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~ ~ Rob Roy MacGregor is a legendary figure in Scottish history, immortalised forever in the famous novel of the same name by Sir Walter Scott published in 1817. Scott's novel is probably the main reason he's a legendary figure in Scottish history, as in reality ... Read review
One of the most invigorating period adventures to hit the big screen in decades, this ... more
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 intellig...
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One of the most invigorating period adventures to hit the big screen in decades, this ... more
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 intellig...
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A passionate and thrilling tale Rob Roy tells the true story of 18th century Scottish ... more
hero Robert Roy McGregor (Liam Neeson). Against a backdrop of stunning beauty and the bitter reality of clan life Rob Roy and his wife Mary (Jessica Lange) a re ca...
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A passionate and thrilling tale, Rob Roy tells the true story of 18th century Scottish ... more
hero Robert Roy McGregor (Liam Neeson - 'Schindler's List'). Against a backdrop of stunning beauty and the bitter reality of clan life, Rob Roy and his wife Mary (Je...
The Rob Roy is wonderfully situated in idyllic countryside at the gateway to Scotlands ... more
first National Park and provides the ideal base for visiting the Trossachs the Highlands and PerthshireNamed after the legendary local folk hero the Rob Roy offers excellent food friendly staff and good old fashioned value for money All of the bedrooms are in a large annex which is approx 50 yards from main hotel are all en suite with colour TV telephones and all of the necessary modern facilities The hotel is a gentle one mile stroll along the banks of the river Forth to the picturesque village of Aberfoyle and the splendours of Loch Lomond Callender and historic Stirling are all within easy striking distanceFor the energetic the area has a wealth of activities from water skiing to rock climbing and Aberfoyle Golf Club for which we can offer reduced rates is situated directly across from the hotel And for those with any energy left the Rob Roy hosts a Saturday night Dinner and Dance throughout most of the year!
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Overture Rob Roy;The Rieving Party (Original Soundtrack) Home From The Hills (Original ... more
Soundtrack) Hard Earth (Karen Matheson) Procession For The Ill-Used (Original Soundtrack) Blood Sport (Original Soundtrack) The Gaelic Reels (Capercaillie) Ailein Duinn (Karen Matheson) The Last Peaceful Night (Original Soundtrack) Troops In The Mist (Original Soundtrack) Honor Inflamed (Original Soundtrack) The Dispossessed The Cave;Hard Home On The Moor (Original Soundtrack) The Blunt Reels (Capercaillie) Highland Justice Call Of The Claymore;Assize Of The Gregorach (Original Soundtrack) A Standing Stone A Silk Purse (Original Soundtrack) Theid Mi Dhachaigh (I'll Go Home) (Angus Grant;Karen Matheson) Rannoch Moor Suite Scorched Earth;Rannoch Moor Retreat;The Mists;Rob Come To Ha (Original Soundtrack) Morag's Lament (Karen Matheson) Born By Rapids (Original Soundtrack) Love And Death Suite My Beloved;A Matter Of Honour;Cunningham's End (Original Soundtrack) Robert And Mary (Original Soundtrack)
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Storybook Classics brings you this colourful adaptation of a time-honoured story by Sir ... more
Walter Scott, introducing you to the rogue hero of the Scottish Highlands, Rob Roy MacGregor. In this thrilling tale of bravery Rob Roy is tricked by the evil Duke Of Montrose and is labelled an outlaw. It is up to the valiant Rob Roy to lead his countrymen in a revolt and triumph over the sinister Duke with nothing more than a brave heart and a few unflinching warriors.
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Action/Adventure - Director: Richard Donner, Richard Lester, Sidney J. Furie - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, Richard Pryor
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Advantages: Good casting. Excellent performances. Stunning scenery. Disadvantages: Perhaps a wee bit drawn out at 133 minutes.
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~ ~ Rob Roy MacGregor is a legendary figure in Scottish history, immortalised forever in the famous novel of the same name by Sir Walter Scott published in 1817. Scott's novel is probably the main reason he's a legendary figure in Scottish history, as in reality he was a simply a clan chief from around Stirling, (the old Scot's capital) who supported the cause of the Stuarts (Jacobites) in the 1715 rising against the Crown, and who had ... ...be forgiven for thinking that Rob Roy MacGregor was a major historical figure. Never let it be said that reality should spoil a good Hollywood blockbuster!
~ ~ This movie had the misfortune to be released in 1995, the same year that another epic historical drama about Scotland called "Braveheart" was also released. Of course, Braveheart went on to practically sweep the boards at the Oscars in 1996, winning both best picture ... more
FILM REVIEW ONLY ~~~~~~~~~
~ ~ Rob Roy MacGregor is a legendary figure in Scottish history, immortalised forever in the famous novel of the same name by Sir Walter Scott published in 1817. Scott's novel is probably the main reason he's a legendary figure in Scottish history, as in reality he was a simply a clan chief from around Stirling, (the old Scot's capital) who supported the cause of the Stuarts (Jacobites) in the 1715 rising against the Crown, and who had a penchant for cattle rustling and general mischief making.
~ ~ Mind you, viewing the 1995 movie "Rob Roy" by Scots director Michael Caton-Jones, with the brilliant Irish actor Liam Neeson in the title role, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Rob Roy MacGregor was a major historical figure. Never let it be said that reality should spoil a good Hollywood blockbuster!
~ ~ This movie had the misfortune to be released in 1995, the same year that another epic historical drama about Scotland called "Braveheart" was also released. Of course, Braveheart went on to practically sweep the boards at the Oscars in 1996, winning both best picture and best director. (Mel Gibson) As a consequence "Rob Roy" languished in relative obscurity, never really getting the recognition it might otherwise have achieved, although actor Tim Roth was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role as the villainous Archibald Cunningham and actually won a BAFTA for the part.
~ ~ So what's the movie about? Simple enough. It tells the tale of how Rob Roy MacGregor borrows £1,000 (a massive sum of money in the early 1700's) from the local bigwig, the Marquis of Montrose, in order to purchase cattle which he intends driving to market in Carlisle in northern England in order to turn a tidy profit. Skulduggery is afoot however, and the money goes missing thanks to the devious ploys and machinations of the evil Archibald Cunningham and the Marquis of Montrose's corrupt factor Killearn, played with great style and aplomb by the veteran Scots actor Brian Cox. Rob Roy has to take to the hills with his brother and clansman to avoid bloody retribution from the Marquis. Seemingly in feudal Scotland it was OK to thieve cattle and carry out other various minor criminal enterprises, but if you fell foul of the Laird then you were in BIG trouble. The womenfolk and children are left at home to mind the crofts, but the Marquis's men come a calling, and Archie Cunningham has never heard of chivalry! Rob's wife Mary suffers the brunt of his anger (amongst other things!) when he can't lay hands on the slippery and elusive man of the house. Of course, honour has now entered the equation, and Rob Roy must avenge the wrong he has suffered at the hands of the Marquis and his evil henchmen.
~ ~ The plot is not that adventurous, simply the age-old tale of good versus evil. But it is skilfully crafted by the Scot's director Michael Caton-Jones, who by dint of his Scottish heritage obviously had a feel for the country, its history, and its people. This is best reflected in the marvellous camera work which makes full use of the magnificent backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and countryside. Of course, with scenery like this as your stage then it would be hard to do much wrong! The plot itself is to a certain extent based on a true story, as Rob Roy's falling out with the Marquis of Montrose, who was previous to this episode in history both his mentor and friend, is a well documented historical fact. Naturally, it has been embellished somewhat to make for good cinema, but that's OK!
~ ~ The casting is just right. Mary MacGregor, Rob's wife, is played to perfection by American actress Jessica Lange, who even at the age of 46 when this movie was made, still manages to give some of the younger starlets a run for their money when it comes to looking great. Liam Neeson is convincing in the lead role, and truly makes it his own. The interplay between herself and Liam Neeson is one of the high spots of the movie. Strange mind you that in two blockbuster movies about Scottish folk heroes made in the same year (Braveheart and Rob Roy) the leading roles were played by an Australian (Mel Gibson) and an Irishman. (Liam Neeson) I suppose that in real life us Scots simply aren't heroic enough, although it has to be said that in both cases the aforementioned actors did very well in replicating the Scottish accent, which is no easy task! The supporting cast were also excellent. Tim Roth as the villainous and foppish Archie Cunningham totally steals the show, hence I suppose his nomination for an Oscar as best supporting actor and his BAFTA award. The Marquis of Montrose is played with his usual style and aplomb by the superb English actor John Hurt, who as a youngster trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His training shines through in every role he takes on!
~ ~ As I said earlier, Rob Roy suffered greatly as a consequence of being released at the same time as Braveheart. It doesn't have the same epic sweep as the Gibson movie, and, of course, the gory and realistic battle scenes in Braveheart simply leave any of the action scenes in Rob Roy for dead! But I think that Rob Roy is probably more authentic in capturing the mood of Scottish politics and life during feudal times, when the ordinary people lived lives of unmitigated drudgery and deprivation, and existed merely on the whim and patronage of the local Laird or Lord. Some of the sword fighting scenes aren't half bad either!
~ ~ I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, which I came across by accident on Sky Movies whilst browsing for something worthwhile to watch over the Christmas holiday. I'd watched it before when it was first released, but now intend adding it to my DVD collection at the earliest opportunity. It's currently on sale at Amazon in the UK at £5.97 (new) or from £4.98 (used) from Amazon marketplace. Recommended viewing.
Advantages: Strong performances by a talented cast Disadvantages: A bit more gratuitous violence than you'd want young children to witness
...novel by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy is the kind of movie that you just almost have to like. With a script that is largely unmarred by shades of moral gray, good is clearly good, evil is clearly evil, marital love and fidelity triumph over all challenges, and justice prevails at the end of the day. It is, in a word, wholesome. Toss in a healthy dose of standing stones, Highland lochs, and good Scottish scenery in general, and--well, you just about ... ...these days), we pull out Rob Roy for uplifting dose of courage and valor--plus a wee bit or romance. During its best moments, this film makes the audience feel hopeful about the human condition. During its worst--particularly through several scenes of somewhat gratuitous violence, including rape--it begs the question of whether humanity is really deserving of such hope. I confess that my own love for things Scottish may have allowed me to overlook ...
BawBaw 14.01.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rob Roy (DVD)
Advantages: a great historical romp Disadvantages: dont look for historical accuracy
...some balance in its undertaking. Rob Roy would always be a difficult subject to make into a balanced film. In an age when alleigence and politics was the road to success, the historical Rob Roy MacGregor was an enigmatic player of this game and changed his camps as it suited his own ends. But the historical reality does not make for a hero, which is a shame as a realistic portrayal of the philosophy and attitude of the man would have made for a much ... ...action. The premise is this, Rob Roy (Liam Neeson) is the head of the MacGregor clan, guardian, leader and all round hero to the community. To provide for their future he undertakes a trade mission using borrowed money. Unfortunately a young libertine in the form of Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth) hijacks the mission for his own gain leaving Rob Roy in debt to a powerful and ruthless nobleman (John Hurt). Rob Roy becomes a fugitive and has to go ...
steerpyke 27.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rob Roy (DVD)
Advantages: Good fights Disadvantages: Why get an Irishman to play a Scot?
...film of the legend of Rob Roy MacGregor who tricked into debt by a Scottish laird sought to settle the score.
Filled to the brim with period duels and honour, along with some very over the top hats this is an entertaining adventure film with a respectable story.
Tim Roth and John Hurt play the villains, and as I mention a lot, British actors play the best villains (I don’t recall either of them in a bad film). The fact that (predictably) the hero ...
pabdesign 12.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Rob Roy (DVD)
Advantages: locations, tim roth Disadvantages: the usual hollywood treatment
...of a Scottish folklore hero Rob Roy. Rob Roy is a 18th century sheep rustler come good guy who is double-crossed and finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Enter Liam Neeson (with a pretty bad Scottish accent) and Jessica Lange as his wife (with another pretty bad accent).
A lot of subtefuge, hiding and fighting and Roy's name is finally cleared with the help of his wife. Tim Roth plays a brilliant effiminate but deadly English nobleman who ... ...stunning locations it's not a bad film. It concentrates more on the love action between Lange and Neeson, so don't expect the epic battle scenes or the nostalgia of Braveheart. More suitable for the girly and squeamish amongst you as it's a bit of a 18th century chick flick in some ways.
Again hollywood manage to gloss over the story of what is to all intents and purposes a thief who happens to rather famous in Scotland. ...
corman 10.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Rob Roy (DVD)
Advantages: He does this intresting thing with a cow Disadvantages: Why is Liam Neesam an Irishman playing an important person in scots history
...cattle and land owner called Rob Roy Mcgregor who is head of the Mcgregor clan in the highlands of scotland. This bloke played by Liam Neesom decides he wants to get richer by borrowing a thousand pounds from the earl of Montrose. To by cattle from the markets in scotland and sell them at Carlisle where the prices are higher.
However nothing ever goes right at the start of films so two of the Earl of Montrose's underlings decide to make a fast buck ... ...Rob Roy. Rob Roy sends his mate to collect a note for a thousand pounds on his way back this bloke is killed by Archibald Cunningham this is a really good chase on horseback. The man who was is killed is suspected of legging it with the money to America. The rest of the film is about Rob Roy trying to clear his name and it ends with a very gorey duel right at wear Liam Neesom slices straight through Archibald Cunningham's collar bone. Plenty of gore. ...
porki 13.01.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Rob Roy (DVD)
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Professional reviews
Review
"...The heart of ROB ROY is the passionate interplay between Neeson and Lange, and the two are superb together..." -- Rating: B+ (Entertainment Weekly, pp.42-3, 14/04/1995)
"...[Ms. Lange] displays great dignity mixed with raw, barely contained emotion..." (New York Times, p.C1, 07/04/1995)
"...[Roth is] deliciously vicious....[Lange] turns in a great performance..." (Premiere, p.25, 01/04/1995)
"...A smartly chosen cast, visible production values and chunky moral center..." -- 3 out of 4 stars (USA Today, p.1D, 07/04/1995)
"...Handsome....Lovely....[The film] is stately..." (Variety, 27/03/1995)
DVD Description
A rousing film version of Sir Walter Scott's sweeping romantic adventure based on the life of Scottish hero Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) who battled a despotic English secretary appointed by the king to watch over Scottish highlands.
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