Robin Hood (2010)

"Rise and rise again. Until lambs becomes lions."

- Robin Hood

Since I have an interest in history, I was looking forward to seeing this film. Going into it, I had a lot of expectations for it. It surprised me. Though, in a good way.

As a child, I remember reading the "Robin Hood" storybook. I remembered Robin Hood, the heroic figure, as one who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. In turn, I really thought this movie would be the same - I was mistaken.

Instead of focusing on Robin Hood and his goodwill towards the poor (as in the children storybook), we are introduced to a different Robin Hood - this is a man who is good yet does not realize the power of his goodness and ability to help others. This man is one who just wants to survive - his sole purpose is to survive.

In a way, this movie is more of a prequel to the Robin Hood story we all know. Just as "Batman Begins" is about Batman and how he came to be, "Robin Hood" is just the same - it is the story of Robin Hood and how he became to be as well.

It's not until Robin Hood, played by Russell Crowe, stands up and does a good deed for his country (the side he thought was the right side) yet is cast away as an outsider is when he realizes he's playing for the wrong side.

It's not the rich (i.e. the monarchy, the merchants, etc) that he should be defending - it should be the poor. As, it is the rich (in these times) that really are the ones that steal from the poor (in forms of taxation) for their own self-interest. To Robin Hood, this is wrong.

What's interesting is that the story then becomes a matter of ethics - what is right? And, what is wrong? And, who is to say what is right and what is wrong? Is it the rich? Or, is it the poor? Who can decide what is right and what is wrong?

In a way, this is a story of vengeance - a vengeance against the rich for wronging the poor. And, it is this vengeance that gives Robin Hood purpose in life. Before he was wronged, he didn't have much purpose. Though, this event changed him and enlightened him - it gave him a reason to live.

What made it even more personal was the fact that his family was involved. I don't want to ruin it for you, but let's just say Robin Hood really followed in the footsteps of his family in his mission of vengeance against the rich. In a sense, this new vengeance gave him a purpose which gave him a new identity.

When it boils down to it, this film is really about identity - knowing who you are and remembering where you came from. Sometimes we forget the past and sometimes we want to forget the past. Yet, the past is the past. And, a lot of times the past tells us where we came from.

Though it can be hard, we must always remember where we came from - it is a part of who we are even as we grow up and become adults.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. It had a good storyline, acting was good and the action scenes were pretty well played out. For me personally, I enjoyed the historical references and backdrop of the movie - I do enjoy period pieces.

(Note: I really liked Cate Blanchett's role and portrayal of Lady Marion. She played a very strong character in the film - intelligent and strong willed).

Though, I'm going to be honest. Not everyone is going to like this movie. I've already heard some bad reviews of it already.

Going into it, I think some people had some expectations- namely the story of Robin Hood and how he stole from the rich and gave to the poor. The fact that it was more of a prequel, I think may have turned some people off.

However, I enjoyed it. I was entertained throughout the film. But, it is not for everyone. I think those who will enjoy it are those who have an interest in history and enjoy watching period pieces (like me). If you're not that much of a history buff, you may not enjoy this film as much.

If you're in the mood for a history type of movie and enjoy period pieces, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

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