The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) Princess of Thieves (2001) User Reviews

Fun and enjoyable!

[aura772 · 7/10 · 16 April 2008]

If you are planning for a Saturday morning movie to watch in bed while eating breakfast, then this is your movie.

The plot was simple and interesting, Keira Knightley was cute and convincing and the location were they shot was beautiful. I live in Bucharest, Romania and it was so easy and fun to determine all of the elements from the scenes that you can find only in this rustic country. There were some really old and amazing ruins from some medieval cities and then the forest and the Black Sea.

The sword fighting in the movie was a mess, not convincing, not real at all, those men had no idea how to hold a sword, neither did Keira. She also, had no idea how to hold a bow, though she was more convincing. I can't believe she was 15 and that was her first lead role. It seems that she's been a star since forever and she didn't aged a day.

Good entertainment but nothing enduring.

[esarge · 7/10 · 8 July 2001]

I enjoyed watching this movie. It is well made with an interesting script and good acting performances. Kiera Knightly, especially, is wonderful to watch.

Scriptwise it is fairly formulaic. Basic themes are: teenage coming of age, taking responsibility and the danger of the misuse of power.

The thing that really grated was the scriptwriters wilful lack of knowledge of the powers of English kings.

Watch it, it's amusing entertainment but of little enduring value.

Cliché but Cute

[solojere · 7/10 · 16 January 2023]

Princess of Thieves is very aliché and over the top at times, but it is a cute little tv movie, and it's fun to see a young Keira Knightly. The film is the basic Robinhood story that has been told a thousand times. The only difference is that this time Robinhood has a daughter, Gwyn (Keira Knightly). Gwyn desperately wants her father's attention and to be like her father. It's your normal young girl who has to prove she belongs in a man world story, but it was okay and not too preachy though there were times like we get it you can do anything a man can do. It was defiantly slow at times and toned down for tv and probably for kids. The cons are that the story tries to be too complex for their budget. Also, the villains were a little too over the top, and the acting, in general, wasn't great at times. Other than Keira Knightly, the rest of the cast was nothing special. However, Keira Knightly was super cute, and it was fun to see one of her earlier roles. All in all, it was an okay family film. Just don't overthink it.

A nice family movie featuring a 15-year-old Keira Knightley.

[TxMike · 27 December 2004]

(No spoilers in the first two paragraphs.) Princess of Thieves (2001) takes the Robin Hood story one step forward. As the movie starts we see a very young Gwyn, Robin's daughter, waking in the morning and, as she goes about her routine, she turns into progressively older girls until we see the Gwen of this movie, Keira Knightly at 15. It was a good way to show the transition in just a minute or so of screen time. We find out that she has not seen Robin, her dad, in some time and eagerly awaited his arrival.

What I liked about the development of the story is that young Gwen did not kick butt right away, after she decided to follow in her dad's footsteps. She made mistakes, sometimes getting others in trouble, but gradually learned how to harness her eagerness and wait for the right moments to take action. Even though she was only 15, a point dwelled on in the DVD's making of special, she was quite an accomplished actress, and held her own against the likes of Malcolm McDowell who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Stuart Wilson who was Robin Hood.

SPOILERS in the remaining comments. There is a conflict between the King's evil brother, and the King's illegitimate son, the young Prince, for the Crown. Against her father's wishes, Gwen cuts her hair short to be taken for a young boy, and sets out to save her captured dad. Along the way she and the young Prince get together, they help each other, eventually the evil brother is brought down and the Prince becomes the new King. Robin Hood, now a 50-ish man, is saved. The young King wishes Gwen could be his queen, but as a commoner she cannot. So he vows to never get married.

Suitable adventure, if overly toned down & ham-handed

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 6 August 2022]

There are no major surprises here. It's a family-friendly(ish) revision of the Robin Hood tale, fast-forwarding a few years so that his daughter can have her own adventure and prove loyalty to a new king. There are definite Girl Power vibes, complemented with customary themes of defying traditional and familial expectations, pride and stubbornness, daddy issues, oppression by the rich and powerful, finding courage - and a terribly contrived romantic element that's distinctly, tawdrily forced. Robin is a mostly absent father, Marion is dead because that's the only thing older women are allowed to be aside from manipulative antagonists, and heroine Gwyn's story echoes the most oft-repeated rendition of the classic tale we know. Add in one young up-and-comer who was then just earning her own reputation, one or two very recognizable names to lend star power, and voila! A movie! 'Princess of thieves' isn't anything we've seen before, but it's suitably enjoyable for a lazy day.

The production design and art direction are solid; fine work went into the picture from behind the scenes. Costume design, hair and makeup, set design and decoration, and props and weapons are all swell. Peter Hewitt's direction is perfectly competent, and though built more than not on one convention after another, Robin Lerner's screenplay duly meets the needs of modest action-adventure. The cast is restricted by material that's unremarkable in the first place, and that's further toned down per the demands of Disney, but all perform admirably to bring their characters to life. Keira Knightley illustrates her developing potential in the lead role; Jonathan Hyde revels in the overconfident personality of Prince John, while Malcolm McDowell is a steady anchor for any project.

While decidedly common, the greatest fault of 'Princess of thieves' is simply that the specifics of its construction dampens its best impact. Despite the very title and premise, at no few points this movie seems more like the story of Philip than of Gwyn as the young king is spotlighted and takes charge. The tale of Robin Hood could and should be a saga of popular uprising, of the people seizing their rights and destiny from the clutches of a corrupt and abusive state, but such notions are given scant, fleeting treatment here. (And while they could be a powerful and influential force for good, Disney is the last corporation that would truly look to inspire individual agency against monolithic entities.) And like the themes the film does emphasize, the utmost value of storytelling judiciousness is lost in oversimplified and ham-handed writing that's geared toward feel-good family fare. It's unfortunate, because the end result is that this just isn't all that it could have been if all bindings were loosed.

One is left wistfully yearning that all involved - cast, crew, flim-makers - could have spearheaded a production that wasn't confined to the auspices of Disney's kitsch. Still, though it's far from perfect, none of the flaws and shortcomings that present completely erase the entertainment. Even if you're an especial fan of someone on hand, there's nothing about this so special as to demand viewership; all the same, if you're looking for something light and uncomplicated, this is a decent way to fill 90 minutes. Don't go out of your way for 'Princess of thieves,' but it's satisfactorily enjoyable if you come across it.

Too much theater in a movie

[FlowerOS · 6/10 · 11 February 2003]

I mean, they fight like lads. Even a girl will keep a sword more strongly than this. There is a scene where a wood door is blown away with one foot kick. Peter Hewitt (I) must never have seen a wood door or he must think that in good old England, the wood doors must be something like todays done-in-a-day houses in US.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like the story and all. I appreciate the fact that it's not a bloody movie. But it could use a director who knows his work better than this one.

Not Worth the Time Investment

[zyxek · 4/10 · 18 January 2006]

This film is not worth your time. I watched it when it premiered on TV out of a lack of anything better to do. And I remember thinking very clearly that the lead actress was strikingly attractive, but a very weak actress. Since then, Keira Knightley has proved that my initial impression might was far too hasty. In fact, her performance in Pride & Prejudice is absolutely Oscar-worthy. But her performance is not worth sitting through this mess. It is a weakly conceived, cheaply made film, and has none of the inherent pleasure of the original Robin Hood legends. The acting is, without exception, overwrought. And many of the scenes are simply painful in memory (like the bad-guy speech right when he is prepared to kill an aging Robin, which gives the secondary hero an opportunity to regain his sword. Are writers never going to tire of that scene?) Robin Hood enthusiasts and Knoightley fans alike should pass this one over.

So it was cheesy...

[Evil Tyrant · 4/10 · 11 July 2004]

Warning, Spoilers! ...but it was somewhat entertaining if only for the cheesiness factor. The story is one of the most predictable I've seen in a long time and the swordfights (if you can call them that) are beyond laughable, but nevertheless, both me and my SO spent an otherwise bored saturday night watching this made-for-tv drivel. People have compared this movie to the excellent "The Princess Bride" but as a slightly jaded and cynical viewer, I'd have to argue that "The Princess Bride" is a lot more enjoyable in every single aspect (swordfights - I weep when I even compare the two, dialogue, plot, characters, and just overall silliness) when compared to this movie. This movie is simply not as clever as "The Princess Bride" nor does it aspire to be, which works in some ways for its own made-for-tv charm.

It's not horrendous by any means, but unless you're bored silly, I wouldn't rush out to see it either. My SO and I did get quite a few chuckles at several points in the movie, including the part where Froderick jumped in front of the Prince and saved his life (of course, the Sheriff happened to have only one arrow) and of course, the priceless "You got egg in your beard" line by Robin. Sure they had to use almost every medieval cliche in the book (including the worst kiss I've ever seen), but at least I didn't pay to watch it. The cast was overall mediocre and the plot would amuse those under 12 or anyone who is gullible enough to believe two guys can escape unnoticed in the night and find a canoe and THEN go across the English Channel without oars. Overall 4/10

Utter Drivel

[AvonKerr · 2/10 · 4 August 2001]

Laughable historically inaccuracies, poor script, laughable acting and hilarious story make this movie barely worth 2/10. In particular I would love to know how ~40 peasants with pointy sticks and a goat managed to defeat the king's army without casualties. Also how did they get from Nottingham to London with no horses so quickly (did they all ride on the same goat). I suspect the notorious prisons of the Tower Of London weren't actually made of cardboard and you couldn't really escape by getting a good run-up at the doors. Etc. Etc. Etc. Malcolm McDowell has made many poor movies in the past and this is no exception.

this movie's got spirit

[starlet86 · 9/10 · 29 July 2001]

Everyone fighting against Prince John have a lot of passion for their cause. It's also great that they depict Gwyn and even the aging Robin as people who have a lot of spunk. "You have egg on your beard" says Robin to John while being tortured. That's a crack-up classic. The humor was done very well in this movie and it's a shame that it's underrated. I can't remember anything else that I should praise it for but it's a shame that I didn't tape it.

Call me a sucker for a happy ending...

[Timashoe-1 · 4/10 · 30 January 2009]

I'm not sure what to call this ending. I think the accepted HappyEnding would be something along the lines of Gwyn and Prince William getting married and living happily ever after. Unfortunately, the film did too much work to make Froderick entirely too likable and didn't do enough character building for the handsome prince. So instead of the accepted HappyEnding being what I wanted to see, instead I badly wished that SINCE Gwyn and Prince Charming couldn't marry, then over time, she "settled" for Froderick, who in my opinion was much more steady, sensible, handsome (except for the hairdo), and would make a much better husband.

As it was, Disney settled for neither ending, leaving me rather frustrated - that is, only as frustrated as I get from watching a movie that didn't do a whole lot character-building-wise, or plot-wise for that matter.

Overall, it's a movie that I can show to my kids and not be ashamed, for which I'm thankful - goodness knows there's few enough of those movies out there... buuuut, as far as entertainment value and real, true, honest-to-goodness quality goes- yeah, look elsewhere.

Nice...

[FrogtownFrogs · 5 January 2004]

This is not one of the best TV movies I've ever seen, but it isn't hateful. The acting of Kiera Knightley was excellent, as was Stuart Wilson(Robin Hood) and Crispin Letts (Will Scarlett). Most of the others were pretty terrible, but that's forgiving. The script needed a bit of a touch up in places, but I don't think there is even one line of Robin's that I didn't like. "You have egg in your beard..." he says to Prince John.

The one thing that really bothered me in this movie was the sword fights. They looked as if these extras coordinated them on their own, and had about an hour to practice. They have no speed, no feeling, and I imagine that Bob Anderson would have had a fit with these.

Apart from the sword fighting (and that annoying Pope near the end...), nothing really bothered me about this movie. If you're looking for something to watch while holding the hand of your date, avoid this movie at all cost. If you're baby-sitting several kids, or are just bored out of your mind, this movie is flawless. Other than that, it seems to be just average. I've seen better, but I've seen much worse *cough*Attack of the Clones*cough*

"If my father hangs, I will never speak to you again!"

[utgard14 · 5/10 · 6 June 2014]

I didn't see this one when it originally aired. I watched it on DVD many years later. It's a cute little movie with Keira Knightley as the daughter of Robin Hood, who is kind of a deadbeat dad. The basic plot is that Robin is captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham (anything-for-a-paycheck Malcolm McDowell), so his daughter must complete his mission of protecting Prince Philip (Stephen Moyer), the heir apparent to the throne of England. A romantic subplot inevitably develops between teenage Knightley and twice-her-age Moyer that thankfully never gets too gross. He does look younger than his age here. It's a cheesy little movie but pleasant enough. The music's overbearing at times. Nothing special but a good time-passer.

story too complicated and too serious

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 8 June 2015]

It's 1184 Nottingham, England. During reign of King Richard the Lionheart, a girl is born to Robin and Marion. Sheriff of Nottingham (Malcolm McDowell) would have placed a price on the son's head but is unconcerned about a girl. Gwyn (Keira Knightley) grows up under the tyrannical rule of Prince John for his absent brother King Richard. Her father Robin of Locksley is often away and her mother Marion is pass. Richard is gravely injured and heir to the throne Prince Philip (Stephen Moyer) is coming from France. Robin and Will Scarlett go off to aid Philip. Gwyn sets off to help dressed as a boy helped by friend Froderick despite her father forbidding it. Robin and Will are captured while Gwyn runs into Philip pretending to be a servant.

This should a lot simpler. Instead there is a lot of political intrigue. It's also way too serious. The material is treated like a Shakespearian play. The production is pretty good considering this is a TV movie. Keira Knightley is great at such a young age. Stephen Moyer is too old especially acting opposite Keira. The chemistry is about what one expects from a 30 year old with jailbait Keira. It's a little creepy. Even Froderick is annoying in his puppy love mode. Keira is great though.

One of the First Horrible Adaptions of Robin Hood I've Ever Seen

[adrenalinejunkiegurl · 2/10 · 20 August 2011]

The only reason why I watched this throughout the whole thing was because of Kierra Knightly because, out of all the other actors and actresses, Kierra Knightly was the only one that seemed to do a very decent job. It was not one of her best works, but she still somehow made it seem very believable just like any other movie I have seen with her in it, but everybody else just made it look like a bunch of animal crap that people just step into by accident and get disgusted with it after you stepped into it :P.

There was not enough dialogue between Gwyn and Prince Phillip for there to be any kind of relationship whatsoever, there was no spark between them! I do not understand why Disney has to make the main girl character go with someone who is rich and handsome all because he is a prince. It's like they just HAVE to put the girl with a prince when there is was not enough dialouge and not enough spark between them! If anything, Gwyn should have been with Froderick because I could feel the spark between them more than with Gwyn and Prince Phillip because Froderick seemed to be more of the better man and more of Gwyn's type: brave, intelligent, and protective while, on the other hand, this was Prince Phillip's character: naive, cowardly, spoiled, and idiotic.

Kierra Knightly's character had a slight development where in that one scene where her father and Will get captured, and Gwyn realizes how stupid it was to have followed her father, but she remained strong to get her father and Will back just so she could save the kingdom. Everybody else, not so much. Prince Phillip's character development, though, changed so quickly that you probably would not have the time to figure out why he decided to be so brave all of a sudden! And both Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham are not bad guys, in my opinion, they seem more like spoiled little princes just trying to get what they want when their mommies won't let them have what they want.

Here's one question, though, before I am to close this review: Exactly how in the hell is Prince Phillip, a prince of France, the son of King Richard, a king of England? Did he screw a French princess while he was there? If he did, that would have brought disgrace and shame to his name, and not to mention, the princess and the baby would have their titles revoked and been sent into exile! If Disney thinks that the King and Queen would have shown sympathy for their daughter all because she "loved" King Richard, they might as well think again! Gosh, Disney, how stupid can you get?!?!?!?! Why don't you look back in the history book, so that you can actually make these things more historically accurate!

If you want a good, historical accurate movie, don't watch this! If you also want a very good and entertaining movie, don't watch this, not even for your kids! I would not even let my kids watch this piece of crap!

a tv classic

[salsa89 · 10/10 · 17 September 2003]

This movie is truly a classic. I know that some of the actor's skills are a bit suspect, but some of them, like Keira Knightly, had began to show some of their true talent in this film. Also, the script is incredibly witty in some places, and incredibly meaningful in the next. And finally, the idea behind the movie is excellent. 10/10 for me...a TV classic

sweet love story

[skyeambar · 4/10 · 4 August 2002]

Aside from the gross factual inaccuracies of this movie (ie king Richard having a son and that son replacing John on the throne) this movie was a sweet love tale full of adventure. I'm sure that this movie will appeal to the younger generation of girls and boys.

very good

[Collinator54 · 21 October 2002]

I enjoyed this film. It's really good for a TV movie. I think that Hallmark might of had a hand in this show. The DVD is not very good so I recomend that you see it on VHS. The set and costumes are well done to the way the book is set.

One word... awful!

[Witchmaster · 1/10 · 18 March 2002]

Although I am not a purist or any other kind of radical as well as usually abstaining from strong language I am forced to say just one thing...: THIS FLICK SUCKS!!! The story is not only as cheesy as the Sherwood is green, it is so predictable that you have uncovered the plot after 10 minutes... if you haven't fallen asleep after the first 5... If you have the choice between seeing this "movie" and staring at a pure white wall for 2 hours... watch the wall!

Waste of time

[giopolykra · 1/10 · 12 February 2018]

Laughable storyline, unconvincing plot, very poor production and the actors are not invested in the movie.

not bad, but the best part was that...

[mwer347-1 · 8/10 · 2 December 2005]

I saw this movie on THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF Disney, and was immediately enchanted by it. In fact, I wrote to Disney repeatedly about how I could acquire it for my own collection, and got it at a Disney store, I think. I thought the actors were all good, but I especially liked Stuart Wilson, who played Robin Hood. He reminds me of Errol Flynn, who I thought played that part best in THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, made by MGM in 1938. The actors who played Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham were quite good, and I thought Kiera Knightley and the guy who played Prince Philip were excellent. I'm glad the movie was made, because I always wondered what happened to Robin and Marian after King Richard's return. If I would be asked who should see it, I'd say anyone 12 or older, as it includes references that are sexual.

Fine Disney family film.

[jayjimjake · 10/10 · 9 November 2003]

Of all the made for TV Disney movies that came out recently, this is one of the best. Keira Knightley is fine as the daughter of Robin Hood, and Malcolm McDowell is fine as the sheriff of Nottingham. Like all the made for TV movies though, the film is somewhat too flat to make it a real movie, but Keira and crew do it justice.

Check it out.

A real family action film - that is good, too!

[kelley-8 · 10/10 · 1 September 2001]

Kudos to ABC and Disney for making an MOW look like a real film. Can't believe this story wasn't told sooner. Hope it becomes a series. I could watch Robin Hood's daughter and the middle-aged merry men every week. Performances were strong. The actress who played Gwyn is beautiful and should have a long career. Way to go ABC!

Brilliant prediction!!

[Bonesnap · 13 June 2013]

I've not seen this film. I only wanted to commend the reviewer kelley-8 who, in a review posted on 1 September 2001 - at the very least a full year before Keira Knightly made her breakthrough in Bend it Like Beckham, said "The actress who played Gwyn is beautiful and should have a long career." I was so impressed reading this. Of course, Knightly went on to become a famously successful Hollywood actor as Elizabeth Swan in Pirates of the Caribbean, but also got to play famous literary roles such as Anna Karenina and Elizabeth Bennett (in Pride and Prejudice). For such brilliant insight, someone should buy that man (or woman) a drink or six. :)

a great Disney fun fest

[gavinzac · 9/10 · 28 June 2005]

I didn't expect much from an unpublicised Disney "sequwl" type movie, but I'm glad i took a chance. Having enjoyed Knightley's acting in several other films, and curious as to her performance in the lead, I settled down with the kids to watch it.

What we found was charming, fast paced film full of the usual Disney comedy, twists and heroics. Keira's boyish enthusiasm from Bend It Like Beckham is evident here too as she runs about with the Merry Men. The other most impressive roles were the villains, whose over the top yet convincing performances add to that Disney feel.

i'd recommend any kids to watch it, or even an adult in need of a bit of fun.