive Norman rule.
- Baron Daguerre (Jeroen Krabbé): A Norman baron who initially opposes Robin Hood but later grapples with his conscience and shifts his allegiance.
- Little John (David Morrissey): A loyal and formidable member of Robin Hood’s Merry Men, known for his strength and fighting skills.
- Will Scarlett (Owen Teale): A fun-loving and skilled member of Robin Hood’s Merry Men.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Maid Marian: “So what are you going to do to me? Tie me up?” – Marian challenges Robin when captured, displaying her defiance and wit.
- Maid Marian: “How many strokes?” – Marian continues to taunt Robin, showing her bravery and intelligence.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Robin Hood Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this on TV as a kid. I thought it was good. It’s definitely a moodier take on the story. I liked that it actually felt like medieval times and not some fairy tale. Bergin made a cool Robin Hood, a bit rough around the edges, and Uma Thurman was awesome, not your typical damsel in distress. That said, I still liked Errol Flynn better overall but this film deserves a second look. Plus, the sword fights are pretty brutal, no fancy rapier stuff here. Definitely worth checking out if you’re a Robin Hood fan.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical dramas”
- “Viewers interested in darker, grittier interpretations of the Robin Hood legend”
- “Those who appreciate strong female characters”
- “People looking for an alternative to the more mainstream Robin Hood movies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild violence”
- “Brief scenes of implied torture”
- “Some thematic elements related to social injustice and oppression”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “A gritty and realistic take on the Robin Hood legend, this version focuses on the Norman-Saxon conflict. Patrick Bergin delivers a darkly-mooded Robin, while Uma Thurman provides a surprisingly strong Marian. Though overshadowed by ‘Prince of Thieves’, this film offers a historically plausible and dramatically effective portrayal.
- IMDb: “While some find this version dour, others praise its respect for history and the dynamic performances of Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman. Jurgen Prochnow’s villain is amusing, and the Saxon-Norman tensions add depth. However, some feel that the characters are unlikeable, and the action scenes lack excitement.
- IMDb: “Several reviewers call this the best Robin Hood adaptation. Uma Thurman is ‘spectacular as an ass-kicking Marian’ and the actor who plays Robin Hood is by far the best yet. I liked everything about this film, how it was directed, the cinematography, and especially the restraint shown by the director. The action scenes had a touch of authenticity about them that is all too often missing
Audience Reactions
Uma Thurman’s portrayal of Maid Marian as a strong, independent woman.: The film’s gritty realism and focus on historical accuracy resonated with many viewers.
Patrick Bergin’s portrayal as flawed, more believable Robin Hood: Realistic approach to a well known legend. It shows medieval England.
Overall Consensus: A historically grounded and moodier Robin Hood adaptation, but it has a few flaws.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This version of Robin Hood was filmed in the same year as ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ starring Kevin Costner, leading to it being overshadowed and released primarily on television in the US.”
- “Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England, served as the primary filming location for the movie, lending it a sense of authenticity.”
🖥️ How to Watch Robin Hood?
This version of ‘Robin Hood’ (1991), starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman, is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. However, you may be able to find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailers for availability. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray are also an option, though availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Robin Hood, you might like these similar films:
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): A direct comparison as it was released in the same year and tells a similar Robin Hood story, though with a bigger budget and different cast.
- The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938): The classic, quintessential Robin Hood film that set the standard for all subsequent adaptations of the legend.
- Robin Hood (2010): A more recent, darker, and gritty retelling of the Robin Hood legend, similar in tone to this version.
🛒 Robin Hood Related Products
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves [Blu-ray]: A high-definition version of the more popular Robin Hood adaptation from 1991, featuring Kevin Costner and Alan Rickman.
- The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) [Blu-ray]: Digitally restored classic version with Errol Flynn. Includes commentary and behind-the-scenes features.
- Robin Hood: Men in Tights [Blu-ray]: Mel Brooks’ hilarious parody of the Robin Hood legend, starring Cary Elwes.
- LEGO Ideas Medieval Blacksmith 21325 Building Kit: Build your own LEGO blacksmith shop, fitting perfectly with the medieval theme of Robin Hood. Comes with detailed accessories and minifigures.
🎧 Soundtrack
Robin Hood features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Robin Hood Main Theme” – performed by Geoffrey Burgon
- “The Wedding and Aftermath” – performed by Geoffrey Burgon
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Critical and audience opinions are divided. Some viewers appreciate this version’s grittier, more historically grounded approach, while others prefer the more action-packed and flamboyant style of ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
This version of ‘Robin Hood’ was primarily filmed on location in England, including Peckforton Castle in Cheshire. These real-world locations contribute to the film’s authentic medieval atmosphere.
Reviews for Uma Thurman’s performance as Maid Marian are mixed. Some praise her strong and independent portrayal, while others find her miscast or lacking chemistry with Patrick Bergin. It’s a performance that viewers tend to either love or dislike.
🔥 Bonus Content
Robin Hood : Prince of Thieves (1991) Retrospective / Review
Ever wonder if ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ holds up? This review dives deep into what worked and what didn’t, and honestly, it’s a blast from the past to hear someone break it all down.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.