Chris Pine stars as Robert the Bruce in the acclaimed 2018 historical drama about Scotland’s fight for independence
Enthusiasts of historical dramas and period pieces are set for a real treat as a superb option has landed on the Netflix UK catalogue.
The film, featuring Chris Pine in the leading role alongside Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tony Curran, Callan Mulvey, Billy Howle, Sam Spruell, James Cosmo and Stephen Dillane, portrays pivotal moments from the Scottish Wars of Independence between 1304-07.
Outlaw King, a rousing 2018 historical drama, was co-written, produced, and directed by David Mackenzie. The official synopsis reads: “After being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce is forced into exile by the English and leads a band of outlaws to help him reclaim the throne.”
It’s a classic David versus Goliath story of how the 14th century Scottish ‘Outlaw King’ Robert the Bruce employed wit and courage to overcome the considerably larger and better equipped occupying English forces, reports the Express. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Pine revealed the challenges of perfecting the Scottish accent for the role. The actor confessed: “It was difficult to get an accent to be organic that is so foreign from my own. There were particular sounds that I stumbled on, but also just getting the musicality of the language down.”
“I didn’t want it to be a movie about an accent; I didn’t want people to not believe I was Scottish, but I also couldn’t draw too much attention to it and away from the story.” With a solid 69 per cent audience approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Outlaw King has received largely positive reviews. One fan said: “Great movie all around, deserves way more love than it has received. This one will age well, fantastic period piece with stunning cinematography, solid acting/cast, and realistic fight scenes.”
Another viewer lauded the production, writing: “Noticed that not only were the cast amazing but the extras in the battle scenes were unbelievable, probably the best extras I’ve seen in any movie.” An audience member shared their enjoyment of the historical tale, said: “I quite enjoyed this historical tale. It has a quick pace, simple dialogue, brutal violence and charming characters. Quite simply a fun film to watch.”
A professional review praised the film’s technical aspects and performances, noting: “The film lifts itself and has great technical and production design, great lead performances, and a story that while familiar, is a much better representation of the same story we have gotten before.”
Chris Pine’s portrayal of the Scottish king also received high praise from another reviewer: “Chris Pine gives a strong performance in this well-constructed tale of Robert the Bruce’s fight for Scotland’s freedom.” A third critic commended the film, saying: “Outlaw King is a gripping, moving and grand film full of spellbinding performances. Pine effortlessly embodies Bruce’s conviction, bravery, and compassion.”