Rob Roy (1995)

Director:

Michael Caton-Jones

Writer:

Alan Sharp (screenplay)

Release Date:

7 April 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Biography | Drama | History | Romance | War

Tagline:

Honor made him a man. Courage made him a hero. History made him a Legend

Plot:

In the highlands of Scotland in the 1700s, Rob Roy tries to lead his small town to a better future,...

Plot Keywords:

Scotland | Love | Dueling | Cult Favorite | Burning House

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Liam Neeson	...	Robert Roy MacGregor
Jessica Lange	...	Mary MacGregor
John Hurt	...	Montrose
Tim Roth	...	Archibald Cunningham
Eric Stoltz	...	Alan MacDonald
Andrew Keir	...	Duke of Argyll
Brian Cox	...	Killearn
Brian McCardie	...	Alasdair McGregor
Gilbert Martin	...	Will Guthrie
Vicki Masson	...	Betty
Gilly Gilchrist	...	Iain
Jason Flemyng	...	Gregor
Ewan Stewart	...	Coll
David Hayman	...	Sibbald
Brian McArthur	...	Ranald McGregor

MPAA:

Rated R for violence and sexuality.

Runtime:

139 min | Spain:133 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS

Certification:

Singapore:M18 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Iceland:16 | South Korea:15 | Philippines:R-18 | Peru:14 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:16 | Norway:15 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:PG | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (cut) | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Caig Falls Bridge, Loch Arkaig, Highland, Scotland, UK

Company:

United Artists

Trivia:

The final sword fight between Rob and Archibald is often considered to be one of the greatest sword fights ever filmed.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Killearn takes from MacDonald the paper about the "new world," he crumples it into a ball. But when he later hands it to MacGregor, it's smooth and has clearly never been crumpled.

Quotes:

[on their way to Robert's duel with Cunningham]
Duke of Argyll: Tell me, MacGregor, is this matter of honor concerning your wife?
Robert Roy MacGregor: It's concerning me, Your Grace. Mr. Cunningham and I have matters outstanding.
Duke of Argyll: She will not thank you for making her a widow, honor or no.
Robert Roy MacGregor: Perhaps you'd like to wager a sum for her maintenance.
Duke of Argyll: Well, if it will help you die any the easier, I'll lay twenty guineas for her.
Robert Roy MacGregor: Fifty would go further.
Duke of Argyll: By God, you have a style to you, MacGregor! I like that!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Pitch (1997)

Sword Fighting is Hard

Overshadowed by "Braveheart" released the same year, the two costume dramas beg comparison. I admit my bias against Mel Gibson, yet I maintain a rational preference for "Rob Roy." Both "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy" compellingly depict Scots history in bloody, romantic fashion. "Braveheart" is an epic paean to individual honor and courage and a fine revenge fantasy. It's also melodramatic, anachronistic and maudlin. Note its cornball usage of slow motion filming. Its violence is both ugly and glorious. It is the latter quality which makes it more appealing to the adolescent mindset. While "Braveheart" surpasses "Rob Roy" in sheer levels of carnage (not to mention its indulgent running time), the latter film is ultimately more mature and satisfying. Its action is more understated, yet more surprising and clever. Its sex is less showy, yet more erotic. "Rob Roy" also has a better realized romantic interest. Its dialog attempts to approximate the poetry of the period. Its rotted teeth in the mouths of the actors attempt to approximate the dentistry of the era. And Tim Roth is a superlative villain. Also recommended: "The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Patriot." You may find the latter more akin to "Braveheart" with its emphasis on blood lust, with the former more similar to "Rob Roy" in tone. All the of the aforementioned movies merit their R ratings for violence.