Rob Roy (1995)

Director:

Michael Caton-Jones

Writer:

Alan Sharp (screenplay)

Release Date:

7 April 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Biography | Drama | Romance | War

Tagline:

Honor made him a man. Courage made him a hero. History made him a Legend

Plot:

In the highlands of Scotland in the 1700s, Rob Roy tries to lead his small town to a better future,...

Plot Keywords:

Torso Cut In Half | Fingering | Pregnant From Rape | Rape Scene | Sex With Servant

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Liam Neeson	...	Robert Roy MacGregor
Jessica Lange	...	Mary MacGregor
John Hurt	...	John Graham, Marquis of Montrose
Tim Roth	...	Archibald Cunningham
Eric Stoltz	...	Alan MacDonald
Andrew Keir	...	Duke of Argyll
Brian Cox	...	Killearn
Brian McCardie	...	Alasdair McGregor
Gilbert Martin	...	Will Guthrie
Vicki Masson	...	Betty
Gilly Gilchrist	...	Iain
Jason Flemyng	...	Gregor
Ewan Stewart	...	Coll
David Hayman	...	Sibbald
Brian McArthur	...	Ranald McGregor

MPAA:

Rated R for violence and sexuality.

Runtime:

139 min | Spain:133 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS

Certification:

Canada:14A (Ontario) | Peru:14 | Singapore:M18 | South Korea:15 | Iceland:16 | Philippines:R-18 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:16 | Norway:15 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:PG | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (cut) | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Caig Falls Bridge, Loch Arkaig, Highlands, Scotland, UK

Company:

United Artists

Trivia:

The final sword fight between Rob and Archibald is often considered to be one of the greatest sword fights ever filmed.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: When Killearn leads McDonald into the pub, an overhead fluorescent lamp can be seen.

Quotes:

Duke of Argyll: So, Mr. Cunningham. What are these principal sins that distress your mother? Dice? Drink? Or are you a buggerer of boys?
Archibald Cunningham: It is years, Your Grace, since I buggered a boy... And in my own defense, I must add, I thought him a girl at the moment of entry.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000) (V)

Sword Fighting is Hard

Overshadowed by "Braveheart" released the same year, the two costume dramas beg comparison. I admit my bias against Mel Gibson, yet I maintain a rational preference for "Rob Roy." Both "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy" compellingly depict Scots history in bloody, romantic fashion. "Braveheart" is an epic paean to individual honor and courage and a fine revenge fantasy. It's also melodramatic, anachronistic and maudlin. Note its cornball usage of slow motion filming. Its violence is both ugly and glorious. It is the latter quality which makes it more appealing to the adolescent mindset. While "Braveheart" surpasses "Rob Roy" in sheer levels of carnage (not to mention its indulgent running time), the latter film is ultimately more mature and satisfying. Its action is more understated, yet more surprising and clever. Its sex is less showy, yet more erotic. "Rob Roy" also has a better realized romantic interest. Its dialog attempts to approximate the poetry of the period. Its rotted teeth in the mouths of the actors attempt to approximate the dentistry of the era. And Tim Roth is a superlative villain. Also recommended: "The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Patriot." You may find the latter more akin to "Braveheart" with its emphasis on blood lust, with the former more similar to "Rob Roy" in tone. All the of the aforementioned movies merit their R ratings for violence.