Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves
AMG AllMovie Guide:
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Plot
This film is a '90s version of the classic Robin Hood story, with Kevin Costner starring as the good-guy thief. Costner is joined in his efforts against the murdering Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) by Morgan Freeman who plays a philosophizing Moor, and by Nick Brimble, who plays Little John (anything but little). After Robin barely survives a watery skirmish with Little John, the two become allies and Robin joins forces with Little John's band of robber thieves to overcome the evils of the dastardly Nottingham sheriff. ~ RoviCast
- Kevin Costner - Robin of Locksley/Robin Hood
- Morgan Freeman - Azeem
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio - Maid Marian
- Christian Slater - Will Scarlett
- Alan Rickman - Sheriff of Nottingham
Credit
Fred Carter - Art Director, John Ralph - Art Director, Alan Tomkins - Art Director, Peter Young - Art Director, Ilene Starger - Casting, Michael J. Kagan - Co-producer, John Bloomfield - Costume Designer, Kevin Reynolds - Director, Stuart Baird - Editor, Peter Boyle - Editor, Gary Barber - Executive Producer, David Nicksay - Executive Producer, James G. Robinson - Executive Producer, Michael Kamen - Composer (Music Score), Bryan Adams - Songwriter, John Graysmark - Production Designer, Douglas Milsome - Cinematographer, Pen Densham - Producer, Richard Barton Lewis - Producer, John Watson - Producer, Peter Young - Set Designer, Tip Tipping - Stunts, Pen Densham - Screen Story, Pen Densham - Screenwriter, John Watson - Screenwriter| Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993 Film), Robin Hood, Jr. (1923 Film) | |
| Robin Hood: Quest for the Crown (1958 Film), Robin Hood: Quest for the King (2007 Film) |
AMG AllGame Guide:
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
- Release Date: 1991 11
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Style: Third-Person 2D Action RPG
- Similar Games: The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Entertainment System), Willow (Nintendo Entertainment System), Crystalis (Nintendo Entertainment System), Willow (Arcade), Crystalis (Game Boy Color)
Game Description
Follow the path of one of history's most legendary thieves in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Based on the 1991 Kevin Costner movie of the same name, you'll experience much of the movie's action firsthand. Expect such scenes relived as the jailbreak from Jerusalem, Robin's return home to Locksley Castle and his fight with Little John, who then joins him on his quest to free England from the Sheriff of Nottingham's ironfist rule. Other Merrymen recruited by Robin throughout the course of the game include Azeem, Duncan and Friar Tuck.The game's focus is action, but it contains RPG and adventure elements. For instance, talking to characters moves the story along, you must equip weapons and armor, and you will earn experience points, resulting in more hit points. Most of the action features your control of the Merryman of your choice as you travel through each screen's bird's-eye view perspective.
The view changes at times, however, with two other types of battle scenes. In melee mode, countless enemies mob Robin and his companions as each fights valiantly. You control only one, but have the option to choose between them. The other unique fighting mode features one-on-one duels pitting Robin against the likes of the prison guard, Little John and the Sheriff. Defeating the Sheriff results in the game's end, Robin's wedding to the lovely Marian.
~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Roots & Influences
Gameplay is obviously based upon The Legend of Zelda. The game was released to assist merchandising efforts associated with the 1991 movie, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
If ever a game has faced an identity crisis regarding its genre, it is Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Based on the 1991 Kevin Costner movie, the game can't decide exactly what it wants to be -- action, adventure or RPG.Is it action? Backing this claim is the nonstop swordplay you face as either Robin Hood or one of his Merrymen. Most of this is in the bird's-eye, Legend of Zelda vein, but occasionally all hell breaks loose in the melee mode. Here, you'll face countless soldiers as every member of your party takes part while you control only one. This is both good and bad in that you get extra help at the cost of usually losing at least one of your men. It's interesting, though, how you can wipe out the Sheriff's soldiers with one blow or one arrow when they gang up on you as opposed to the two to five hits it takes to kill them outside of melee mode.
Is it adventure? As you progress through the game you'll encounter people who give you a sense of direction as where to head next, also helping to move the film-based story along. You definitely have a clear quest to fulfill in defeating the Sheriff of Nottingham. My only complaint here is that Robin Hood looks absolutely nothing like Kevin Costner. And is that Andre the Giant portraying Little John?
Is it an RPG? As you progress through the game, you'll attain hit points and experience points to assist you in advancing experience levels. You've also got items to collect and limited room with which to carry them. As with something like an AD&D game, you even equip your weapons hand by hand, place your armor on your body, etc. So it sounds like an RPG, right? I'd say so too until you learn one crucial detail -- you can't save! What kind of RPG doesn't allow you to save? Theoretically, you're supposed to play through the game from start to finish every time, even with a limited number of continues. The truth is, the game just isn't long enough to justify a save feature. At the same time, though, it is too long not to have a password option at least.
When you weigh out the options, I'd have to go with action by a nose since that's your primary focus in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But the subject is open to debate. Go ahead and play it. It's not a great game, but it is a very good one. If you enjoyed the movie, the game complements it nicely (though, understandably, it strays from time to time). So what genre is it? You make the call.
~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
You're Robin Hood! How can you not enjoy it?~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
The graphics are actually quite engaging.~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
Decent sound effects accompany some pretty groovy tunes.~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
If you don't use the password feature, odds are you'll know the game backwards and forwards by the time you get to the end.~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Review: Documentation
The instructions serve their purpose.~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide
Wikipedia on Answers.com:
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
"Prince of Thieves" redirects here. For other uses, see Robin Hood.
| Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster |
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| Directed by | Kevin Reynolds |
| Produced by | Pen Densham Richard Barton Lewis John Watson |
| Written by | Pen Densham John Watson |
| Starring | Kevin Costner Morgan Freeman Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio Christian Slater Alan Rickman |
| Music by | Michael Kamen |
| Cinematography | Douglas Milsome |
| Editing by | Peter Boyle |
| Studio | Morgan Creek[1] |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
| Release date(s) |
|
| Running time | 155 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $48 million[2] |
| Box office | $390,493,908 |
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a 1991 American adventure film directed by Kevin Reynolds. Kevin Costner heads the cast list as Robin Hood. The film also stars Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Maid Marian of Dubois, Morgan Freeman as Azeem, Christian Slater as Will Scarlet, and Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
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Contents
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Plot
Robin of Locksley (Costner), an English nobleman who joined King Richard "The Lionheart" in the Third Crusade, is imprisoned in Jerusalem along with his comrade Peter. Robin escapes, saving the life of a Moor named Azeem (Freeman) in the process, but Peter dies while escaping and has Robin swear to protect his sister Marian (Mastrantonio). Robin returns to England with Azeem, who has vowed to accompany him until the debt of saving his life is repaid.
In England, with King Richard still away, the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham (Rickman) rules over the land, aided by his cousin Guy of Gisbourne (Michael Wincott), along with the witch Mortianna (Geraldine McEwan) and the corrupt Bishop of Hereford (Harold Innocent). At Locksley Castle, Robin's father (Brian Blessed) is killed by the Sheriff's men after refusing to join them.
Robin returns to England to find his father dead, his home in ruins, and the Sheriff and his men oppressing the people. While fleeing the Sheriff's forces, Robin and Azeem encounter a band of outlaws hiding in Sherwood Forest, led by Little John (Nick Brimble). Among the band is Will Scarlet (Slater), who holds a belligerent grudge against Robin and does not hesitate to show Robin his true feelings. Robin ultimately assumes command of the group, encourages his men to fight against Nottingham, and trains them to defend themselves. They rob English soldiers and convoys that pass through the forest, then distribute the stolen wealth among the poor. One of their early targets is Friar Tuck (Michael McShane), who subsequently joins these Merry Men, and Marion also begins to sympathize with the band and renders Robin any aid she can muster. Robin’s successes infuriate the Sheriff, who increases the maltreatment of the people, resulting in more support for Robin Hood.
Hiring Celtic warriors from Scotland to bolster his forces, the Sheriff manages to locate the outlaws' hideout and launches an attack, destroying the forest refuge. He confines Marian when she tries to summon help from France. The Sheriff proposes to Marian, claiming that if she accepts, he will spare the lives of the captured outlaws. Nevertheless, several of the rebels are due to be executed by hanging as part of the wedding celebration. Among the captured is Will Scarlett, whom seemingly makes a deal with Sheriff to find and kill Robin in order to be set free.
Will meets back with Robin and a handful of his most trusted aides who survived the assault by the Celts. Instead of attacking Robin, Will informs him of the Sheriff's plans to marry Marian and execute Robin's men. Will still continues to take out his anger against Robin, to which Robin then questions Will as to why he hates him so much. Will then reveals himself to be Robin's younger illegitimate half-brother; Will's mother was a peasant woman with whom Robin's father took comfort after his (Robin's) mother died. However, Robin's anger toward his father caused him to separate from her and leave Will fatherless. Despite Robin's anger toward his father for being with another woman, he is overjoyed to learn that he has a brother and embraces Will.
On the day of the wedding and hangings, Robin and his men storm Nottingham Castle, freeing the prisoners. Although Robin's band originally planned to free their friends and retreat, Azeem reveals himself and his willingness to fight the Sheriff, turning the peasants to revolt. After a fierce fight, Robin kills the Sheriff but is attacked by Mortianna, who charges with a spear. Azeem slays Mortianna, fulfilling his vow to repay his life debt to Robin. Tuck also kills the Bishop by defenestrating him after learning of his corruption and treachery.
Robin and Marian profess their love for each other and marry in the forest. Their wedding is briefly interrupted by the return of King Richard (Sean Connery), who blesses the marriage and thanks Robin for his deeds.
Cast
- Kevin Costner as Robin Hood (Robin of Locksley)[3]
- Morgan Freeman as Azeem
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Marian Dubois
- Christian Slater as Will Scarlett
- Alan Rickman as George, Sheriff of Nottingham[4]
- Geraldine McEwan as Mortianna
- Michael McShane as Friar Tuck
- Brian Blessed as Lord Locksley
- Michael Wincott as Guy of Gisborne
- Nick Brimble as Little John
- Harold Innocent as the Bishop of Hereford
- Walter Sparrow as Duncan
- Sean Connery (uncredited) as King Richard
Deleted and altered scenes
In the special edition DVD, it is revealed that the Sheriff of Nottingham is actually Mortianna's son. She had kidnapped and murdered the real child of the previous Sheriff of Nottingham and substituted her own offspring to put her own seed on the throne of England by marrying him to a royal. This is hinted at in the regular cut of the film, when she says of Marian: "She is ripe. She will give us a son." This development was left intact in the novelization.
The novelization also retains the original scene order involving one scene in which Robin rubs himself with manure to gain entry to the castle. As he enters, he sees the guard whose nose he recently broke, and he is later told by Marian that he should "take a bath." In the film, the manure scene is moved to the final climax part of the story, causing a minor continuity error with the guard and removing the context of Marian's statement.
Soundtrack
The original music score was composed, orchestrated and conducted by Michael Kamen.
- Track listing
| Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Original Soundtrack) | |
|---|---|
| Film score by Michael Kamen | |
| Released | July 2, 1991 |
| Length | 60:22 |
| Label | Morgan Creek Productions |
- "Overture/A Prisoner of the Crusades" (8:27)
- "Sir Guy of Gisborne/The Escape to Sherwood" (7:27)
- "Little John/The Band in the Forest" (4:52)
- "The Sheriff and His Witch" (6:03)
- "Maid Marian" (2:57)
- "Training/Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" (5:15)
- "Marian at the Waterfall" (5:34)
- "The Abduction/The Final Battle at the Gallows" (9:53)
- "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" – Bryan Adams (6:38)
- "Wild Times" – Jeff Lynne (3:12)
Reception
Critics gave the film mixed reviews. Roger Ebert praised Freeman's performance as well as Rickman's, but ultimately decried the film as a whole, giving it two stars and stating, "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a murky, unfocused, violent, and depressing version of the classic story ... The most depressing thing about the movie is that children will attend it expecting to have a good time."[5] The New York Times gave the film a less than glowing review.[6] The Los Angeles Times found the movie unsatisfactory as well.[7] Costner was criticised for not attempting an English accent.[8] Even though Alan Rickman, himself, said (in a contemporaneous interview on Arsenio Hall's talk show) that 20th-century colloquial American was a lot closer to 12th-century Anglo-Saxon than modern British English.
On the DVD commentary for ITV's Robin of Sherwood television series, which ran from 1983 to 1986, writer and creator Richard Carpenter explains that the stunt co-ordinator, Terry Walsh from the Robin of Sherwood series, was hired on to do stunt work for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. While on set, Walsh noticed that there was a Saracen assassin character named Nasir in the film. That character was a creation of Carpenter and is exclusive to the Robin of Sherwood series. Once the creators of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves realized there was potential copyright infringement, they changed the character's name from Nasir to Azeem. Carpenter also explains that Costner and others involved in the film have admitted to watching the Robin of Sherwood as inspiration for their film.
Media studies professor Jack Shaheen included the film among his "Best" list in his book Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies A People, praising the portrayal of Azeem as a heroic, learned, and noble man.
Box office
The movie was a box office hit. It made $25 million gross in its opening weekend and $18.3 million in its second weekend. It enjoyed "the second-best opening for a non-sequel in movie history" according to the Orlando Chronicle.[9][10][11][12]
Adaptations
A tie-in video game of the same name was released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. Developed by Sculptured Software Inc. and Bits Studios, respectively, and published by Virgin Games, Inc., it was featured as the cover game for the July 1991 issue of Nintendo Power magazine.
A toy line was released by Kenner, consisting of action figures and playsets. Notably, all but one of the figures were slightly modified from Kenner's well known Super Powers line, while Friar Tuck, as well as the vehicles and playset, were modified from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi toys.
See also
References
- ^ Easton, Nina J. (1990-07-24). "Costner May Put Morgan Creek Ahead of Robin Hood Pack". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1990-07-24/entertainment/ca-720_1_morgan-creek-s-production. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ "Robin Hood Freshens Up A Film Legend". Orlando Sentinel. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-03-18/lifestyle/9103160920_1_robin-hood-prince-of-thieves-first-robin. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Dowd, Maureen (1991-06-09). "FILM; Hollywood's Superhunk Heads for Nottingham". The New York Times. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20614F93E5A0C7A8CDDAF0894D9494D81. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Leydon, Joe (1991-06-09). "Robin Hood' and the uncertain science of hype". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-09/entertainment/ca-671_1_robin-hood. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves". Chicago Sun Times. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19910614/REVIEWS/106140301/1023. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Chase, Chris (1991-06-23). "FILM; Robin Hood Adds Up To a Thief for the Ages". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/23/movies/film-robin-hood-adds-up-to-a-thief-for-the-ages.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Turan, Kenneth (1991-06-14). "'Robin': Medieval Dash, New Age Muddle". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-14/entertainment/ca-439_1_robin-hood. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Easton, Nina J. (1991-06-23). "A look inside Hollywood and the movies". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-23/entertainment/ca-1664_1_english-accent. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ "Robin Hood prince of summer flicks with $18.3 million weekend". Baltimore Sun. http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-06-26/features/1991177201_1_robin-hood-city-slickers-jungle-fever. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Fox, David J. (1991-06-25). "Robin Hood Still Riding Ahead of Box Office Pack". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-25/entertainment/ca-1378_1_box-office. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ Fox, David J. (1991-06-18). "'Robin' Hits Impressive Box Office Bull's-Eye". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-18/entertainment/ca-1131_1_box-office. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
- ^ "Can 'Robin Hood' Keep Up Its Box-office Momentum?". Orlando Sentinel. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-06-21/entertainment/9106200088_1_robin-hood-amc-theatres-movie-history. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
External links
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Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves |
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at the Internet Movie Database
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at AllRovi
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at Box Office Mojo
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at Rotten Tomatoes
- "The Battle of Sherwood Forest", a 1991 Entertainment Weekly cover story about the film's tumultuous production.
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at Cinema and Science
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Transcript
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AMG AllGame Guide
Copyright © 2012 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Game Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Mentioned in
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Robin Hood and the Spirit of Sherwood
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