The Robber Loved By Everyone Movie Review Sample

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the American-British adventure film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” was shot in 1991. It stars Kevin Costner as Robin Hood whose fabulous acting might have given the film the enormous success – the box office worldwide made $390 million which resulted in the third position of the highest grossing film of 1991. The huge amount of work made by the talented production team was rewarded by numerous nominations for Saturn, the British Academy and Golden Globe; the theme’s song by Bryan Adams was even nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song.
Between various adaptations of Robin Hood, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” takes a special position because of the high quality of the film. The classic story played by such professionals as Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman found a new life and attracted the audience’s attention. Lasting longer than the spectator is used to (155 minutes), it keeps him on the edge of his seat. Though shot 14 years ago, the contemporary audience still enjoys the movie because of the timely problems raised – freedom of religion, economic equality and civil rights.
As for the exterior locations, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” was shot mostly in the United Kingdom; the medieval towers and walls were shot in France. The director chose Shepperton Studios in England for the interior locations. The whole movie is shot in brown and green colors which stand for the colors of both the nature and the medieval architecture. The costumes and the makeup of the characters authentically reflect the era described.
Kevin Costner acted Robin Hood in keeping with the best traditions – idealized, brave, with a big heart. Friendship, love and generosity follow every scene with the main character. Being the protagonist of the story, Robin Hood gets all the love of the audience.
As for the cinematography aspects, the film is shown on the CinemaScope screen which means that the side masking is pulled out for 2.4:1 aspect ratio normally equipped in the commercial movie theatres. Though the director uses mostly the normal type of lens, there are some scenes where the wide-angle lens is obvious because the perspective is stretched, and the audience sees that things look larger and farther apart.
The objective camera permits the spectator be a neutral observer because the action is simply recorded as it happens. The attentive spectator would notice that the high-key lighting is used – the bright light is over everything throughout the film so that there the contrast between the darkest and the lightest parts of the scene is relatively low. Numerous close-ups showed the emotions of the actors in their depth.
The historical drama by genre, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is an energetic beautiful picture depicting fighting for justice and freedom. Dangerous and risky situations Robin Hood is overcoming is a perfect way to take mind off things and drown into the inimitable medieval world full of miracles and heroes.
In 1991, the film had a huge success mostly because of the great dynamics and the large scale. The big crowd, interesting stunts and beautiful landscapes – that what made the viewer hold his breath. Today, the film is worth watching for many reasons – starting from the examination of the roots of the historical dramas, and finishing with the great acting of the professionals capable of creating the atmosphere and of seizing the audience.

Works Cited

RISDEN, E.L. “Nobody but the Other Buddy. Hollywood, the Crusades, and Buddy Pictures”. Print. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Jefferson, North Carolina, and London (2009).
CARROLL, NOEL. “Theorizing the Movie Image”. Cambridge University Press (1996).