Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Robin of Locksley escapes a Jerusalem prison and returns to England only to find his father murdered and his home seized by the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. Vowing revenge, Robin takes to Sherwood Forest with a Moorish companion, Azeem, and rallies a band of outlaws to fight tyranny, protect the innocent, and win the hand of Maid Marian.
Length: 2h23m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance
This Title is: Swashbuckling Adventure
Cast
Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Action, Violence, Some Sensuality
FAQ
- Is Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Based on a True Story?: No, but it is based on the enduring English folk tale of Robin Hood.
- Where was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves filmed?: Primarily in England (including Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall and Old Wardour Castle) and Cité de Carcassonne, France.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Michael Kamen
Filmmaker Profile
Director Kevin Reynolds brought epic scope to the classic tale, delivering massive action sequences and grand production value. Though criticized by some critics for its uneven structure, he successfully steered a massive budget picture and captured the spirit of a classic, large-scale adventure.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production is a spectacle of massive scale, featuring lush English locations and dazzling set pieces. The tight action direction and sweeping score create a truly immersive experience. Above all, Alan Rickman delivers a delightfully theatrical and iconic villain performance that alone justifies watching this medieval adventure.
Main Character Deep Dive
Robin’s journey is a powerful arc of lost nobility finding new purpose. Having witnessed extreme brutality during the Crusades, he returns a cynical man, his quest for personal vengeance quickly transforming into a fight for social justice. Kevin Costner effectively captures the burden of leadership and the emotional complexity of an outlaw protecting his homeland.
Unforgettable Quote
“Locksley, I’m gonna cut your heart out with a spoon!”
Trivia
- Alan Rickman won a BAFTA for his performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham, a role he reportedly enhanced by rewriting many of his own lines due to unhappiness with the original script.
- Sean Connery’s uncredited cameo as King Richard was filmed in a single day, and his $250,000 fee was donated entirely to charity.
- The theme song “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams became a global chart phenomenon, staying number one in the UK for a record sixteen consecutive weeks.
Trailer
Stream Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves on:
Our Review
- Quality:
- Acting:
- Storyline:
- Visuals:
- Entertainment:
I found this movie to be a terrific, grand production that holds up remarkably well. The scale of the action is immense, immediately pulling you into the medieval setting. Kevin Costner is excellent as the weary but determined hero, Robin of Locksley. The true joy of the picture, however, is Alan Rickman’s electrifying turn as the Sheriff. His portrayal is a masterclass in screen villainy—witty, maniacal, and intensely watchable, providing huge entertainment value. Michael Kamen’s sweeping, symphonic music elevates every heroic moment and romantic sequence, creating a soundscape that defines the experience. The entire supporting ensemble, especially Morgan Freeman, brings depth and humor to the outlaw group. We get a fresh take on a familiar story, one filled with memorable characters, spectacular battles, and a sweeping sense of romance and justice. This is a spectacular, fast-paced adventure that delivers thrilling action from beginning to end.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you love epic, large-scale medieval action with a heavy focus on star power, heroic themes, and an iconic, delightfully evil villain performance.
