In 1304, Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine), under his father's command, joins the other nobles to submit to the King of England after their defeat. Only William Wallace remains free as a marauding outlaw. After the execution of Wallace, Robert slowly decides to unite the Scots in an uprising against the English.
This is inevitably compared to Braveheart. Certainly, it's a lower budget affair. The battles are smaller, more brutal, more chaotic, and more visceral. Somehow I find them fitting for the times. It's Chris Pine where the difference is more noticeable. He's a modern American actor. He's more emo and less commanding. That's a problem for this commander of men. This is a brutal time. While he does harden over the course of the movie, he does not leave behind his modern sensibilities. He's not hitting the right notes for this iconic man. His wife is also a bit bland although I do like their relationship. It seems that all the elements are there but it doesn't quite have the gravitas. This is a history lesson but as a human story, it lacks a certain human touch. The emotional journey rings a little hollow.
This is inevitably compared to Braveheart. Certainly, it's a lower budget affair. The battles are smaller, more brutal, more chaotic, and more visceral. Somehow I find them fitting for the times. It's Chris Pine where the difference is more noticeable. He's a modern American actor. He's more emo and less commanding. That's a problem for this commander of men. This is a brutal time. While he does harden over the course of the movie, he does not leave behind his modern sensibilities. He's not hitting the right notes for this iconic man. His wife is also a bit bland although I do like their relationship. It seems that all the elements are there but it doesn't quite have the gravitas. This is a history lesson but as a human story, it lacks a certain human touch. The emotional journey rings a little hollow.