On R List of Movie Reviews
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Rob Roy (1995)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
9/04, 7/12, 6/16, 8/21
7/12:
I only wanted to see Rob Roy again for Tim Roth's awe-inspiring performance which scored him an Academy Award nomination
that should've been converted into a win.
What I didn't notice the last time is how well Liam Neeson held his ground against Tim Roth, a very tall task indeed.
Brian Cox' Killearn is as almost sinister as Archibald Cunningham. I shouldn't be surprised considering that he's the
original Hannibal Lecktor. Jessica Lange isn't bad by giving an even-kneeled performance.
The sword battle at the end is perfectly choreographed, possibly the best ever, and is worth the effort of sitting through
the buildup of the tension between Rob Roy and Archibald Cunningham who's one of the most formidable adversaries in the
history of the silver screen.
All in all, Tim Roth turns in one of the greatest performances of his career in Rob Roy.
6/16:
Tim Roth should've won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role because nobody was better than him that year.
Rob Roy is one of the best swashbuckling films I've seen. I love the writing, the acting, and the stabs at primitiveness.
The story is fun to follow. So is the idea of showing the real Scottish Highlands which is pretty by the way. The ensemble is
through and through outstanding: Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, Brian Cox, John Hurt, and Andrew Keir. The best of them all is
Tim Roth who easily steals the show. His character, Archibald Cunningham, is pure evil.
All in all, Rob Roy is my favorite movie for both Liam Neeson and Tim Roth.
8/21:
When I think of a truly great Scottish picture, Rob Roy, not Braveheart, comes to
my mind right away.
Striving for a high level of authenticity, everybody in the cast, save for Jessica Lange and Liam Neeson who's actually Irish,
is either Scottish or English. The Highlanders have ugly teeth, don't wear underwear, and filthly roam the countryside. People
say great films must begin with a strong script, and that's true of Rob Roy. It should've won Alan Sharp the Oscar.
It has a phenomenal cast that includes the very tall Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Brian Cox, and Andrew Keir.
Of course, Tim Roth steals the show as the baddest and most evil villain in a long while. The sword duel at the end is
breathtakingly absorbing. A tough swordsman to be reckoned with, Archibald Cunningham was clearly the victor, and Rob Roy just
happened to be lucky at the final minute. By the way, Tim Roth and John Hurt did some work together in
The Hit when the former was just starting out in the film business. It's clear that they have
a good working relationship.
All in all, on the same level as The Last of the Mohicans, Rob Roy is
a rousing action-adventure that's more about honor than anything.