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Thursday, April 25, 2024
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HOLLYWOOD ROBIN HOOD
EDITOR'S PICK
Rating: *** 1/2
Once there was a man who challenged law in the name of true justice. The man
died, but his legend that stands for justice against the oppression of the rich
but unjust survives. And everyone, from crusaders of the medieval era to Maoists
today have laid claim to the idea behind the name of Robin Hood.
Yet, the fuzzy history behind the legend was waiting to be written. That no one
before has attempted it on screen is lamentable, that Ridley Scott does it with
panache and political intrigue thrown in, an achievement.
At the turn of the 12th century, Robin is a common soldier in King Richard`s
army. Upon the king`s death, fate leads him to Nottingham whose blind patron
asks him to masquerade as his dead son and the husband of Lady Marion to save
his estate. Having nowhere else to go, he agrees.
The new King John, meanwhile, gives free reign to Sir Godfrey who is actually
working in collusion with the enemy of England - King Philip of France. Sir
Godfrey unleashes a reign of terror in England. By the time John realises his
mistake, it is too late as French soldiers reach England`s shore and his own
lords are ready to fight their tyrant king.
Robin, meanwhile, learns of his philosopher father with `dangerous` ideas of
democracy. He rallies the angry lords together and wins the battle against the
French. However, King John, jealous of Robin`s popularity, goes back on his
words and declares Robin an outlaw.
Robin, and his `merry men` retreat to the Nottingham forest where the true to
life legend of Robin of Hood is born, but the film ends.
Despite a commendable job in most departments, expecting another
"Gladiator" will disappoint you. So will the expectation of watching
"Robin Hood" steal from the rich to give to the poor. This is not the
story of Robin Hood the legend, but the making of it and what pushed a man to
become what he became. The sequel, if there is one, could delve into what he
did. Or you could watch the scores of films made on the legend.
"Robin Hood", however, comes at an apt time. In focusing on the
political conspiracy that went into turning a good soldier of the realm into an
outlaw, it paints a picture of politics where justice and law rarely go
together. When laws are commanded by the rich and powerful to drive their
selfish motives, justice is the casualty.
And throughout history, men and women like Robin Hood have taken the law in
their own hands, to correct the wrongs perpetrated by an unjust regime to
"rise and rise again, until lambs become lions".
Indian freedom fighters did the same. So did revolutionaries in South America,
in France during the French revolution, in Russia during its revolution etc. In
India, the poorest of the poor in the tribal belt, are fighting a similar battle
against laws of the land that treats them with the worst inhumanities possible,
either through neglect, or brutal state force. There are many Robin Hood stories
there as well.
On the flipside though, audiences might find "Robin Hood" a tad too
long. Enough time is spent on building characters, but not enough to have them
execute their idiosyncrasies.
Yet this fifth collaboration of Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe, despite its few
failings will leave you wanting for more, starting perhaps, with a sequel.
Actor Taron Egerton has promised that his "Robin Hood" movie will be "rock 'n' roll" and has vowed not to wear tights.Read More
