Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

The first thing that I noticed as a boy about this movie was its medieval feel. Other Robin Hood movies have that Renaissance Fair look with pointy shoes, feather hats and of course green tights where as “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is different. The design and setting are very noteworthy but it is not the central feature of the movie. The story is the best characteristic of the film and I could sense this when it was still a new film. It has originality but also portrays classic moments from the legend that we are familiar with. The characters and the actors that play them are also a huge reason why this film is good although some would disagree. Robin Hood is a well-know character with well-known adventures and I believe story moments in “Prince of Thieves” have integrated themselves into the legend with the help of popular culture. This show was my first live action Robin Hood movie and still is fun to watch.

A new direction that is taken story-wise in this film. There is no Prince John and no archery tournament. Also, Robin fought in the Crusades and returns to England with a vow to protect Marian. A Saracen character was introduced to the Robin Hood myth by way of TV in the 80's and the character of Azeem in this movie cemented this new addition to the "lexicon". I am glad that at least one person in the movie runs from the appearance of Azeem's sword. The Jerusalem scene does well in setting up our two main characters (Robin and Azeem), their relationship and how Marian becomes re-associated with Robin. The scene with Brian Blessed establishes well the good and evil that there is in England in the absence of the King Richard. Robin’s return to England is very dramatic and well acted by Kevin Costner. I felt like this when I came home from living in the Philippines for two years. Usually, Robin Hood meets or is reunited Marian in the middle of the story. Marian’s introduction in the movie is well done because it violates the audience’s expectations momentarily. We are anticipating a beautiful lady and at first we are disappointed. Then Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is unmasked and we are satisfied. In this film, Marian has no romantic interest at the onset with Robin and their childhood experiences together are the reason. Marian is also less of a damsel in distress. These facts allows for the love between Robin and Marian to fully develop before our eyes during the whole movie and that is more pleasing. Robin’s reaction to the telescope is quite humorous and Sherwood Forest is established well as a haunted place, especially when Azeem becomes convinced of it. The movie does portray the classic meeting between Robin and Little John as they have a staff fight over passage across a river. It has serious undertone in this movie however because of the medallion. Robin’s visit to the church has a great moment when he is surprised by the Sheriff of Nottingham, thereby meeting for the first time despite the briefness of the moment. This creates a funny gag with the statue of the Sheriff that represents his vanity and later the statue is used humorously as a battering ram. I love how the Sheriff cancels Christmas over Robin Hood. He thereby joins other literary villains such as the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge who hate Christmas. The montage showing the formation of the "merry men" is great fun. We see them being trained, making weapons and robbing the rich to give to the poor. The merry men are at their best in the first few scenes with Friar Tuck. The Sherriff does gain a victory in the movie as he attacks the merry men’s hideout and this is important story-wise. Heroes in my opinion must lose a battle at some point in order to win the war. The film has a great climax as Robin creates a plan despite the fact that they are outnumbered. Of course, drama is created by setbacks that happen such as the capture of Will. Marian can tell that Will is lying about Robin's death and this is some nice acting from Mastrantonio as Marian searches for Robin hiding in the crowd. I like the sudden last scare with the witch and Azeem killing her. In the final scene, I love how Azeem is the only one who isn’t affected by King Richard’s arrival, the audience included. Azeem’s only reaction is confusion. I love his outfit by the way. The wedding scene provides the “happily ever after” moment that is needed in such a legendary story. I also love Duncan’s line in the movie: “Point me toward danger, Azeem. I am ready.”

The actors and characters add to the story’s entertainment value, as do the relationships in the movie. This film introduced me to every actor in it except for Kevin Costner. The success of "Dance with Wolves" really gave this film a lot of attention. Sometimes I believed Costner’s performance and sometimes I didn’t. His performance as Robin Hood could have been a lot worse and he definitely has his moments in this movie. Sure, his accent is American but I feel Costner would have done worse trying to mimic a British accent next to some legendary actors who are British by birth. Morgan Freeman does an amazing job as Azeem and I believed his performance all the way. Just reading Azeem’s lines provides little entertainment whereas Freeman brings the character to life and makes Azeem very appealing. Robin and Azeem’s friendship and relationship begins in a lot of chaos. Azeem’s character is well established by the script in those moments and he & Robin seem to develop a love/hate friendship. Robin does not want Azeem’s company as Azeem fails to fulfill his vow when the opportunity presents itself. Azeem is honorable but finds life in England quite an irritation. Azeem has wisdom though which Robin needs in his vengeful state. Azeem tends to act as Robin’s consciousness and maybe even as a father figure. Azeem also seems to represent the audience in this movie. He complains against the medieval nature of England as he has knowledge & technology not found in the area. The character of Azeem allows the film to address the dangers of racism and religious bigotry. I may be Christian myself but I praise Azeem for not drinking and we should support religious freedom in real life. I believe the love between Robin and Marian thanks to Costner and Mastrantonio. I first saw Alan Rickman in “Die Hard” when I was very young but I never forgot him after “Prince of Thieves”. Before Gary Oldman in "Air Force One", Rickman was my favorite live action bad guy and his voice is the best attribute he has. He creates a conniving, ruthless man who is also vain as previously mentioned. Michael Wincott plays a great evil “sidekick”. I also like his later work on “The Count of Monte Cristo” (also directed by Kevin Reynolds) and “Treasure Planet” as his best quality is also his voice. The best moment between these two villains and one of the best lines in the whole show is Wincott’s line: “Why a spoon…?” followed by Rickman’s reply: "Because it’s dull, you twit. It’ll hurt more.” Other great actors in this movie are Geraldine McEwan and Michael McShane. There is a great contrast between the Bishop and Friar Tuck. Both men have flaws but Friar Tuck shows the actual Christian quality of humility. He has some pride but is constantly taught lessons, which he understands. The Bishop appears more holy but he is far more evil that Tuck. Sean Connery is the heart of the finale as his cameo is a more than welcome surprise. His persona as a film star creates a very credible King Richard. Director Kevin Reynolds and Costner had a previous working relationship before this film. For example, Reynolds was an uncredited second unit director on "Dances with Wolves" and for “Prince of Thieves”, they switched roles. They had a falling out after "Waterworld" but now seem to have gotten over it. Another noteworthy crew member is editor Stuart Baird who in this case was a project consultant.

There is more about “Prince of Thieves” that makes it enjoyable but it does have flaws. Costner’s mullet dates the movie in the 90’s and after Robin & Azeem are catapulted over the wall, the peasants are able to open the gate. Why didn’t Robin just wait for the gate to be opened? This is an editing mistake and not a story mistake however. The first scene in Jerusalem introduces well the design and mood of the film as it departs from “Lincoln green” versions. This is going to be a different kind of merry men in this movie as there are earthy colors throughout the film. I believe the world that the film portrays and the use of locations helped with that. The tree in Sycamore Gap is now called the Robin Hood Tree because of this movie. There are some nice cinematography moments in this movie too. I like the shot where the wall falls and it reveals how far Nottingham’s soldiers are behind our heroes as it is quite cinematic. My favourite cinematography moment is the shot where Robin and Marion kiss in the background with a dead Sheriff in the foreground. I love the moment when the soldier spits on Will. It is a nice touch. When Robin enters to battle with the Sheriff, we have a moment of silent that builds up to the sword fight itself as there is no music and Alan Rickman’s performance gives room for us to hear the silence. This is a great moment for us to take a needed breather and prepare for the showdown mentally & emotionally. The opening theme music is great and as evidence since the film’s release, both Morgan Creek and Walt Disney Studios have used it for their logos. “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams deserved its Oscar Nomination. I think the film’s success is substantiated by the fact that two years after this film’s release, Mel Brooks spoofed it. He points out the American accent of Kevin Costner for example and because of “Men in Tights”; much of “Prince of Thieves” has become part of the Robin Hood legend in my view.

This is my third favorite Robin Hood movie with my favorite version being "The Adventures of Robin Hood" from 1938 staring Errol Flynn and the Disney animated version as my second favorite. Its dirty feel was something new and the story was well formed & structured. It is funny with entertaining characters and performances. There is originality and also portrayals of well-know story moments concerning Robin Hood. I would hope that this film remains dominant amidst the many versions that there are of this legendary man’s tale.

4 Stars