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

Noble heroes, evil villains, winsome lasses on Scottish Highland

Rob Roy is an absolutely splendid, swashbuckling tale full of villainy, beautiful lasses and strapping lads. It ends with a sword-fight so thrilling Roger Ebert writes the filmmakers "re-invent the exercise".

Liam Neeson brings 1700s Scottish legend Rob Roy MacGregor to life in a performance that makes the hero seem ten feet tall, bulletproof, and passionately human. His performance would be reason enough to watch this movie, but the rest of the film is fleshed out with supporting characters that are as rip-roaringly full of life as The Man himself - both friends and foe - so when the climactic sword fight comes we are gripped in the moment. It feels as if the world hangs in the balance.

Jessica Lange plays Mrs. MacGregor as a sexy, supportive wife, and the viewer has no difficulty imagining that she is the kind of women men would fight over. Neeson and Lange make a good pair, and you feel their passion for one another and their clan. Tim Roth earned the film's only Oscar nomination for best supporting actor as the fey and cunning villain Archibald Cunningham. He is the nephew of John Hurt's John Graham, Marquis of Montrose, but he is no gentleman. Cunningham is the kind of man who will cheat and murder other men and deflower willing and unwilling women.

Although the story is set in the Scotland of 300 years ago, an almost identical story could be set in almost any historical period. I could imagine the story in the old west, starring John Wayne. Or set on the streets of New York, directed by Martin Scorcese. Or Boston, with a screenplay written by Dennis Lehane.

At its core Rob Roy is the story of a good man. Rob Roy isn't just "good" in the sense of "lack of evil". Mr. MacGregor is the kind of man who makes meeker men better. He is the kind of man other people count on. He is the kind of man who makes criminals nervous. Leading a highlands clan, he directs and polices their small agricultural enterprises. Because he is also a man of vision and ambition, he approaches other men of wealth, seeking investors because Rob Roy is the kind of man who can turn money into more money through livestock. Perhaps his greatest fault comes when he trusts that "noblemen" will act with as much honor as he, a simple herder.

Roth plays the chief and most heinous villain, but he is aided by Hurt, as the Marquis, Andrew Keir as the haughty Duke of Argyll, and Brian Cox as the sycophantic Killearn.

By the time the story arrives at the climactic sword fight, you feel the weight of every swing of saber. You are emotionally invested in the characters and you care about the outcome. A film of this type could not achieve more. Highly recommended. November 18, 2008

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

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