Robin Hood Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A disgruntled archer accidentally becomes Robin Hood by pretending to be a dead guy and then leading a beach invasion defense, but gets no thanks and is outlawed for his trouble.

🍿 Robin Hood: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Returning from the Crusades

The film opens with Robin Longstride, an archer in King Richard the Lionheart’s army, disillusioned with the Crusades. After a siege, Robin and his comrades desert, seeking to return to England. They encounter an ambush and become entangled in the affairs of Sir Robert Loxley, a knight loyal to the crown.

Assuming the Identity of Robert Loxley

After Sir Robert Loxley is mortally wounded, Robin promises to return his sword to his father, Sir Walter Loxley, in Nottingham. He and his companions assume the identities of the fallen knights to reach England. In Nottingham, Sir Walter encourages Robin to continue impersonating his son to protect their lands.

Political Intrigue and Treachery

As Robin navigates his new identity, he becomes involved in the political turmoil of England under King John. Godfrey, a treacherous knight working with the French, plots to destabilize the kingdom. Robin uncovers Godfrey’s scheme and seeks to unite the barons against the impending French invasion. He also develops a complex relationship with Marion Loxley, Robert’s widow.

Uniting England Against Invasion

Robin advocates for a charter of liberties, inspired by his father’s ideals, to bind the barons to the King and create a unified front. As the French invasion looms, Robin rallies the English forces and leads them in defense of their homeland. The film culminates in a large-scale battle on the beaches of England.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe): An archer who assumes the identity of a knight and leads a rebellion against the crown.
• Marion Loxley (Cate Blanchett): A strong-willed widow who becomes involved in the fight for justice and develops a relationship with Robin.
• Godfrey (Mark Strong): A treacherous English knight who collaborates with the French to destabilize England.
• Prince John (Oscar Isaac): The weak and easily manipulated king whose poor decisions lead to unrest and rebellion.
• Sir Walter Loxley (Max von Sydow): The blind father of Robert Loxley, who encourages Robin to impersonate his son for the good of the land.
• William Marshal (William Hurt): A loyal advisor to the king who recognizes the threat posed by Godfrey.
• Friar Tuck (Mark Addy): A jovial friar who provides aid and companionship to Robin and his men.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robin Longstride: “Rise and rise again until lambs become lions.” – Robin uses this battle cry to inspire the English forces before facing the French invasion.
• Sir Walter Loxley: “A man’s deeds determine his worth. Not his birth.” – Sir Walter explains why he is willing to accept Robin pretending to be his son.
• Robin Longstride: “England is not yours to walk over.” – Robin confronts Godfrey about his treachery and oppression of the English people.
• King John: “I am the King! I do what I want!” – King John declares his authority, showcasing his arrogance and disregard for the law.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $200,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $105,269,730
• Worldwide Gross: $321,669,741

💥 Robin Hood Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love this movie, but it just didn’t click for me. The battle scenes were awesome, especially the landing on the beach, but the story felt all over the place. I never really connected with Crowe’s Robin, and the romance with Cate Blanchett felt forced. The best part was probably Max von Sydow as Sir Walter Loxley; he brought so much gravitas to the role. Honestly, I think I’ll stick with the Errol Flynn version.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical action movies”
  • “Viewers interested in origin stories”
  • “Those who enjoy Ridley Scott’s directing style”
  • “Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and battle scenes”
  • “Some intense sequences”
  • “Brief moments of peril”

Professional Reviews

• The Daily Chronicle: “Robin Hood offers stunning visuals and epic battle sequences, but the convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters leave much to be desired. Crowe and Blanchett deliver solid performances, but the film lacks the heart and humor of previous adaptations, ultimately feeling like a missed opportunity.
• IndieWire: “Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood reinvents the legend as a gritty historical drama, focusing on political intrigue and large-scale warfare. While the action is impressive, the film struggles to balance its serious tone with the more lighthearted elements of the source material. It’s a noble effort, but ultimately falls short of its potential.
• The Guardian: “This Robin Hood is a humorless and bloated affair, sacrificing the charm and adventure of the classic tale for historical accuracy and gritty realism. Crowe and Blanchett are wasted in their roles, and the film’s attempt at political commentary feels heavy-handed and uninspired.

Audience Reactions

The battle scenes were epic and visually stunning, providing a thrilling cinematic experience.: Many viewers praised the film’s scale and action sequences, comparing them favorably to Gladiator.

Cate Blanchett delivered a strong and independent portrayal of Maid Marian, adding depth to the character.: Audiences appreciated Blanchett’s performance, noting her strength and complexity.

Overall Consensus: While visually impressive and boasting a talented cast, Robin Hood ultimately fails to capture the heart and spirit of the classic legend, resulting in a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Originally, the script was a CSI-style story set in medieval England, where the Sheriff of Nottingham investigates crimes. Ridley Scott decided to shift the focus to Robin Hood’s origin story.”
• “During filming at Freshwater West Beach in Wales, the production had to work around the tides, which significantly impacted the shooting schedule.”
• “A planned sequel was cancelled due to this movie’s poor performance at the box office.”

🖥️ How to Watch Robin Hood?

Robin Hood (2010) is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or purchase the movie on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for TV airings, or look for digital rental options for convenient at-home viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Robin Hood, you might like these similar films:

• Gladiator (2000): Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, it shares similar epic scope, themes of honor and betrayal, and intense battle sequences.
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Another Ridley Scott historical epic that explores themes of honor, duty, and political intrigue during the Crusades.
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): A more traditional Robin Hood film that focuses on the outlaw’s adventures in Sherwood Forest and his conflict with the Sheriff of Nottingham.
• Braveheart (1995): A historical drama with a strong leader fighting for freedom against oppression, capturing the spirit of rebellion.
• The King (2019): It explores themes of betrayal and political maneuverings within the English monarchy, akin to the political subplot in Robin Hood.

🛒 Robin Hood Related Products

• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves [Blu-ray]: Revisit the classic Robin Hood tale with Kevin Costner as the heroic outlaw. This Blu-ray edition offers stunning visuals and immersive sound, perfect for fans of the genre. A must-have for any movie collection.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Robin Hood – Robin Hood: Add a touch of Sherwood Forest to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure. Featuring Robin Hood in his classic green attire, this collectible is a fun and quirky way to celebrate the iconic character. Perfect for display or gifting.
• Robin Hood: Defenders of the Crown (PC Game): A strategy game where you manage resources, defend Nottingham, and lead your merry band against Prince John’s forces. Offers a rich, historical strategy experience that will let you rewrite the events of the 12th century.
• The Adventures of Robin Hood [Blu-ray]: Relive the swashbuckling fun with Errol Flynn in this classic adaptation. The Blu-ray edition showcases the film’s vibrant colors and thrilling action sequences, making it a timeless addition to any movie library.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Marian” – performed by Marc Streitenfeld
• “Sherwood Forest” – performed by Marc Streitenfeld
• “Women of Ireland – Mná na h-Éireann” – performed by Marc Streitenfeld

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robin Hood Flops – A Lesson In Condescension

Want to know why the 2018 Robin Hood movie was a flop? This insightful review dives into its flaws and explains how its condescending tone towards the audience contributed to its downfall.

Robin Hood : Prince of Thieves (1991) Retrospective / Review

If you’re curious about the evolution of Robin Hood adaptations, this review of the 1991 ‘Prince of Thieves’ offers a captivating look back at a beloved interpretation.

✨ Rate