Adventure/Drama/Romance
1 hour and 47 minutes
Rated PG
Written by: James Goldman
Directed by: Richard Lester
Produced by: Denis O'Dell
Cast:
Sean Connery
Audrey Hepburn
Robert Shaw
Love is the greatest adventure of all.
If you had asked me years ago, prior to my knowing anything of this motion-picture, if the classic story of Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and the sheriff of Nottingham deserved a continuation piece, I would've said absolutely not, and that in a million years it would never work. I would've been wrong on both accounts.
Filmmaker Richard Lester, the man behind the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night, brings to life the most mature, entertaining, and visually moving adaptation of the classic Robin Hood story that I have ever seen. The story follows an aging Robin, many years after his famous battles, as he and Little John join Richard the Lionheart on the last endeavors of the crusades. When Richard is killed (in the film's one moment of unjustifiable unbelievability), Robin and John return back to England to find the sheriff of Nottingham still in control of things, and Maid Marian now an abbess. When Robin rescues Maid Marian from the sheriff the old rivalry is reignited, and Robin recruits his now older group of merry men to fight the sheriff once more.
If this sounds all relatively like the plot/storyline of the original Robin Hood tale, it's because it is. One of the major themes throughout Robin and Marian is that history will inevitably repeat itself, often in a cruel fashion. Unlike other Robin Hood adaptations, the film is very light on comedy. The witty moments within the film are so brief that one barely has a chance to smile at something before the tone becomes serious once again. It is this seriousness that makes Robin and Marian a beautiful masterwork. The characters have aged, they're wiser, yet their desire for their youthful days is so strong it cannot be ignored.
The performances are the film's strongest aspect, mainly the relationships between the characters. Connery's Robin Hood, Hepburn's Maid Marian (a performance delivered by Hepburn after a nine-year hiatus from films entirely), and Shaw's sheriff of Nottingham are noteworthy performances in all three of their careers. The love affair between Robin and Marian feels so genuine and sincere, that you're able to easily believe the moment when Marian renounces her faith to be with Robin once again. The sheriff and Robin's relationship is a little different than it's usually portrayed. Shaw and Connery add a sense of respect to one another's characters that also feels truly genuine. The inevitable final battle between the two is incredible to watch, but it's heartbreaking in a way to know only one of these likable titans will triumph.
With excellently choreographed fight sequences, a beautiful score and cinematography, and an amazing set design, Robin and Marian is able to triumph over any minor substandard moments mainly due to the amazing performances of its more than capable cast.
9/10
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