Robin Hood (9/21/2010)

Rated PG-13 for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content.

Directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator, American Gangster, Kingdom of Heaven, and Black Hawk Down)

Starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett

In a recent interview Russell Crowe said that the Kevin Costner Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves film was like a Jon Bon Jovi music video – complete with all the mullet hairdos. Once I saw this ‘Gladiator’ version…I completely agree.

Oscar winner Russell Crowe stars as the legendary figure known by generations as “Robin Hood,” whose exploits have endured in popular mythology and ignited the imagination of those who share his spirit of adventure and righteousness. In 13th century England, Robin and his band of merry men confront corruption in a local village and become an eternal symbol of freedom for the people. Can one man, whether thief or hero, lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power?

The untitled Robin Hood adventure chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard's army against the French. Upon Richard's death, Robin travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marion (Oscar winner Cate Blanchett), a woman skeptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Lady Marion and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff.

I love origin films and we have experienced our fair share of them lately. The biggest obstacle most of these films face is not the ever-inflating budgets or the demanding directors or the diva actors, but actually the films that were made in the past. Take for example Batman Begins, in order to fully enjoy that film I recommend completely forgetting all the attempts that were made previously (i.e. Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever and especially Batman and Robin).

The same is true for Robin Hood. Gone are the green tights, the silly hats and there is absolutely no singing…all pluses in my book. Instead there are some killer battle scenes, clever one-liners and well developed characters. Then there is the new and revised origin story…which I loved. Everything from Robin’s early childhood to how he and Little John met. Even Marion is transformed from the damsel in distress to a strong willed (and armed) woman.

I know I was about half way through this two and a half hour movie when I realized just how much I was enjoying it. It’s just one of those films I know I will want to watch over and over. Scott is such a talented director who keeps the film moving and at a perfect pace. Crowe and the rest of the cast are amazing and every scene is truly enjoyable.

Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott create magic once again and I can give it a Theater Worthy without any reservation.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I will admit that throughout the film I was surprised by the PG-13 rating. I know PG-13 films continue to push the envelope, but Robin Hood was clearly in the Braveheart/Gladiator category. I already mentioned the battle scenes and although they are as violent as Braveheart or Gladiator, they are not as gory. But the biggest surprise was the heightened sexuality. Now before everyone freaks out let me be real clear: there are no sex scenes or nudity. But there are a ton of scenes leading up to sex and scenes when they are talking about it afterwards. There is also a scene where Marion is almost raped and plenty of sexual innuendoes.

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

Q: What was the theme (or the message) of this movie?

A: This is the origin story for the classic character Robin Hood. Most people associate Robin Hood with the phrase “stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.” So a great conversation starter is simply asking, “Do the ends justify the means?”

Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?

A: As a Christ-follower we would say that the ends do not justify the means. In Romans 3:5-8, Paul says, “But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” Why not say-as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say-“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved.” (NIV)

In this example Paul says committing a sin is always wrong, no matter the outcome. If you lie to someone, it is a lie and it is wrong regardless of the outcome. If you cheat on a test it is wrong, regardless of the outcome. Everything we do should bring God glory. So the end does NOT justify the means.

Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: There are two ways we can live out the lessons we learn.

First, we have to do the right thing(s) for the right reason(s). The ends do not necessarily justify the means. If we want to “help the poor,” then let’s help the poor, not rob from the rich. There are plenty of ways to do that: serve at homeless shelters, give of yourself and possessions, love someone who has no one in their lives, etc.

Second, we must trust God. It’s easy to be tempted to just “rob from the rich” to help the poor, or “tell a white lie” to save someone’s feelings. But we can’t do that. We have to do what God says to do – in a loving way! – and then trust that He will work things out for the best.