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==Reception==
==Reception==
Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves was met with generally positive reviews from critics. [[Roger Ebert]] praised [[Morgan Freeman]]'s performance as well as [[Alan Rickman]]'s, but ultimately decried the film as a whole, giving it two stars and stating "''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' is a murky, unfocused, violent, and depressing version of the classic story...The most depressing thing about the movie is that children will attend it expecting to have a good time."<ref>{{cite news|title= Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves|work= Chicago Sun Times|date=|url= http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19910614/REVIEWS/106140301/1023|accessdate=}}</ref>
''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' was met with generally mixed reviews from critics. [[Roger Ebert]] praised [[Morgan Freeman]]'s performance as well as [[Alan Rickman]]'s, but ultimately decried the film as a whole, giving it two stars and stating "''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' is a murky, unfocused, violent, and depressing version of the classic story...The most depressing thing about the movie is that children will attend it expecting to have a good time."<ref>{{cite news|title= Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves|work= Chicago Sun Times|date=|url= http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19910614/REVIEWS/106140301/1023|accessdate=}}</ref>


On the DVD commentary for ITV's ''[[Robin of Sherwood]]'' television series that ran from 1983 to 1986, writer and creator [[Richard Carpenter (screenwriter)|Richard Carpenter]] explains that the stunt co-ordinator, [[Terry Walsh (actor)|Terry Walch]], from the ''Robin of Sherwood'' series was hired on to do stunt work for ''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' film. While on set, Walch noticed that there was a [[Saracen]] assassin character named Nasir in the film. The "Nasir" character was a creation of Richard Carpenter and is exclusive to the ''Robin of Sherwood'' series. Once the creators of ''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' realized that there was potential copyright infringement, they changed the character's name from "Nasir" to "Azeem". Carpenter also explains that Costner and the others involved in the ''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' film have admitted to watching the ''Robin of Sherwood'' as inspiration for their film.
On the DVD commentary for ITV's ''[[Robin of Sherwood]]'' television series that ran from 1983 to 1986, writer and creator [[Richard Carpenter (screenwriter)|Richard Carpenter]] explains that the stunt co-ordinator, [[Terry Walsh (actor)|Terry Walch]], from the ''Robin of Sherwood'' series was hired on to do stunt work for ''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' film. While on set, Walch noticed that there was a [[Saracen]] assassin character named Nasir in the film. The "Nasir" character was a creation of Richard Carpenter and is exclusive to the ''Robin of Sherwood'' series. Once the creators of ''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' realized that there was potential copyright infringement, they changed the character's name from "Nasir" to "Azeem". Carpenter also explains that Costner and the others involved in the ''Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'' film have admitted to watching the ''Robin of Sherwood'' as inspiration for their film.
Line 97: Line 97:
===Box office===
===Box office===
The movie was a box office hit.<ref>{{cite news|title= Robin Hood prince of summer flicks with $18.3 million weekend|work= [[Baltimore Sun]]|date=|url= http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-06-26/features/1991177201_1_robin-hood-city-slickers-jungle-fever|accessdate=2010-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Robin Hood Still Riding Ahead of Box Office Pack|work= [[The Los Angeles Times]]|date=1991-06-25|url= http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-25/entertainment/ca-1378_1_box-office|accessdate=2010-10-02|first=David J.|last=Fox}}</ref>
The movie was a box office hit.<ref>{{cite news|title= Robin Hood prince of summer flicks with $18.3 million weekend|work= [[Baltimore Sun]]|date=|url= http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-06-26/features/1991177201_1_robin-hood-city-slickers-jungle-fever|accessdate=2010-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Robin Hood Still Riding Ahead of Box Office Pack|work= [[The Los Angeles Times]]|date=1991-06-25|url= http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-25/entertainment/ca-1378_1_box-office|accessdate=2010-10-02|first=David J.|last=Fox}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news|title= 'Robin' Hits Impressive Box Office Bull's-Eye|work= [[The Los Angeles Times]]|date=1991-06-18|url= http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-18/entertainment/ca-1131_1_box-office|accessdate=2010-10-02|first=David J.|last=Fox}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Can 'Robin Hood' Keep Up Its Box-office Momentum?|work= [[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=|url= http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-06-21/entertainment/9106200088_1_robin-hood-amc-theatres-movie-history|accessdate=2010-10-02}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news|title= 'Robin' Hits Impressive Box Office Bull's-Eye|work= [[The Los Angeles Times]]|date=1991-06-18|url= http://articles.latimes.com/1991-06-18/entertainment/ca-1131_1_box-office|accessdate=2010-10-02|first=David J.|last=Fox}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Can 'Robin Hood' Keep Up Its Box-office Momentum?|work= [[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=|url= http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-06-21/entertainment/9106200088_1_robin-hood-amc-theatres-movie-history|accessdate=2010-10-02}}</ref> It grossed $165,493,908 domestically with an additional $225 million overseas to a total of $390,493,908 worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1991, behind ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''.


== Adaptations ==
== Adaptations ==

Revision as of 18:25, 22 May 2011

"Prince of Thieves" redirects here. For other uses, see Aladdin.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKevin Reynolds
Written byPen Densham
John Watson
Produced byPen Densham
Richard Barton Lewis
John Watson
StarringKevin Costner
Morgan Freeman
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Christian Slater
Alan Rickman
CinematographyDouglas Milsome
Edited byPeter Boyle
Music byMichael Kamen (Score)
Bryan Adams
Robert John "Mutt" Lange (theme song)
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
June 14, 1991
Running time
143 minutes (UK)
155 minutes (US extended)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$48 million[2]
Box office$390,493,908

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a 1991 American adventure film directed by Kevin Reynolds.

Kevin Costner heads the cast list as Robin Hood. The film also stars Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Maid Marian of Dubois, Morgan Freeman as Azeem, Christian Slater as Will Scarlet and Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Plot

Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner), an English nobleman who joined Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade, is imprisoned in Jerusalem along with his comrade Peter. Robin escapes, saving the life of a Moor named Azeem (Morgan Freeman) in the process. Peter dies while escaping and has Robin swear to protect his sister Marian (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). Robin returns to England with Azeem, who vows to accompany Robin until the debt of saving his life is repaid.

In England, with King Richard still away, the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) rules over the land, aided by his cousin, Guy of Gisbourne (Michael Wincott), along with the witch Mortianna (Geraldine McEwan) and the corrupt Bishop of Hereford (Harold Innocent). At Locksley castle, Robin's father (Brian Blessed) is killed by the Sheriff's men after refusing to join them.

Robin returns to England to find his father dead, his home in ruins, and the Sheriff and his men oppressing the people. While fleeing the Sheriff's forces, Robin and Azeem encounter a band of outlaws hiding in Sherwood Forest, led by Little John (Nick Brimble). Among them is Will Scarlet (Christian Slater), later revealed to be Robin's illegitimate half-brother. Robin ultimately assumes command of the band, encourages his men to fight against Nottingham and trains them to defend themselves. They rob English soldiers and convoys that pass through the forest, then distribute the stolen wealth among the poor. One of their early targets is Friar Tuck (Michael McShane), who subsequently joins the Merry Men. Robin’s successes infuriate the sheriff, who increases the maltreatment of his people, resulting in more support for Robin Hood.

Hiring Celtic warriors from Scotland to bolster his forces, the sheriff tracks down the outlaws' hideout and launches an attack, destroying the forest refuge. He confines Marian when she tries to summon help from France. The Sheriff proposes to Maid Marian, claiming if she accepts he will spare the lives of the captured woodsmen. Nevertheless, several of the rebel fighters are to be executed by hanging as part of the wedding celebration.

Robin and a handful of his most trusted aides survived the assault. On the day of the wedding and hangings, Robin and his men storm Nottingham castle, freeing the prisoners. Originally planning to free their friends and retreat, Azeem reveals himself and his willingness to fight the Sheriff, turning the peasants to revolt. Robin kills the Sheriff but is attacked by Mortianna, who charges with a spear. Azeem slays Mortianna, fulfilling his vow.

Robin and Marian profess their love for each other and marry in the forest. Their wedding is briefly interrupted by the return of King Richard I (Sean Connery), who blesses the marriage and thanks Robin for his deeds. And then the movie finishes with a word from Fryer Tuck. (ADIJ)

Cast

Deleted and altered scenes

In the special edition DVD, it is revealed that the Sheriff of Nottingham is actually the son of Mortianna. She kidnapped and murdered the real child of the Sheriff of Nottingham and substituted her own offspring to put her own seed on the throne of England by marrying him to a royal. This is hinted at in the regular cut of the film, when she speaks of Maid Marian: "She is ripe. She will give us a son." This development was left intact in the novelization.

The novelization also retains the original scene order of one scene in which Robin rubs himself with manure to gain entry to the castle. As he enters, he sees the guard whose nose he recently broke, and he is later told by Marian he should "take a bath." In the film, the manure scene is moved to much later in the movie, causing a minor continuity error with the guard and removing the context of Marian's statement.

Soundtrack

The original music score was composed, orchestrated and conducted by Michael Kamen. The main title theme was later used as the logo music for this film's co-producing studio, Morgan Creek. The end tag to this theme is currently utilized as the logo music for Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

The ending theme, "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams, enjoyed tremendous success – staying at the number one position for seven weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and 16 weeks on the UK chart, as well as topping the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles and the music charts of over 16 countries worldwide. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media in 1992. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1991.

Track listing
Untitled
  1. Overture/A Prisoner of the Crusades (8:27)
  2. Sir Guy of Gisborne/The Escape to Sherwood (7:27)
  3. Little John/The Band in the Forest (4:52)
  4. The Sheriff and His Witch (6:03)
  5. Maid Marian (2:57)
  6. Training/Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (5:15)
  7. Marian at the Waterfall (5:34)
  8. The Abduction/The Final Battle at the Gallows (9:53)
  9. (Everything I Do) I Do It for You – Bryan Adams (6:38)
  10. Wild Times – Jeff Lynne (3:12)

Reception

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was met with generally mixed reviews from critics. Roger Ebert praised Morgan Freeman's performance as well as Alan Rickman's, but ultimately decried the film as a whole, giving it two stars and stating "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a murky, unfocused, violent, and depressing version of the classic story...The most depressing thing about the movie is that children will attend it expecting to have a good time."[5]

On the DVD commentary for ITV's Robin of Sherwood television series that ran from 1983 to 1986, writer and creator Richard Carpenter explains that the stunt co-ordinator, Terry Walch, from the Robin of Sherwood series was hired on to do stunt work for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film. While on set, Walch noticed that there was a Saracen assassin character named Nasir in the film. The "Nasir" character was a creation of Richard Carpenter and is exclusive to the Robin of Sherwood series. Once the creators of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves realized that there was potential copyright infringement, they changed the character's name from "Nasir" to "Azeem". Carpenter also explains that Costner and the others involved in the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film have admitted to watching the Robin of Sherwood as inspiration for their film.

The New York Times gave the film a less than glowing review.[6] The LA times found the movie unsatisfactory also.[7] Kevin Costner was criticised also for what some perceived as a poor attempt at an English accent.[8]

Media studies professor Jack Shaheen included the film among his "Best" list in his book Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies A People, praising the portrayal of Azeem as a heroic, learned, and noble man.

Box office

The movie was a box office hit.[9][10] [11][12] It grossed $165,493,908 domestically with an additional $225 million overseas to a total of $390,493,908 worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1991, behind Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Adaptations

A tie-in video game of the same name was released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. Developed by Sculptured Software, Inc. and Bits Studios, respectively, and published by Virgin Games, Inc., it was featured as the cover game for the July 1991 issue of Nintendo Power magazine.

A toy line was also released by Kenner, consisting of action figures and playsets. Notably, some of the figures and sets were slightly modified from Kenner's well known Star Wars action figure line.[13]

See also

{{{inline}}}

References

  1. ^ Easton, Nina J. (1990-07-24). "Costner May Put Morgan Creek Ahead of Robin Hood Pack". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  2. ^ "Robin Hood Freshens Up A Film Legend". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  3. ^ Dowd, Maureen (1991-06-09). "FILM; Hollywood's Superhunk Heads for Nottingham". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  4. ^ Leydon, Joe (1991-06-09). "Robin Hood' and the uncertain science of hype". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  5. ^ "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves". Chicago Sun Times.
  6. ^ Chase, Chris (1991-06-23). "FILM; Robin Hood Adds Up To a Thief for the Ages". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  7. ^ Turan, Kenneth (1991-06-14). "'Robin': Medieval Dash, New Age Muddle". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  8. ^ Easton, Nina J. (1991-06-23). "A look inside Hollywood and the movies". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  9. ^ "Robin Hood prince of summer flicks with $18.3 million weekend". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  10. ^ Fox, David J. (1991-06-25). "Robin Hood Still Riding Ahead of Box Office Pack". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  11. ^ Fox, David J. (1991-06-18). "'Robin' Hits Impressive Box Office Bull's-Eye". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  12. ^ "Can 'Robin Hood' Keep Up Its Box-office Momentum?". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  13. ^ Ron Salvatore, Recycling of the Force, Star Wars Collectors Archive, Accessed December 23, 2010.
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