Rob Roy (1995) User Reviews

Great action show, with a moral message.

[stormruston · 8/10 · 20 August 2005]

This is a very good, under-rated action/drama/and slightly historical movie.

The basic story concerns Rob Roy's borrowing of 1000 pounds, its theft, and the problems it causes for his family and indirectly his clansmen.

Cunningham( Tim Roth) is an amazing villain and character in this story. Brutally cold and if you watch his face he seems to be able to turn his eyes off and look completely evil.

Rob Roy (Liam Neeson) is excellent too, but i think the writers used the word "honour" 1 too many times.

The rest of the cast is strong, and the whole movie is very well acted and filmed.

The Action is exciting and the sword play very realistic, but not too gory. The story is good and you really want Rob to win.

All in all just shy of a classic.

Do not think that all sins go unpunished in this life, Montrose.

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 7 June 2011]

Rob Roy is directed by Michael Caton-Jones and written by Alan Sharp. It stars Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Eric Stoltz, Andrew Keir and Brian Cox. Music is by Carter Burwell and cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub.

Neeson is Rob Roy MacGregor, an 18th Century Scottish historical figure who borrows £1,000 from the Marquis of Montrose (Hurt) with the plan to improve his clan's way of life. But the money is stolen in transit by the dastardly Archibald Cunnigham (Roth), so unable to repay the loan, Roy is forced to live as an outlaw. From such seeds are legends born.

Beautifully shot on location in parts of the Scottish Highlands, Rob Roy somewhat got lost in the slip stream of Mel Gibson's Braveheart. A shame, for although not as epic or as rousing as Gibson's Oscar grabber, Caton-Jones' film is a different and more reflective type of historical piece. Thematically the film is a play on virtues, in fact it's a trumpet playing fanfare for such. Honesty, honour, loyalty, fidelity and love nestle in nicely with the wonderful landscapes, born out by Sharp's intelligent script. But that's not to say that the director hasn't got the requisite thrust of stirring adventure within, he has, and Rob Roy rewards in that department as well. The films crowning glory is a climatic sword fight, no tricks or hard to believe heroics, just an expertly shot long sequence that's choreographed sublimely by William Hobbs and Robert G. Goodwin. While Carter Burwell's score sits nice with the visual treats - even if the Gaelic strains within the orchestration sound more Irish than Scottish...

Cast work well. Although Neeson looks the part as the robust Roy, there's no need for being dashing here, character calls for strength of mind and body, as well as emotional fortitude with the love of his family, and thus Neeson plays it with ease. Lange, an interesting casting choice as the missus, shorn of make up, yet still naturally sexy, she gives Mary MacGregor believable strength. However, it's undeniably Tim Roth's movie, part effeminate fop, part calculating bastard, his villainous turn as Archibald Cunningham has to be seen to be believed. He was rightly nominated for an Academy Award for his efforts. The rest impact well, Cox and Hurt, great pros as always, and Stoltz too isn't found wanting. There's some iffy accents at times, so what's new there? And if I'm to be churlish, then it often feels wrong in period. Yet they are small complaints in what is otherwise a smart and lovely splinter from the swashbuckling tree. 8/10

Compelling epic and incredible duel

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 10 May 2014]

It's 1718 in the Scottish highlands. Rob Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) is a honorable man who tries to lead his village and extended family. The society is changing as honor loses its meaning. He borrows money from Lord Montrose (John Hurt) to buy cattle, but his man McDonald (Eric Stoltz) is ambushed by Montrose's evil henchman Cunningham (Tim Roth) with the help of scheming Killearn (Brian Cox). Cunningham has debts to pay. Rob Roy is given all the blame as McDonald is assumed to have run away with the money to America. Montrose offers consideration if Roy Roy bares false witness against Duke Argyll. He refuses and Montrose hunts him down. He must battle to keep his honor, avenge his wife Mary (Jessica Lange) and save his people.

The legendary Rob Roy is brought to the big screen. I don't really care about accuracy. It's simply a great epic about honor, love, and family. Liam Neeson is dripping with stoic goodness. Jessica Lange is nobility and dignity. Tim Roth is wonderfully villainous in his controversial performance. All of it leads to one of the most compelling duel ever seen on film. The meaning and its effects goes beyond a simple action scene.

Rob Roy towers.

[gazzo-2 · 5 August 2000]

Well done, scenic, finely made film, Liam Neeson is great here and shoulda had the same basic part in Phantom Menace, he is a force of nature here. Roth is a great nasty, Hurt too. I thought the assault scene on Jessica was tough to watch but that crap did happen. The British were tyrants up in the High Heather in the 1700s even as they were in the 1300s in 'Bravehearts' day.

I see this as a bit of a forerunner to Braveheart, though they came out at about the same time, it shoulda done better at the box office and ditto at the Oscars.

***1/2, and boys...that final fight between Roth and Liam...my o my.

A Standard Western

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 19 May 2004]

In my review of ULZANA`S RAID I made the point that Alan Sharp had written a Vietnam war movie and had located it back a hundred years to the wild west . Here Sharp has written a western and transferred it to the Glens of 18th century bonnie Scotland . I mean think about the plot for a moment , a greedy cattle baron strikes up a land deal only to double cross the home steaders and it`s up to Mister home steader in a white hat to clear his name and bring Mister greedy cattle baron to justice . The allegory is even more obvious with the amount of scenes that take place in crowded bars that always end with somebody challenging someone else to a fight

No matter because I actualy preferred ROB ROY to BRAVEHEART . Okay I`ve got to be honest and say I wasn`t entirely overwhelmed by either production but at least ROB ROY was actually filmed in Scotland with a Scottish director working from a script that was written by a Scot and this movie has the better cast . Liam Neeson is good as the title character ( And I`m glad no one thought of casting Clint Eastwood ) and he is very well supported by John Hurt , Brian Cox , Andrew Keir and of course Tim Roth deservedly won an Oscar nomination for his role . The only disappointing performance is with Jessica Lange , or rather her accent which keeps turning from American to unplaceble Scots , but I guess the Scottish accent is difficult to capture , rather like the hero of this movie

Featuring One of Cinema's Greatest Villains -- EVER

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 12 March 2014]

"Rob Roy" came out in 1995 with a couple other heroic swordplay films: "Braveheart" and "First Knight." I prefer "Rob Roy" to "Braveheart," even though the two films shouldn't really be compared since "Rob Roy" focuses on the conflict of individuals in Old Scotland and "Braveheart" focuses more on whole armies battling.

The location cinematography of the Scottish Highlands is breathtaking (and superior to "Braveheart"). Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange are fine in the roles of Rob Roy and his wife. The sword-fighting (between individuals) ranks with the best in cinematic history. The film also possesses a very realistic vibe -- no anachronisms or campy humor here; the pic really helps one realize what life was like in rural Scotland 300 years ago.

What works best, to my mind, is Tim Roth's exceptional performance as Rob Roy's foppish-but-deadly nemesis. This is a villain you love to loathe. The Roth character is so foppish that he appears somewhat effeminate; but this is merely disguise as he's actually a ruthless master swordsman. Surely this is one of film's top villains ever (It doesn't sound right to say "good villain," does it?).

On the downside, the story doesn't have a lot of drive from beginning to end unlike, say, "Last of the Mohicans." Your attention may wander at points. Of course this may not be an entirely bad thing in light of the schizophrenic editing of many films post-"Armageddon" (1998). In other words, the leisurely pace can be refreshing.

There are aspects not appropriate for children: Sexual brutality (a rape scene) and vulgarity (a man shoves his fingers up a woman's nightgown); as well as blatant love-making. There are also overt scenes of, believe it or not, urination; many may regard this as needless, but (for me) it helped drive home the point of what everyday life was like back then, e.g. Where do you pee if you're living in a shack out in the hills? Or, in the middle of the night, if there's no upstairs bathroom?

The story's lack of drive prevents "Rob Roy" from attaining true greatness in my mind, but the positive aspects noted above certainly achieve greatness and there are several memorable scenes.

The film runs 2 hours, 19 minutes, and was shot entirely in Scotland.

GRADE: B+

How about that! It came out right before "Braveheart"!

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 1 August 2006]

I had never heard of Robert Roy MacGregor before "Rob Roy" came out, but the movie is definitely worth seeing. Playing the title character, Liam Neeson brings the same spirit to the role that he brought to Oskar Schindler, and Jessica Lange also does a really good job as his wife Mary. Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth) is one person very likely to make your skin crawl.

All in all, this comes out as good as "Braveheart" (maybe even better). I laugh when I think of how Hollywood released two movies almost back-to-back taking a swipe at England. Very good. Also starring John Hurt, Eric Stoltz, Brian Cox and Jason Flemyng.

unusual messages from Hollywood

[davidarmbruster · 10/10 · 6 March 2006]

MAJOR SPOILERS!! THIS IS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE!!

Commenters have touched on the major theme of "honor" in the film, and too many comparisons to "Braveheart." I'll point out a few things about this movie that I have not seen other comments touch on:

This movie has a decidedly different take on abortion. The first character to get pregnant is the villain's (Roth) girlfriend, and when he coldly suggests an abortion, she states it is too late for that. The shame of her situation ("I'm to have a bastard's bastard.") leads her to commit suicide in a much later scene. The second character to find herself pregnant is Mary, Rob's wife, after a rape by Roth's character (and at least one sex scene with her husband, Rob). Late in the movie, as Rob is leaving for a final confrontation with Roth, Mary asks what she should do about the pregnancy of questionable origins, with a tone hinting of abortion. Rob replies in a noble tone, "it's not the fault of the child," and then states what he thinks the name should be, girl or boy. I find this "pro-life" stance on the part of the hero to be very un-Hollywood. Rob walks from the darkness of the house to the bright outside to make this comment -- not coincidental symbolism.

Another related theme is Roth's character is a bastard, someone who evidently does not know who his father was, and has few kind words for his mother, though he wears a picture of her in a case hung from his neck. Is it coincidence that Roth (devoid of family stability) is the walking definition of psychopath, while Rob is the strong husband/father figure, and of course the hero. In the final sword fight between Rob and the villain (Roth), the former slices the latter deeply across the chest -- the left side of the chest, over the heart. His employer and pseudo-father figure (John Hurt character) holds the mother's picture in his hand and gazes at it, before snatching it from the neck of the dead Roth.

Also what I find interesting was the direction of the rape scene, which was not quite graphic but neither was it off-camera and implied. I found it surprising in it's somewhat matter of fact depiction, with Mary convincingly showing the characteristics of someone going through the ordeal, and subsequent post traumatic stress (as we call it now). My point being that the rape was neither sensationalized nor just implied, which I find an interesting middle road for Hollywood to take.

In the final fight scene, I have to correct an earlier commenter: The weapon Roth chose was a rapier (or perhaps a short sword), the weapon Rob chose was a Claymore. Someone was really doing their homework on this entire scene. Roth would have the upper hand in such a situation, but of course the Claymore is a distinctly Scottish weapon. What is even more striking to me (as a fencer and someone who has read a bit on the subject) is that this final sword fight is one of the most convincing of any film ever made: The actors seem actually trying to kill each other -- not the usual slashes to the opponents blade we see in most movie fights (including the movies opening fight). Even more true to history, Roth is seen several times using the rapier as a thrusting weapon, which is it's purpose by design! (Rapiers were edged, but primarily a thrusting weapon with the edges used mainly for parrying an opponents thrust.) Rob uses the Claymore in broad slashes, as it's design intent. The fight goes down as I would expect it to -- Roth effectively wins. Though Rob wins the day by grabbing Roth's weapon (more symbolism) and striking him dead with a powerful slashing cut.

Folks, it is RARE to see this level of historical accuracy in a movie sword fight.

I'll also note that for whatever reason, I remember 1995 (the year of release) distinctly as a time of distrust of the U.S. government. Hollywood was obviously tuned into that, with the release of both "Rob Roy" and "Braveheart," and I think the anti-government leanings are why both films get so much comparison.

I think the different perspective that this film gives is refreshing to avid movie fans, tired of the same old, not so hidden messages from Hollywood.

An interesting story and good performances make this movie worth watching

[philip_vanderveken · 7/10 · 18 July 2005]

I guess that everybody who sees this movie will immediately compare it to "Braveheart". And that's not only because both stories are situated in Schotland and are based on a historical figure. I found it quite surprising that two movies, who were made with only one year in between, could share so many similarities, but still could be so different. But I believe that every movie has the right to stand on its own and that's why I will not compare the two into detail.

In the highlands of Schotland, Rob Roy tries to lead his small town to a better future. As a former cattle thief and because he now protects these animals for other thieves, he knows the difference between good and bad cattle. He decides to borrow money from the local nobility so he can buy a herd on the market, which he then will sell on the other side of the country with a large profit margin. But when the money is stolen and he is accused of the theft, he has not only to defend his honor, but also his family from the ones that have always wanted to get rid of him...

The best thing this movie had to offer were the realistic characters. The highlanders, the thieves, the noblemen,... all characters were well-developed and interesting. The fact that they all felt real in this movie also has a lot to do with the good acting of course. Let's take the character of Rob Roy for instance. Somehow, Liam Neeson isn't exactly the man I would think of for this kind of role, but he sure proves that he is capable of doing it well. But only talking about Neeson's performance wouldn't be fair towards the other actors as they all did a very fine job portraying their own characters.

Overall this is an interesting movie with a good story, some nice scenes and fine performances. When you've seen Braveheart, you'll notice the similarities, but these are still two different movies and should be treated that way. I give this movie a 7/10, maybe even a 7.5/10.

Thoroughly enjoyable, intelligently-made period action/drama

[Whythorne · 10/10 · 17 February 2005]

From the excellent acting of an extremely impressive cast, to the intelligently written (and very quotable) script, from the lavish cinematography to the beautiful music score by Carter Burwell, Rob Roy offers a rarity in movie going experiences: one that is nigh impossible to find fault with in any area.

There have been several comparisons made with Braveheart, which came out the same year. With all due credit to Mel Gibson, Braveheart struck me as too much of a self-conscious and preachy epic to rival Rob Roy as the kind of movie I would care to see more than once. While Braveheart works hard to be a serious epic, Rob Roy just grabs you and absorbs you into its tightly edited storytelling. Not a single scene is wasted.

Rob Roy contains the perfect balance of dramatic tension, action and even occasional humor. The characters are well fleshed-out, perfectly conveying vernacular and mannerisms that anchor them in their authentic period setting.

Further, they are not caricatures of good and evil as we all too often observe in even modern film.

For example, while we hope the heroic Rob Roy prevails, we realize his predicaments are products of his own pride and sense of honor. Tim Roth plays one of the most hateful bad guys in the history of cinema, yet there are moments when we can understand how the events of his life have shaped him into becoming what he is. Rob Roy employs a level of character development that makes its story even more believable and gripping.

Rob Roy is a delightful treasure, featuring one of the greatest sword fights ever choreographed and a climatic ending worthy of all the tense anticipation.

Overall a pretty good film

[grahamsj3 · 7/10 · 1 April 2003]

This is a well-made, well-acted, well-executed film. How historically accurate it is is open to interpretation. Rob Roy is ably played by Liam Neeson and his wife by Jessica Lange. The evil Marquis of Montrose is wonderfully played by John Hurt. Tim Roth also gives a great performance as Archibald Cunningham. The cinematography is very good. The setting, wherever it was, looks a lot like northern Scotland. I'm a member of the Clan Graham Society, and it kind of hurt to see James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, portrayed as such a greedy and evil man, but I'm sure not all of my Scottish ancestors were saints. There is some violence, but the film doesn't make that much of it. The worst part is the rape by Cunningham of Roy's wife. Eventually, the two will have to go at it, of course. Overall, I enjoyed this film immensely.

Satisfying from start to finish.

[TOMASBBloodhound · 10/10 · 3 June 2007]

To bad for this fine film that it had to be released the same year as Braveheart. Though it is a very different kind of film, the conflict between Scottish commoners and English nobility is front and center here as well. Roughly 400 years had passed between the time Braveheart took place and Rob Roy was set, but some things never seemed to change. Scottland is still run by English nobles, and the highlanders never can seem to catch a break when dealing with them. Rob Roy is handsomely done, but not the grand epic that Braveheart was. There are no large-scale battles, and the conflict here is more between individuals. And helpfully so not all Englishmen are portrayed as evil this time. Rob Roy is simply a film about those with honor, and those who are truly evil.

Liam Neeson plays the title character Rob Roy MacGregor. He is the leader of the MacGregor clan and his basic function is to tend to and protect the cattle of the local nobleman of record known as the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt). Things look pretty rough for the MacGregor clan as winter is approaching, and there seems to be a lack of food for everyone. Rob Roy puts together a plan to borrow 1000 pounds from the Marquis and purchase some cattle of his own. He would then sell them off for a higher price and use the money to improve the general well-being of his community. Sounds fair enough, doesn't it? Problems arise when two cronies of the Marquis steal the money for themselves. One of them, known as Archibald Cunningham, is perhaps the most evil character ever put on film. Played wonderfully by Tim Roth, this man is a penniless would-be noble who has been sent to live with the Marquis by his mother. This man is disgustingly effeminate, rude, heartless, and very dangerous with a sword. He fathers a child with a hand maiden and refuses to own up to the responsibility. He rapes Macgregor's wife and burns him out of his home. This guy is truly as rotten as movie characters come. Along with another crony of the Marquis (Brian Cox) Cunningham steals the money and uses it to settle his own debts. Though it is painfully obvious to most people what happened, the Marquis still holds MacGregor to the debt. This sets up conflict that will take many lives and challenge the strengths of a man simply fighting to hold on to his dignity.

Spoilers ahead!!!!!

Luckily for the MacGregor's, a Duke who is no friend to the Marquis sets up a final duel between Rob Roy and Cunningham to resolve the conflict one and for all. This sword fight has been considered by many to be one of the best ever filmed. Cunningham is thought by many to be a sure winner with his speed and grace. And for most of the fight, it looks like these attributes will win out. Just when it looks like Rob Roy is finished, he turns the tables in a shockingly grotesque manner. The first time you see what happens, you will probably be as shocked as Cunningham! Rob Roy is beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted, and perfectly paced. The score is quite memorable, too. The casting choices seem to have worked out as Jessica Lange, who might seem to be out of her element, actually turns in one of the strongest performances as Mary MacGregor. The film is violent, but there isn't too much gore. It is a lusty picture full of deviant behavior, however. The nobility are largely played as being amoral and sleazy. The film has no obvious flaws, thus it gets 10 of 10 stars.

The Hound.

Superb Performances!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 19 July 2011]

As a Cinematic Experience, 'Rob Roy' is decent, but if you're clearly looking to see some fine acting, 'Rob Roy', just might do the trick. This 1995 Historical Drama has Liam Neeson & Tim Roth delivering performances that are so sharp & effective, that, they even manage to the hold the film, when it falters.

Directed by Michael Caton-Jones, 'Rob Roy' stars Neeson as Robert Roy MacGregor, the famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw of the early 18th century, who battled with feudal landowners in the Scottish Highlands.

Robert Roy MacGregor's Journey On-Screen, is decent in parts. The Writing Material is slow and slightly deary in the first-hour, but picks up the second-hour and reaches to a memorable culmination. Michael Caton-Jones's direction is satisfactory. Cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub is stunning. Editing is fair.

Performance-Wise: As told, Neeson & Roth rule the show with their sharp & effective performances. Neeson gets into the skin of the character, and plays a robin-hood of his time perfectly. Roth, on the other-hand, plays the bad guy, most effectively. Jessica Lange is adequate. John Hurt & Brian Cox are fairly good.

On the whole, A Must See for Neeson & Roth Fans!

This Rob Roy NEVER existed.

[scotland1 · 1/10 · 24 July 2004]

Born, raised, and educated in Scotland, I was appalled at this disgusting portrayal of a man who was no more nor less than a cattle rustler. Worse yet, the thread of the entire movie was sex in one form or another, by implication or verbally. To view it, one would think that 18th century Scotland was populated by a bunch of sex perverts and homosexuals. Lange was a joke acting as the "young" mother at age 49 but Liam Neeson was even worse! Taking a "bath" in a Scottish loch is NOT commonplace as they portrayed him - but, it did give them yet another opportunity to demonstrate how sexually driven we were. Save your money and watch Pinnochio.

Great movie, but not for the overly sensitive.

[callingelvis · 13 December 2007]

I first saw Rob Roy twelve years ago. With little money for entertainment, I rented it for my fiancé and I to watch on a bone chilling winter's night. The movie I had wanted was gone, so I rented this instead, not expecting much, and was very much surprised with how good it was. I just recently watched it again, and loved it every bit as much as the first time.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it's about Scottish outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor, a cattleman and folk hero. From the little I know about the man and his story, liberties have been taken with the facts, but it's a movie, not a textbook, and so the filmmakers can be excused. Basically, the plot of the movie is that Rob Roy borrows money from the Marquis of Montrose to buy cattle which he then intends to sell and reap a large profit from. But, his plan is foiled when the friend entrusted with the money is robbed of the cash and murdered in the forest. Our hero finds himself on the run after failing to settle the matter with the Marquis, and Mary, his wife, suffers a sadistic rape at the hands of Archibald Cunningham, a smarmy Englishman with no soul. Atrocities ensue, until, in an immensely satisfying conclusion, Rob carves Archibald up like a Christmas turkey.

There are many great performances in this movie, but allow me to touch specifically on a few. Liam Neeson, as usual, is fantastic, a sexy beast you can't take your eyes off of. Honestly, this man is like ice cream: even when he's bad he's good. His Rob Roy is an honourable man struggling to provide for those who depend on him, in the best way he knows how. Jessica Lange, as Mary, gives this woman a fierceness which is a nice change from the simpering, dull movie wives audiences are usually forced to endure. You just know she doesn't take any b.s from Rob, or anyone else for that matter. Tim Roth is completely over the top with his portrayal of the evil Archibald, yet somehow, it works. All the posturing and preening, combined with some wicked dialogue, result in one of the most memorable movie villains in recent memory. Combine all of this, and the stellar work by other supporting players, with the luscious scenery of Scotland, and you have what amounts to one really, really cool movie. If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend that you do.

My faute I will proclaim... in a low-key sort of way

[thniels · 7/10 · 21 February 1999]

The movie is brillant and the acting is as well. Nothing more to add to that. As for the acting, particularly Tim Roth is memorable as the stunningly evil Archibald "Fancypants" Cunningham. This is the role he does so well. Just take a look at The Hit where he also starred next to John Hurt as a neo-nazi, trigger happy sidekick. Not unlike this Archibald character.

Of course, the rest of the cast was simply perfect. The only problem I had with this movie, was slightly messy filming. It was, however, remedied somewhat by the sheer beauty of the scenery. Not knowing much about Scottish history, I find it quite refreshing to know, that at least someone have a low-key, peace loving war hero.

When A Man Loves A Woman

[valis1949 · 7/10 · 26 June 2009]

Tim Roth and John Hurt team up once again, over a decade after their stellar performances in Stephen Frears 'Gangster Noir' film, THE HIT. Tim Roth is mesmerizing as a swishy swordsman with a yen for robbery and rape. The sword fighting scenes in ROB ROY rank with the very best ever captured on film. Although certain Japanese Samurai films might display more frenzied technique, Michael Caton-Jones(the director)seems to allow the sword play to help define his characters' roles. Roth demonstrates a brazen, yet strategic approach-cruelly and intuitively seeking his adversary's weaknesses, while Neeson's character exhibits the ability to stoically absorb the hits, and continue to slug it out. Although, Liam Neeson seems a bit stiff as the noble Scottish clan leader, John Hurt hits the bull's eye as a very wry, British upper class fop. And, Jessica Lange puts a big romantic bow on the entire project. All in all, ROB ROY is a love story about honor and courage without a trace of sappiness.

Simple and Effective

[Tweetienator · 7/10 · 29 September 2021]

A simple but effective action movie set in a historical backdrop. Besides a well acting cast (Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth), Rob Roy got a fine production, settings and that never getting old storyline: that of love, of rebellion against injustice and that of revenge. If you like movies like Braveheart, The Last Mohicans (1992) and The Patriot (2000), you know this one too, I take any bet.

Great Entertainment

[tomodell · 10/10 · 27 July 2006]

This sweeping drama has it all: top notch acting, incredible photography, good story. It is often compared to "Braveheart" because both movies take place in historical Scotland. Even though I love Braveheart, I think this is the better of the two films. Jessica Lange gave an incredible performance (should have been nominated for an Oscar). Liam Neeson is fantastic in the title role. Tim Roth plays one of the most evil, despicable, characters in film history (he was nominated for an Oscar). John Hurt is excellent as Lord Montrose, another dislikeable character. I am always amazed at the incredible range of characters that John Hurt can play. This is a story of a dispute over money between Rob Roy and his clan, and Lord Montrose. Rob Roy is a self made man, who will not solve his problems with Montrose if it violates his sense of honor. Montrose, who, inherited his title, has no sense of honor. And that is basically what this story is all about; honor of the common man versus corruption of the nobility. This movie is very entertaining, it should appeal to all. It has romance, action, beautiful scenery, and has a exciting plot. One of my favorite films.

Tour de Force from Roth

[johnson50 · 7/10 · 1 December 2003]

Not much of a film really. Liam Neeson is about as convincing a Scotsman as Groucho Marx would be, you just want Jessica Lange to get raped and the pair of them are just too bloody holier-than-thou to be true.

But Tim Roth? - brilliant! He sneers his way through the entire film, when he isn't crawling to John Hurt that is. Even his name is a sneer! What a loathsome character he portrays and he does it so well, ably aided and abetted by the masterful Brian Cox, doing quite nicely in Hollywood in his old age.

As for the rest of it? Rubbish! Certainly not a patch on its contemporary 'Braveheart'!

An unforgettable epic of love and honor.

[coop-16 · 9/10 · 25 March 2000]

What can one say about a film that has one of the blackest, most nihilistic, and occasionally most weirdly -I wont say 'sympathetic'..I will say 'charismatic' villains in the history of the Cinema, and the best sword fight since Flynn and Fairbanks were in their heyday? This is an epic about a stubborn, sometimes foolish, incredibly courageous and honest mans fight for his honor and freedom against tyranny. I loved it. John Hurt and Tim Roth were great villains. Jessica Lange was very moving, tender, and sensual.

Rob Roy just another romantic tale only the scenery is worth the effort to watch.

[mightyeye · 6/10 · 20 February 2005]

This film inspired by Sir Walter Scott's fictional character weaves a story that portrays exaggerations of character and caricature. It was too predictable from the start and hardly worth the film it was made on or the time spent by its producers and staff, like Braveheart sentimental dribble.

It is clear though that the landowners in the movie are of Scotch origin, that the lifestyle, romanticised by the movie of these persons and the clansmen are sharply contrasted but portraying clan life in the crofts as some kind of ideal lifestyle is too much. The eighteenth century events that form the background to the movie were indeed traumatic for all concerned, the events were not simply those of English and Scottish nobles rivalry for power but also of the need for Scottish nobles to distance themselves from barbarous clansmen.

The Best Historical Movie Ever Made!

[dave_wlogan · 9/10 · 20 July 2008]

I haven't seen this film in years so my knowledge is a little rusty. I do remember thinking that this film is twice the film of Braveheart. It is simply more realistic and has more believable characters. Ridb Roy looks like one would imagine Rob Roy to look like, messy hair and beard with simple clothing. Also the Liam Nesson has a Celtic look about him, he looks like a Scot and more importantly looks like Rob Roy. It's a comparison which angers some people but compare him to Mel Gibson as William Wallace. Gibson is supposedly playing a man who's legend has caused him to be described as a 6 foot 7 giant while Gibson is almost a foot shorter. The story contains a little romance, conspiracy and an underdog story. Sound anything like Braveheart? But instead of a film that cries out "freedom", liberty and nationalism we get a film which says honour, love and justice. This makes it a more interesting film. Much like Gladiator. The cast is fantastic and Liam Nesson is a very strong leader in this endeavour. The story is great with how it deals with heroism and humanity. The scene where Mary is raped and she walks out of the burning house with a look of true Scottish strength is followed by her washing the semen from her crotch in an extreme panic. This is something a heroine in Braveheart would never do. Overall this is a stunning and almost flawless watch. Go and see it!

too many flaws

[dartleyk · 6/10 · 7 October 2012]

surprising that it made 28mil, as it was blown away by Gibson's braveheart, the more comic book version; Rob Roy is more raw, more interesting, better shot, better locations, but missing a screenplay that is entertaining; those defects are not helped by over the top fop tim roth who it is difficult to imagine even lifting a sword, and more so by jessica lang, who as her looks faded or something happened to create tiny little beady eyes, reverted to the quivering hand at the mouth and possibly tears school of acting; neeson is workmanlike, OK; john hurt nicely bizarre- though you should check him in his early penguin movie; all in all understandable that it faded under braveheart

Blah

[moviesleuth2 · 4/10 · 1 June 2008]

"Rob Roy" is a historical adventure in the spirit of "Braveheart" with a little bit of "Lord of the Rings" thrown into the mix. It wants to be exciting and epic, but try as it might, it's rather forgettable.

Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) needs money, so he goes to the Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt) to offer him a business proposition that will make them both a lot of money. Things don't go as planned, and a man named Cunningham (Tim Roth) steals the money and blames it on MacGregor. So MacGregor must fight to save his clan and defend his honor.

That's the story in a nutshell. It's really more complex than that, but truthfully it's not worth going into.

By all accounts this should be a good movie. The performances are solid, being both standard adventure characters and complex individuals at the same time. The film looks great. So why isn't this a great film? The truth is that apart from a few instances, I could really care less about anything that happened. The most important thing a movie has to do is draw the audience into the story, and for me, "Rob Roy" fails to do that.

There are two characters that illicited a response from me. Most importantly is Cunningham, played by Tim Roth. He's as vile as they come. He could care less about anyone, and no act of villainy is beyond his capability. The second Alasdair MacGregor, Rob Roy's brother, if only because he's rather likable.

There are two things I must address. One is why they chose "Rob Roy" as the title. Liam Neeson's character is never referred to or addressed by this name. Maybe it's the name of the legend, but my bet is that most people, such as myself, would have no idea who the man was except for the movie.

The second is that the film contains the best sword-fight in film history. Please. It may be realistic because people act in a normal way, but like the rest of the movie, it's rather lifeless.

If you're looking for a good historical epic, stick with "Braveheart." There's a reason why Mel Gibson's film is widely regarded as a classic and most people don't know this one.