These may not be the twenty greatest films ever made, but they are my favourites. I started with 35 of the movies I love the most for various reasons, and had a tough time narrowing the list down to just 20 films. Even harder was putting them into some sort of order. It's an eclectic list - as those of you who know me well know, I like a broad range of films - but, all in all, the twenty films that have made the most impact on me over the years.
#16 - Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves
Stars: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman & Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Writer(s): Pen Densham
Year: 1991
The Story: Beginning at the end of King Richard's Crusades, Robin of Locksley (Costner) escapes Jerusalem and journeys home to England, bringing with him Azeem (Freeman), a Moor who helped facilitate his escape. Robin's best friend Peter dies in the attempt, and Robin promises to protect Peter's sister, Marian.
But trouble is brewing in England. With King Richard away, the cruel Sherrif of Nottingham (Rickman) rules the land, and does so cruelly, relying on his cousin, Guy of Gisborne, to keep his "subjects" in line. Nottingham also has support from a witch, Mortiana, who sees her death at the hands of a "painted man" and from a corrupt Church official who helps Nottingham kill Robin's father.
Returning and immediately making himself an enemy in Gisborne, Robin and Azeem venture into the Sherwood Forest, where they meet up with a band of Merry Men led by Little John (Nick Brimble) and Will Scarlet (Christian Slater), which begins a campaign of stealing from the rich - i.e. Nottingham - and giving to the poor. The Sheriff, determined to quell the uprising, recruits mercenary Celtic warriors and a battle in the forest ensues.
Meanwhile, Marian is betrayed by her priest and is forced to marry Nottingham. His gift to her will be the hanging death of some of Robin's men, captured at the end of the battle in the forest. Of course, Robin isn't dead, and after a heart-to-heart with Will Scarlet that reveals the connection between the two, a plan is hatched to save the day.
Watch it if...: You don't mind a film that's not particularly historically accurate, but is a good fun - especially Alan Rickman's scenes as Nottingham - blockbuster with plenty of great action scenes, and a particularly memorable soundtrack song. And for a sneaky Sean Connery cameo right at the end.
Why I Love It: I'm an unashamed fan of this movie. I know people panned it - and even I can admit that Kev's attempt at an English accent failed horribly - but the story's always resonated with me for whatever reason. It's in my Top Twenty because I can watch it over and over and still find great enjoyment. The set pieces are impressive, the English countryside beautiful.
I've always thought that the filmmakers might've found someone a little more strikingly beautiful to play Maid Marian, but that's a minor qualm. As for the lead role, well, (horrible attempt at an English) accent aside, Kevin Costner brings a touch of humanity to Robin Hood. His relief at being home, grief over the loss of his friend and his father, love for Marian, and desperation to see King Richard back on the throne. He's serious most of the time, in direct and interesting contrast to the inspired comic cruelty of Alan Rickman as Nottingham, who basically steels the show. Is there a better 1980's.90's action film villain than Rickman?
I liked the inclusion of scenes in Jerusalem to start, as they lend the film a darker edge and set up some of the back story that the film explores later on, and give the film a darker edge to what we're used to in previous incarnations of the famous old tale . Plus, another good action scene or three never goes astray. Prince of Thieves was brimming with them. It's such a fun ride! Yeah, Kevin Costner's done some bad films, but this fun and uncomplicated. People trash it unfairly. I enjoy it every time.
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