Rob Roy (1995)

One of the most invigorating period adventures to hit the big screen in decades, this lavish, brilliantly directed film drew critical and audience raves when it was released in 1995. Inspired by historical fact and larger-than-life legend, the intelligently scripted story takes place in Scotland in 1713, when Highland farmer and clan leader Rob Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) is forced to borrow money from the duplicitous aristocrat Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt) to help his clan survive a harsh winter. When Montrose's vile henchman (Tim Roth) schemes to dishonor MacGregor and his wife (Jessica Lange) and take the money for himself, the rugged Highlander must take courageous action to preserve his integrity. What follows--along with some of the finest sword-fighting ever filmed--is a tale of courage and valor destined to become an enduring movie classic. Tim Roth received a well-deserved Oscar nomination (for Best Supporting Actor) for his indelible performance as the foppish but deadly villain Cunningham, and both Neeson and Lange bring an earthy, sensual quality to their passionate roles. Boasting a wealth of breathtaking scenery and high-intensity action, Rob Roy is further blessed by a splendid supporting cast (including Brian Cox and Eric Stoltz), and the lush soundtrack by Carter Burwell strikes a perfect balance of romanticism and vigorous dramatic energy. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

A CLASSIC!

I love movies like this.

If you liked Braveheart, you will truly enjoy this engaging film, despite the historical and chronological differences. Liam Neeson plays Rob Roy, a simple Scotsman looking to make a living with his family in the Highlands of Scotland. During the course of events, the actions of some dishonorable people force Rob into action to save the livlihood of his family and his clan.

This, quite simply, is a very great film. I bought it, wathced it, then watched it again the next day. Worth having in ANY dvd collection. August 16, 2008

Of Kilts and Crossed Swords.

The most common praise I hear about "Rob Roy" is that it is better than "Braveheart". This is an odd connection because these films could not be so dissimilar. The only trait common to these films is that they both were released in 1995 and that they're set in Scotland. The greatest compliment I can give is that even at a less than lean running time of 2 hours 19 minutes director Michael Caton-Jones keeps you riveted throughout. The action is the selling point but the witty dialogue and the impeccable characterization transcends the genre. Liam Neeson as the honor-bound Scot Robert Roy MacGregor leaves an indelible mark not unlike his Oskar Schindler. I was remarking to a friend that I can't recall Neeson ever embarrassing himself onscreen and if he had I don't want to know about it. Jessica Lange, probably in her early forties at the time, makes for a lusty Mary MacGregor. The erotic chemistry between Neeson and Lange is combustible and would put actors a generation younger to shame. Tim Roth received the lone Oscar nomination here as the villainous Cunningham and well deserved. Cunningham is a classic screen baddy and Roth is careful not to overplay his hand. What impressed me is how the diminutive Roth held his own in the climactic showdown with the taller and beefier Neeson and made it believable. Veteran stalwarts John Hurt and the inimitable Brian Cox leave an impression as treacherous noblemen. I can't think of enough superlatives for "Rob Roy" except to say see it and experience it. August 5, 2008

A great story

I love this movie and Liam Neeson could not have been a better Rob Roy. It is the story that makes you smile and makes you cry and is probably one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. The love Rob Roy had for his family and his countrymen, amazing August 4, 2008

Sex scenes a turn-off. I thought this was an action movie?

I have the greatest respect for Liam Neeson as an actor. This movie does not come up to the standard I had associated with his work. He could have done much better in a leading role elsewhere. The movie starts out with a bit (and I do mean a bit) of action, a sex scene, then on to the villain, who is very good, whoever he is. Then back to more sex -- and I turned it off, threw it away. The title, Rob Roy, does not lead a viewer to expect an Outlander story line. July 26, 2008

"All Men With Honor Are Kings"

Released in '95, the same year the blockbuster hit `Braveheart' won just about every award in sight, the smaller scale period film `Rob Roy' came and went rather quietly even though it had much to offer. `Rob Roy' is first class entertainment boasting breathtaking Scottish landscapes, intoxicating stand alone soundtrack, strong script, well choreographed fighting sequences, a powerful performance by Liam Neeson as Rob Roy and Tim Roth as one of the most delightfully evil adversaries ever to grace the silver screen.

The sequences when Neeson and Roth are together are absolutely electric and powerful. To find a worthy comparison in the annals of filmdom one would have to go back to Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone in the `40's to find their equal.

As other reviewers have stated the only thing keeping this movie from -5 Star- status is overall consistency. There are spots here and there where the action lags, generally occurring when Roth is absent, but those lapses are more than made up for by the classic confrontation at the end of the film.

Another big plus for 'Rob Roy' is found in the repeatability factor. You can watch this one over and over again with all the enthusiasm you had on your initial viewing. This one definitely belongs in your personal DVD library.

My Rating: -4 1/2 Stars-. July 21, 2008

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