Robin Hood Film through the Century Part 2

Robin Hood (2010)

The most recent Robin Hood film also takes different approach on how to deliver it. It is presented as a prequel to all of the well-known swashbuckling adventures of Merry men of Sherwood Forest. Directed by Sir Ridley Scott, it tells the story of  Robin Longstride (Russel Crowe), a mere archer of Richard the Lionheart’ crusade. After a long series of fortunate event, Robin, who never knew about his heritage, forced to play as Earl of Nottingham’s son and wife of Marion (Cate Blanchett). Meanwhile, Richard’s demise in France made his brother, John, as the King of England. He is proved to be a ruthless and tyrant, who forcing a taxation over Englishman to prevent bankruptcy. Unbeknown to John,  his new advisor and best friend for years is a French spy, planning to divide England  and prepared for France invasion. The rest of the story is just history. Interesting enough, the films took a Magna Carta as a important element of the Longstride’s Legacy and give a lot of morality advice about democracy and freedom.

Other notable Robin Hood’s Films

Robin Hood Disney (1973)

The animated feature released in the US on November 8, 1973. The film use animal personas to represent each of Robin Hood’s characters, the story itself is no different than standard Robin Hood features. One of the films in Disney animated classics, Robin Hood is apparently low on budget because we could see footages from previous Disney’s movies.

The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984)

This is one of the two existed Robin Hood parodies, other than The Men in Tights (1993). it stars George Segal, Morgan Fairchild, Roddy McDowell, Janet Suzman and directed by Ray Austin. To be honest, the parodies seems like half-hearted, only worth mentioning in its bank robbing scene and interaction with Jewish moneylender to gain money for Richard the Lionheart’ ransom.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Produced and directed by comedic legend Mel Brooks, the film mainly parodied the event in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves movie. The comedy stars Cary Elwes, Isaac Hayes, and Dave Chappelle. Like all Mel Brooks movie, you could see all of his menace and famous anachronism, including naming of the characters, Exit signs, and “it’s good to be the king,” line. It is also directly mock Costner and Flynn appearance in previous Robin Hood movies by the line, “Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent!” and shadow fighting parody.

See also Robin Hood Films History part 1

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Robin Hood Film through the Century Part 1

The cliché of British heroic outlaw with their green tights who rob the rich to feed the poor is probably the most popular folklore since medieval era. As tradition, any good story is always a good material for an epic movie. That is why Hollywood (and Bollywood) brought us many film about the kind-hearted felon.

The original story of Robin Hood is about one Earl (Nottingham, Locksley, or Loxley of Nottingham depend on its version), good friend of Richard the Leonheart and a nemesis of Prince John, Richard’s brother. Tyran of John forced the Earl to take refugee in Sherwood Forest and opposed John corruption as thieves, protecting common folks and try to restore Richard on his throne.

From Robert Frazer til’ the recent Russel Crowe, here are the list of Robin Hood films through this century, some of it even set standard of modern movies.

Robin Hood (1912)

Although there are two British silent movies that precede this movie, it is the most memorable on its time. Directed by Étienne Arnaud and Herbert Blaché, and written by Eustace Hale Ball, Robin Hood features brief superimposing of animal image to reflect each of the character’s personality and morality. The effect is probably spectacular in 1912, but I cannot imagine if one decided to use the same effect these days. Copy of 30 minutes duration film has been restored and kept in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Robin Hood (1922)

Still in the era of the silent movie, this Robin Hood is the first movie which has a Hollywood premiere and have a million dollar budget, largest in 1920s era. Written, starred, and produced by Douglas Fairbanks, and directed by Allan Dwan, it has become a legend in Robin Hood film history. Many of its elements still adapted by modern movie and become a standard in almost every Robin Hood films ever produced. Interesting Fact, Alan Hale, Sr.  Is probably the best Little John ever as he reprised his role in two more film, The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950).

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

The picture stars Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. 1938 Robin Hood is the first Warner Studios movies which used the three-strip Technicolor process and have 2 million budgets. For Warner however, the movie was a great trade. Back then when movie ticket was only 25 cents, it grossed 4 million, and it gives Warner a great star, Errol Flynn. For enthusiast like us, it gives the first legendary arrow splitting. Even the Mythbuster cannot reanimate the technique.

Robin and Marian (1976)

While the previous movies tells about swashbuckling adventures of Robin, this film explore the romance and drama but without expelling its adventurse element. This is, in my humble opinion, the most emotional Robin Hood movie ever produced. Even Costner’ movie cannot match its epic story. Stars Sean Connery (Robin Hood) and Audrey Hepburn (Maid Marian), Robin and Marian tells the story about aging Robin Hood and his struggle against old friend, loyalty, love, and moral standards. Though some would not like the ending, it’s still worthy to watch.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Maybe, the most memorable things about this movie is OST by Bryan Adams, aside from Morgan Freeman’s appearance and Sean Connery’s cameo. The film itself is loosely based on British TV’s Robin of Sherwood. It is pretty unfocused and violent, its atmosphere is dark, unsuitable for children who still mesmerized by Disney’s Cartoon, but for those who born in the 80s and grew up in the 90s this is undoubtedly the best Robin Hood movie.

To be continued to part 2

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