Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Rob Roy was released in April of 1995, just weeks before the infamous Braveheart with Mel Gibson. Both were inspired by actual historical Scottish figures. While they have many similarities, the differences is what makes Rob Roy special. It delves into the lives and hardships faced by many of the people of Scotland back in the early 18th century, more than with battle scenes. The entire movie was shot on location at various sites in Scotland and the scenery is breathtaking.

There is a lot of action, romance, humor (I couldn't help but laugh when Archie struts and prances around), and sword-fighting. Now the "sword-fights" in Rob Roy are not the swash-buckling type of fencing that is seen in movies such as 1998s' The Mask of Zorro. The blades are wide and they are cumbersome, due to their weight. The success of the fight depends much more on endurance than on agility. Shall we proceed?....

THE PLOT

The story begins with the following words:
At the dawn of the 1700's famine and disease and the greed of great Noblemen were changing Scotland forever.With many emigrating to the Americas, the centuries old class system was slowly being extinguished.This story symbolizes the attempt of the individual to withstand those processes and, even in defeat certain, retain respect and honour.

Robert Roy MacGregor and several of his clansmen are searching for a band of "tinkers" (thieves) who have stolen some 32 "beasts" (cattle) from the Marquis of Montrose. The Marquis is a Nobleman with a great deal of power. When the tinkers are found, Robert is forced to kill their leader, Tom Sibbald. The cattle are returned to the Marquis and Robert returns to his village. He finds that the clan in his charge have become sickly and are in need of proper food. This concerns him greatly, as winter is coming and they must stock up. After Robert visits with the villagers, he heads for his own home and takes a bath in the lake before entering the house. (And just for the record, my Mother was wrong...you won't go blind just for looking 8-)...). He checks on his sons, then goes to the bed where his wife, Mary, is sleeping. Still rather wet from his bath, he takes a daisy from a vase, and begins dropping petals on Marys face and whispering to her. She awakes and welcomes him home in a most wifely manner. The next morning, they talk. She asks him, "What's gnawing atcha Robert?" Robert tells Mary of his concerns for the well-being of the clan and of his intention to borrow money from the Marquis to invest in cattle. Upon resell, this will bring the much-needed funds to the village. They continue to talk as they climb to a beautiful mountaintop and enjoy a picnic and some play time with their sons. Robert uses this time to educate and instruct his sons. When one of them asks, "Will the MacGregors ever be kings again?", Robert answers...."All men with Honor are kings, And not all Kings have Honor. Honor is what no man can give you and no man can take away." This insight into the character and integrity of Robert Roy MacGregor will explain much as the story progresses.

People cheering and the sound of swords clanging can be heard as the Marquis of Montrose enters a bar. Wagers are being placed and the crowd is enthralled with the action. Following close on the heels of the Marquis is a foppish looking young man. They approach an old adversary of the Marquis, the Duke of Argyll. It is obvious from their conversation that they dislike each other immensely. The Marquis attempts to anger the Duke when he mentions the inability of the Queen to bear an heir to the throne. He says, "One would have thought that a field so regularly plowed would have yielded one good crop. In truth I have seen healthier graveyards than that womans' womb". He also insinuates that the Duke is a Jacobite...a traitor. The Marquis then introduces the young man that has been by his side during this discussion as Archibald Cunningham. He has been sent to the Marquis as a sort of punishment. The Duke of Argyll asks the Marquis, "Another one of your "likely lads"? Then turns to Archibald and says, "Or are you a buggerer of boys?" to which Archibald replies, " It has been months since I last buggered a boy, though I thought him a girl at the point of entry." As the conversation becomes more even more heated, a challenge is presented. Archibald, the Marquis' man vs. Guthrie, the Dukes' man. We discover that although Archibald appears the dandy, he is a formidable opponent with a sword. He defeats Guthrie easily.

When it is discovered that Archibald has been running up quite a few debts with the local shopkeepers, the Marquis of Montrose lectures Archibald. He threatens to kick him out, penniless. Archibald leaves angrily and passes a waiting Robert in the hallway. Robert has come to request a loan. The Marquis agrees to give Robert 1000 pounds for his 300 acres of land and all that goes with it, if the loan is not repaid within 3 months.

The Marquis has a factor (an assistant), Killearn, who has been listening closely. Killearn goes to Archibald and tells him of this money that is to be given to Robert MacGregor. Together they devise a plot. Killearn conducts the Marquis' money matters in a tavern. Robert has asked his trusted friend and fellow clansman, MacDonald, to pick up the note at the tavern. Killearn deliberately delays the exchange until the day has become late and darkness is falling. Killearn is finally ready to take care of the transaction. He claims that he must give MacDonald coins instead of a note. Although MacDonald is uncomfortable with this change of plans, he takes the coins. As he rides for home, he is being followed. At the village Robert has made an announcement about the loan and the entire clan celebrates with dancing and music. The scenes go back and forth between MacDonald being chased and the clansmen celebrating. When MacDonalds horse arrives without a rider, they all realize that something terrible has happened.

The money is gone and Robert has no way of paying it back. Rather than face being imprisoned in "The Toll Booth", Robert takes for the hills. The Marquis sends Archibald and his men after Robert....to bring him back "broken, but not dead". Archie will go to any depth to achieve this goal.

Hopefully, I've gotten you intrigued at this point. There is much more to the story before all is said and done. Mary will have a confrontation with Archibald in a very emotional scene...a young girl will commit suicide...and Killearn gets his "comeupance" at last. The final scenes are unforgettable as Robert and Archibald finally square off, face to face.

THE CREDITS

Executive Producer and Director - Michael Caton-Jones
Film Editing - Peter Honess, "An Eye for an Eye" (1996) and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002)
Cast Director - Susie Figgis, "Ghandi" (1982), and "The Killing Fields" (1984)
Cinematographer - Karl Lindenlaub, "Independence Day" (1996)
Composer - Carter Burwell, "O Brother Where Art Thou" (2000)

THE CAST

Liam Neeson, Robert Roy MacGregor.
Liam Neeson has proven his versatility as an actor many times over. His roles have included that of a homeless, deaf mute, Carl Anderson in "Suspect" (1987), a hillbilly, Briar Gates in "Next of Kin" (1989), Oskar Schindler in "Schindlers List" (1993) and Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" (1998). My personal favorite, however, will always be his wonderful performance in "Rob Roy".

Jessica Lange, Mary MacGregor
Jessica Lange is superb in this role. She portrays the depth of emotion and the strength of Mary in an amazing performance. She is well known for her roles of Julie in "Tootsie" (1982), and of Patsy Cline in "Sweet Dreams" (1985).

Tim Roth, Archibald Cunningham
Tim Roth was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards in 1996 for this tremendous performance. A well-deserved nomination, in my humble opinion.

John Hurt, the Marquis of Montrose
John Hurt was, as in all of his many roles, outstanding in his portrayal of the Marquis. Some of his previous roles include that of John Merrick in "The Elephant Man" (1980) and more recently, that of Mr. Ollivander in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone" (2001).

Andrew Keir, the Duke of Argyll
Andrew Keir was born and raised in Scotland and passed away shortly after the release of Rob Roy. His successful career spanned 5 decades. He will be greatly missed.

Brian Cox, Killearn
Brian Cox gives an exceptional performance as the snively, under-handed Killearn. We will see more of him in the upcoming X-Men 2 due for release in May of this year.

Rob Roy is a wonderful film and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years. It gets a most definite 5 stars from me.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age