Robin Hood

After the battle wary Robin Longstride tends to the dying Robert of Loxley, he pledges to deliver the sword to Robert's kin in Nottingham. Back in town he adopts Robert's identity and becomes entangled in the Loxley household, bending a wary Marion to his defense and earning the wary respect of the locals. His presence draws heat from the sheriff of Nottingham and the king's ruthless enforcer, Godfrey, as political tensions simmer beneath daily life. With a blend of fighting skill and moral ambiguity, he becomes a symbol of resistance in a realm where loyalty, power, and personal honor collide, setting up a reimagined legend. Along the way, Robin must balance personal risk with the greater good, risking lives and bending rules to challenge an unjust regime.

Directed by Ridley Scott, this 2010 film reimagines the Robin Hood legend as a sweeping period epic, drawing on the traditional tale and its political underpinnings. The production pairs lush landscapes with gritty combat, and Russell Crowe anchors the film as Robin Longstride, while Cate Blanchett gives Marion a steely, poised presence. The supporting cast includes Max von Sydow, William Hurt, and Mark Strong in key roles, all framed by Scott's signature visual ambition.

Worldwide, the movie grossed over 300 million dollars, marking a solid return for a big budget historical epic and helping validate Ridley Scott's ambitious take on the myth. The film drew crowds with its epic battles and lavish sets, though some critics questioned pacing.

Scott's emphasis on politics and realism gave Robin Hood a grittier feel than many earlier versions, influencing later large scale period pieces. The film sparked discussion about legitimacy, power, and the costs of leadership, cementing its place as a notable modern reinterpretation of the legend, and influencing how studios frame mythic heroes.

Critics were mixed, praising the scale and Crowe's gravitas while noting pacing issues and narrative shifts from familiar lore. Some called it a grand, if uneven, spectacle that foregrounds politics as much as swordplay. Core themes include loyalty and honor under pressure, the tension between public duty and private integrity, and the messy birth of a hero.