Braveheart stole all of Rob Roy's thunder in 1995. Both movies are about a Scottsman seeking justice against his English antagonists. Both draw upon Scottish folk heroes and both take liberty with history to make good cinema. Where the two differ is in scale and character. Braveheart is filled with huge battle scenes and the story is similarly epic, encompassing all of Scotland and England. Rob Roy, for the most part, is about a single man defending his family and honor against those who have wronged him.
Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) borrows money from, Montrose (John Hurt), an English lord, in order to purchase cattle to drive and sell at market. Two of the lord's household Killearn (Brian Cox) and Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth) conspire to steal the money and frame MacGregor's friend Alan MacDonald (Eric Stoltz) after murdering him. With no means of repaying the debt, Montrose offers Rob Roy a deal, bear false witness against a rival lord and the debt will be forgiven. Rob Roy refuses to dishonor himself and becomes an outlaw instead leading to English reprisals and Scottish raids.
The movie is character driven and Tim Roth was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the villainous Archibald Cunningham, who is truly a man to be despised and reviled. Liam Neeson's portrayal of Rob Roy is honorable and stoic, with just a bit of hero thrown in. The plot may not be larger than life but the cinematography, setting, and acting are. In many ways Rob Roy is a better film than Braveheart but, alas, it has gone largely unnoticed.
Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) borrows money from, Montrose (John Hurt), an English lord, in order to purchase cattle to drive and sell at market. Two of the lord's household Killearn (Brian Cox) and Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth) conspire to steal the money and frame MacGregor's friend Alan MacDonald (Eric Stoltz) after murdering him. With no means of repaying the debt, Montrose offers Rob Roy a deal, bear false witness against a rival lord and the debt will be forgiven. Rob Roy refuses to dishonor himself and becomes an outlaw instead leading to English reprisals and Scottish raids.
The movie is character driven and Tim Roth was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the villainous Archibald Cunningham, who is truly a man to be despised and reviled. Liam Neeson's portrayal of Rob Roy is honorable and stoic, with just a bit of hero thrown in. The plot may not be larger than life but the cinematography, setting, and acting are. In many ways Rob Roy is a better film than Braveheart but, alas, it has gone largely unnoticed.