Culture

Directed by Ridley Scott
Rating: 3/5

Forget everything you might know about the original Robin Hood. There are no men prancing merrily around in a forest sporting tights to match the trees or stealing gold from the rich and giving it to the poor. Robin Hood no longer looks like a grown-up Peter Pan and Marion is about as far away from a damsel in distress as you can get. This is dark, gritty and a whole new take on the old tale. 
Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) is an archer in Richard the Lionheart’s army who, upon the King’s death, sees an opportunity to escape fighting for a cause he does not believe in. Sir Robert Loxley, a dying knight, makes him promise to take his sword back to his father, Sir Walter Loxley of Nottingham. On his arrival, Robin becomes involved in Nottingham’s over-taxation issues and pillaging attacks by England’s new tyrannical King and is forced to take a stand against him and, in the process, become the legendary Robin Hood. 
Like Batman Begins, Robin Hood it is an origin movie, providing a back story to the fabled ranger. It isn’t as much about Robin Hood as it is about how Robin Longstride becomes Robin Hood.  The film is dialogue-heavy and relies on only a few action scenes to keep the story flowing. This works for the most part, providing a solid and entertaining introduction to the legendary hero. Despite some issues with direction and moments in the film that are outright boring, the film is fun and entertaining for its lengthy duration. Expect a sequel.