Even if they’re not always accurate, there’s something about a Ridley Scott historical action epic you can’t look away from. The politics, the battles and the larger-than-life characters bring the past to life, and help give his movies that lived-in feel that makes them so special. From Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven to The Last Duel and Napoleon, Scott lives by the old idiom: Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Now, 16 years after its debut, another of his historical action epics has returned to make an impact on Netflix.
Russell Crowe Brings a Legend to Life in Scott’s Action Epic
Set against the backdrop of late 12th-century England in the aftermath of the Third Crusade and the death of King Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood brings to life the legendary English folk hero known to steal from the rich and give to the poor. Of course, the historical records have never confirmed that such a man ever existed, and most agree that he’s likely a composite of different people, whose legend became famous thanks to oral folklore and medieval ballads.
Still, Scott’s historical action epic does take place during a time in history that was very real, when war, political instability, and the growing conflict between the English crown and its people was reaching its breaking point. Starring Russell Crowe as the iconic outlaw, Robin Hood works to tell his origin story whilst at the same time delivering audiences all the intrigue, action, and violence that’s expected from one of the director’s many historical tales.
Also starring Cate Blanchett as Marian of Loxley, Mark Addy as Friar Tuck, Oscar Isaac as Prince John, and Matthew Macfadyen as Sheriff of Nottingham, to name a few, Robin Hood certainly isn’t Scott’s best work, but it’s not his worst, either. Treated much in the same way the director treated Gladiator, the film is filled with political strife, muddy battlefields, and enough bloody combat to satiate action lovers looking for a big spectacle. Plus, Crowe’s turn as the fabled outlaw presents him as a grounded action hero who’s a battle-hardened soldier rather than a wise-cracking robber, which is a refreshing change of pace.
Taking in $321 million at the box office, Robin Hood wasn’t a runaway hit by any means, and it was met with a mixed bag of responses from critics and viewers. The action epic holds just a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, giving it the dreaded green splat. Its Popconrmeter score is a little better at 58%, with some arguing that Scott took the movie too seriously, while others commented that its tone was something they appreciated alongside all the film’s epic action.
‘Robin Hood’ Steals Its Way Into Netflix’s Top 10
Available to stream on either Peacock or HBO Max in the United States, Robin Hood is also available to stream on Netflix internationally, and it’s there that the 2010 movie seems to be making the most impact. It recently entered the overall Top 10 on the global charts, proving that even now, 16 years later, Scott’s action epic still has the ability to enthrall viewers, even if it does play fast and loose with history.
Next up for Scott is The Dog Stars on Aug. 28, which serves as his triumphant return to the sci-fi genre. The film stars Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin as two unlikely partners searching for a better way of life in the aftermath of a devastating flu pandemic.
