Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

After breaking out of a Jerusalem prison with the help of a Moor named Azeem, nobleman Robin of Locksley sails back to England to discover his family estate in ruins and his father dead, killed by the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham. Instead of retreating, Robin and Azeem link up with local outlaws, including a hulking woodsman and a quick-witted swordsman, and begin to chip away at the sheriff's hold on the region. Along the way Robin seeks to protect villagers, rekindle an old romance, and build a loose-knit band capable of standing up to systematic cruelty. The film keeps its focus on action and camaraderie, balancing large-scale skirmishes with quieter scenes about loyalty and leadership without revealing how the conflict resolves.

Released in 1991, the film was directed by Kevin Reynolds from a screenplay by John Watson and Pen Densham, adapting the classic Robin Hood legend. The cast is led by Kevin Costner as Robin, with Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, and Alan Rickman in supporting roles.

The picture was a substantial commercial success, drawing large audiences worldwide and becoming one of the big box office earners of 1991. Its financial performance helped secure the movie's high visibility during the early 1990s.

Alan Rickman's turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham stood out, delivering a villainous blend of dark humor and menace that many viewers still recall. The film reintroduced the Robin Hood story to a new generation, and certain scenes and character interpretations have continued to be referenced in discussions of cinematic portrayals of the legend.

Critical reaction was mixed, with reviewers praising memorable performances and set pieces while criticizing uneven tone and some production choices. Audiences tended to respond more positively, as reflected in steady viewer ratings. The movie touches on themes of justice, social inequality, loyalty among outlaws, and the responsibilities of leadership, wrapped in accessible action, romance, and moments of dry humor.