*”Outlaw King“, the new movie starring Chris Pine, opened in select theaters this past weekend, which wouldn’t be especially notable except for the fact that the film was produced by Netflix, which very rarely releases their films in theaters.
The move is likely to satisfy requirements in order for the film to be considered for Oscars – of which it is indisputably deserving.
“Outlaw King” is a 2018 historical action drama about Robert the Bruce – played by Pine – who was the 14th-century Scottish king who launched a guerilla war against the larger English army.
Though the film has been criticized by some for not being entirely historically accurate, David Mackenzie- who co-wrote, produced and directed the film – has given us a rousing piece of work. A true epic in which the battle scenes will make your adrenaline run and the landscape will take your breath away.
LOL! Chris Pine’s perfect response to buzz about his full-frontal scene in @OutlawKing: https://t.co/otf8pTQA1H pic.twitter.com/dx3VzhCwR0
— ExtraTV (@extratv) November 19, 2018
As Robert the Bruce, Pine shines and gives the rest of the film a glow with a truly heartfelt, memorable performance.
Though dismissed by some as “Braveheart-lite”, Pine’s relatively understated take on the role – and the simmering rage buried within – is impressive and invests you in his character completely.
The film begins in the year 1304 AD, where we find ourselves outside of the besieged Stirling Castle, where John Comyn (Callan Mulvey), Robert Bruce and Scottish nobility surrender to Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane). King Edward promises to return seized lands to the nobility in exchange for their homage.
During the celebration, Bruce spars with Edward’s heir, the cocky Prince of Wales (Billy Howle), starting a long-term resentment. The king then weds Bruce to his goddaughter, Elizabeth de Burgh, played to great effect and emotion by Florence Pugh. The realities of such marriages at the time are touched on. Elizabeth is a virgin, of course, and offered as property to Bruce and with the intent of bearing children. They are strangers. Yet, Bruce upends convention by not “deflowering” his new bride on their wedding night or any time shortly thereafter.
What is truly refreshing is that while their marriage develops and so does Elizabeth’s character, she is not imbued with modern sensibilities. She is strong, but definitely has a youthful-bordering-on-underage appearance, while for the time but not I the #MeToo era.
Elizabeth grows as a character, but never becomes an unrealistically strong or commanding character at odds for the time period. She knows her role and responsibilities. She grows to love Bruce and display an inner strength, which makes her abduction and possible demise later in the film all the more powerful.
That is one of the film’s strengths. Based on historical events, you never get the feeling that anyone is safe or that a happy ending is guaranteed for anyone.
The fight for Scotland has begun. #OutlawKing is now on @Netflix and in select theaters. pic.twitter.com/RL92G6JWVT
— Outlaw King (@OutlawKing) November 10, 2018
This is especially true when Bruce witnesses the death of his father, the Lord of Annandale (James Cosmo) and the drawing and quartering of one of his knights.
What follows are some of the bloodiest, most realistic battle scenes ever filmed.
There are no “300” type of video game effects here. There is only brutal fighting and cunning strategy. These are produced beautifully by director David Mackenzie. Anyone who calls this movie “Braveheart”-lite or decries historical inaccuracies is depriving themselves of enjoying an epic achievement.
Mackenzie’s direction is magnificent here. He makes the Scottish countryside as much of a star as Pine and gets great performances from everyone, especially Pine and Pugh.
If Netflix has released this into theaters for a short time in order to be eligible for Academy Awards, it belongs in the conversation, especially for Pine and Hugh’s performances.
But besides that, you should treat yourself to seeing this in the theater because that is how this epic achievement deserves to be seen. With great performances, direction and battle scenes – and a realistic romance – “Outlaw King” would have been a must-see in any era.
