Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott reunite in the intense action epic Robin Hood to tell the story of how one of the most popular legends in British folklore came to be the outlaw that has dominated modern perception of the myth. 

Robin Hood, similar to the latest incarnations of Batman and James Bond, takes the tale back to the beginning of Robin Longstride’s (Crowe) journey of self discovery ultimately to avenge the execution of his father at the hands of the monarchy.

The similarities between Crowe as Longstride and Mel Gibson as William Wallace in Braveheart are uncanny, both fuelled by the death of a loved one to achieve liberty from the oppression of British rule. Longstride learns about the feats accomplished by his father and delivers a stirring speech to unite an England at civil unrest against the French.

In a complex and compelling storyline, Longstride assumes the identity of Richard the Lionheart’s closest confidante Robert of Loxley. When Lionheart and Loxley are killed while the English army fights its way back to London after the Crusades, Longstride becomes the fake husband of Loxley’s wife Marian and so begins their tumultuous relationship. Cate Blanchett powerfully transcends representations of Marian as a passive maid, rather a fearsome protector who puts the interests of her people first.

The CGI scenes of 12^th century England are staggering and the blend of fast-paced action with an unravelling love story will satisfy all tastes. However, those expecting the same level of violence as Gladiator will be disappointed. Seemingly, in an attempt to draw in a younger audience, Scott ditches the blood and guts to reach out to those who know only of Robin Hood as the prince of thieves so to educate them on how this came to be.

The film ends with the words ‘And so the legend begins’. Scott and Crowe are reportedly begging producers to consider a making a sequel and if this example is anything to go by, we should all join them.