Robert the Bruce (film)
| Robert the Bruce | |
|---|---|
_film_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Richard Gray |
| Written by | Eric Belgau Angus Macfadyen |
| Produced by | Angus Macfadyen |
| Starring | Angus Macfadyen Jared Harris Anna Hutchison Patrick Fugit |
| Cinematography | John Garrett |
| Edited by | Hayley Miro Browne |
| Music by | Mel Elias |
Production company | Yellow Brick Films |
| Distributed by | Signature Entertainment Metro International |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 124 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $23,434[2] |
Robert the Bruce is a 2019 British
Plot
In 1306, a truce meeting takes place between Robert the Bruce and John Comyn in a chapel. Comyn offers to abandon his claim to the Scottish throne and support Robert in exchange for land and money. Robert confronts Comyn, aware of his plan to betray him to the English and kills him in a duel. Chaos ensues as the guards outside engage in a fight, led by Robert's loyal vassal, James Douglas.
In the winter of 1313, Robert, with only a handful of men remaining, camps in the woods. Douglas shares with Hamish, a young boy, the belief that Robert will never give up and will lead them to victory. Robert interrupts, declaring that his war is over and instructs them to return home. Three disillusioned soldiers decide to capture Robert and claim the bounty instead. While contemplating killing him, an older soldier argues that it would be a mortal sin. Robert leaves, followed by Hamish and Douglas.
In a mountain cottage, Morag Macfie tells her son Scot, niece Iver and nephew Carney the story of how Robert killed Comyn. Scot, bearing resentment because his father died fighting for Robert, dislikes him. Scot notices Robert passing through the woods but doesn't approach him. Later, Scot and Morag visit his father's grave and Scot informs his mother of the sighting but she dismisses it.
The three soldiers catch up to Robert and attack him, resulting in him killing two of them but being gravely wounded by Will. Robert manages to escape and finds refuge in a cave. While in the cave, Robert witnesses a spider trying to build a web, succeeding with one more try than Robert's attempts to free Scotland (according to legend). Will, seeking the reward, leads a group of soldiers, including the local Sheriff Brandubh, to the site. Will is killed by Brandubh, who conceals the truth and begins a search for Robert, feigning friendship. Brandubh delivers Robert's sword to Carney for repairs. Carney takes it to his master, Sean, a blacksmith, where he briefly interacts with Sean's daughter, Briana. Scot, Iver and Carney stumble upon the injured Robert while hunting. They bring him back to Morag's house, despite their clan's allegiance to the English.
Over the winter, Robert recovers and becomes a part of Morag's family. He apologizes to Scot for his father's death, teaches Carney swordsmanship and grows close to Morag. Robert decides to continue fighting, determined not to let the sacrifices made by families like theirs be in vain. One night, a man loyal to Brandubh sees Robert in Morag's house and reports it. Brandubh gathers his men to attack but Briana overhears and warns Morag's family. They prepare to fight when Brandubh arrives. Iver and Scot take positions in the trees with bows, Carney conceals a sword and Briana hides in the barn.
Brandubh strikes Morag, and Robert confronts him, claiming protection over Morag's family as the King of Scotland. A battle ensues and with the assistance of Scot, Iver and Briana, Robert and Carney fight off Brandubh's men. Carney mourns over Briana's death but they emerge victorious. Morag saves Robert's life by killing Brandubh. After burying Briana, Robert leads the family to the fortress of Angus MacDonald, where they are welcomed. Years later, Morag visits Scot's grave, as he died fighting for Robert at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, which ultimately led to Scotland's freedom.
Cast
- Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce
- John Comyn
- Anna Hutchison as Morag
- Patrick Fugit as Will
- Zach McGowan as Brandubh
- Gabriel Bateman as Scot
- Talitha Bateman as Iver
- Emma Kenney as Briana
- Shane Coffey as Finley
- Kevin McNally as Seán
- Melora Walters as Ylfa
- Diarmaid Murtagh as James Douglas
- Daniel Portman as Aonghus Óg of Islay
- Brandon Lessard as Carney
Production
The film was announced in February 2018, with Angus Macfadyen reprising his role from Braveheart (1995). Jared Harris, Anna Hutchison and Patrick Fugit were also cast amongst others.[5]
Filming had begun by February 2019.
Release
The
The film was scheduled to be released in the United States with a premiere screening by
Home media
Signature Entertainment released the film in the United Kingdom, on DVD and Blu-ray disc, on 4 November 2019. The sole extra feature is an
Reception
Box office
Robert the Bruce grossed £19,026 in the United Kingdom on its opening weekend (28/06/19) and £98,691 for its UK theatrical run. $TBD in other territories, for a total worldwide gross of £98,691.[15]
Critical response
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 44% based on 52 reviews, with an average rating of 5/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "It's inspired by epic real-life events, but rich cinematography and the best of intentions aren't enough to carry Robert the Bruce past its leaden pace and bland storytelling."[16]
Accolades
 | This section is in a table format that prose. is available. (November 2019) |
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipients | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Edinburgh Film Festival
|
June 2019 | Audience Award | Robert the Bruce | Nominated | [17] |
See also
- Outlaw King (2018) stars Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, but depicts different events.
References
- ^ Braveheart sequel tops Edinburgh film festival | BBC News
- ^ "Robert the Bruce". The Numbers. Nash Information Services.
- ^ Ehrlich, David (7 September 2018). "'Outlaw King' Review: Netflix's Lame 'Braveheart' Spinoff Will Force You to Admit that Mel Gibson Did It Better — TIFF".
- ^ Edelstein, David (24 April 2020). "New Braveheart Sequel Brings You More Angus Macfadyen and a Lot Less Blood". Vulture.
- ^ "Angus Macfadyen-Led Action Drama 'Robert The Bruce' Drafts Jared Harris, Patrick Fugit & Others". Deadline. February 2018.
- ^ "'Robert The Bruce' Movie With 'Braveheart' Actor Angus Macfadyen Boarded By Metro International, First Look — EFM". Deadline. February 2019.
- ^ Shelton, Joseph (3 July 2018). "Montana's Film Business' Arts & Culture". distinctlymontana.com.
Robert The Bruce was filmed outside Livingston, and in Scotland last winter, and is currently in post production
- ^ " Robert the Bruce sequel to premiere at Edinburgh Film Festival". The National.
- ^ "Braveheart sequel tops Edinburgh film festival". BBC News.
- ^ "WATCH: First trailer revealed for 'Braveheart sequel' Robert the Bruce". Scotsman.com.
- ^ UK TRAILER - Starring Angus ... ROBERT THE BRUCE – via YouTube.
- ^ "'Robert The Bruce' Trailer: Angus Macfadyen Returns To Free Scotland". Deadline Hollywood. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- ^ "Mel Gibson's Braveheart returns to theatres this spring". Entertainment Weekly. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- ^ "Robert the Bruce Blu-ray". Blu-ray. United Kingdom. 4 November 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- ^ "Weekend box office report: 28-30 June 2019". British Film Institute. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
- ^ "Robert the Bruce (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ "EIFF 2019 Official Awards: The Audience Award Nominees". edfilmfest.org. UK.
External links
- Robert the Bruce at IMDb
- Robert the Bruce at Rotten Tomatoes
- "Film Business". distinctlymontana.com. Distinctly Montana.
