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Great movie, but not for the overly sensitive.

I first saw Rob Roy twelve years ago. With little money for entertainment, I rented it for my fiancé and I to watch on a bone chilling winter's night. The movie I had wanted was gone, so I rented this instead, not expecting much, and was very much surprised with how good it was. I just recently watched it again, and loved it every bit as much as the first time. For those unfamiliar with the story, it's about Scottish outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor, a cattleman and folk hero. From the little I know about the man and his story, liberties have been taken with the facts, but it's a movie, not a textbook, and so the filmmakers can be excused. Basically, the plot of the movie is that Rob Roy borrows money from the Marquis of Montrose to buy cattle which he then intends to sell and reap a large profit from. But, his plan is foiled when the friend entrusted with the money is robbed of the cash and murdered in the forest. Our hero finds himself on the run after failing to settle the matter with the Marquis, and Mary, his wife, suffers a sadistic rape at the hands of Archibald Cunningham, a smarmy Englishman with no soul. Atrocities ensue, until, in an immensely satisfying conclusion, Rob carves Archibald up like a Christmas turkey. There are many great performances in this movie, but allow me to touch specifically on a few. Liam Neeson, as usual, is fantastic, a sexy beast you can't take your eyes off of. Honestly, this man is like ice cream: even when he's bad he's good. His Rob Roy is an honourable man struggling to provide for those who depend on him, in the best way he knows how. Jessica Lange, as Mary, gives this woman a fierceness which is a nice change from the simpering, dull movie wives audiences are usually forced to endure. You just know she doesn't take any b.s from Rob, or anyone else for that matter. Tim Roth is completely over the top with his portrayal of the evil Archibald, yet somehow, it works. All the posturing and preening, combined with some wicked dialogue, result in one of the most memorable movie villains in recent memory. Combine all of this, and the stellar work by other supporting players, with the luscious scenery of Scotland, and you have what amounts to one really, really cool movie. If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend that you do.

DVD is the only way to fully appreciate this movie

When we first saw this movie on VHS P&S we thought it was a good movie (story wise). Now we've seen it on DVD WS DD, it is a great movie. DVD brings it fully to life with the beautiful scenery and music. An added extra is the ability to view subtitles if you cannot understand the Scottish accented dialog.

Awesome portrayal of a Scottish hero.

Neeson does an excellent job in this beautifully filmed movie. Good cast, great acting. Lange at her best. Walked away feeling good after this one.

This Rob Roy NEVER existed.

Born, raised, and educated in Scotland, I was appalled at this disgusting portrayal of a man who was no more nor less than a cattle rustler. Worse yet, the thread of the entire movie was sex in one form or another, by implication or verbally. To view it, one would think that 18th century Scotland was populated by a bunch of sex perverts and homosexuals. Lange was a joke acting as the "young" mother at age 49 but Liam Neeson was even worse! Taking a "bath" in a Scottish loch is NOT commonplace as they portrayed him - but, it did give them yet another opportunity to demonstrate how sexually driven we were. Save your money and watch Pinnochio.

Rob Roy is a great movie for everyone.

Rob Roy is a movie that everyone should see, although it may not be suitable for young children. When his home is in danger Rob leaves his wife and two young sons to fight the English. I reccommend that everyone who is into Scottish History and Legends get this movie.

Rob Roy

I wanted to add Rob Roy to my collection of dvd's. I went to Amazon.com and found many options and selected the best one for me.
I ordered the dvd and it was delivered to my home in 2 days.
I was impressed with the efficiency in which my order was completed.

Please start reviewing THIS film...

There are more than enough pro and con reviews posted here to give people an idea what to look at, so I won't bother with that. I writing to ask if we could please stop comparing Rob Roy to Braveheart. They are two different films, with two different stories, and share nothing except their locale, a hatred for the British, and Brian Cox. Spiderman and Arachnophobia have about as much in common. Rob Roy had nothing to do with Braveheart. If you can't see the difference, then you're not paying attention. As such, you probably shouldn't try to review it.

Well-made, with a dashing title character

I watched this movie last night for the first time, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. As a descendant of the MacGregor clan, I have doubts regarding its historical accuracy, but who cares? It was a well-made, interesting film. It had enough to keep both my husband and I interested - a powerful love story sprinkled in between swashbuckling sword fights and lots of talk about "honor." However, I must admit, the reason I liked this movie the most was the fact that I was able to ogle Liam Neeson for 2 hours and 19 minutes. Ladies, you think you don't like men in skirts? Check out Liam Neeson in (and out of *smirk*) his kilt. Bring tissues . . . to wipe away tears and soak up drool!

Great story, beautifully directed, outstanding cast!

This is one of my favorite films of all times. I score it a solid 10. If you like period pieces like Amadeus and Braveheart, this is right up there in terms of quality. Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, and Tim Roth (especially well-done evil person) ... What else do you need to know? I think Liam Neeson is a terrific actor who hasn't received the recognition he deserves; and this is some of his finest work ever. Rent it, and if you like it, you should own it.

Fantastic Acting

Excellent film dealing in the 1700's which capture my complete attention and kept me on the edge of my seat. Liam Neelson (Robert Roy MacGregor) "Gangs of New York",'02, portrayed a Scotchman who believed in the clan's honor and respect and sort of upset his wife,(Jessica Lange),(Mary MacGregor),"Masked & Anonymous",'03. There was plenty of scenes with blood and guts fighting. The bad guy in the film is Tim Roth,(Archibald Cunningham) "To Kill A King",'03. Archibald Cunningham stole quite a few scenes throughout the picture with outstanding acting. Well produced and directed film. This is a must see film if you missed it, all the actors deserved an Oscar.

Very good movie

While Braveheart offered us a picture of a Scotland fighting for its independence "Rob Roy" offers the auidence a story of a scotland in a transitional period. Like all movies based on historical events this one is not entirely accurate. This should not concern anyone as it is still great fun to watch. I think in a lot of ways it is a stronger movie then Braveheart because it doesn't try to be epic it just tries to tell a good story.


Overall-Unfortunately for this movie its lack of gigantic battle scenes will always make it the runner up for movies of Scottish history that came out in 1995.

Sex scenes a turn-off. I thought this was an action movie?

I have the greatest respect for Liam Neeson as an actor. This movie does not come up to the standard I had associated with his work. He could have done much better in a leading role elsewhere. The movie starts out with a bit (and I do mean a bit) of action, a sex scene, then on to the villain, who is very good, whoever he is. Then back to more sex -- and I turned it off, threw it away. The title, Rob Roy, does not lead a viewer to expect an Outlander story line.

Rob Roy is another sad page from human history.

I loved Rob Roy. The acting was great, the story tragic, and not because someone dies, but because it exemplifies the cruelty of the British rule on Scotland one more time. Braveheart it wasn't, because Rob Roy didn't have the impact that William Wallace had, but it was a story closer to the humans that we are. It angered me, because I couldn't help them. It saddened me, because of their pain.
Good movie, bad taste in the mouth for the evil perpetrated by British rule.

Worth watching again and again

Were there ever two finer men to grace the screen than Eric Stoltz and Liam Neeson? My eyes were constantly doing battle over which beauty to feast upon! Ah, but I digress!


I liked this film SO MUCH BETTER than Braveheart (which, frankly, bored me to tears!). Magnificent pagan pageantry, music and dancing frame the story of love, loyalty, honor, bravery, integrity, family, betrayal and trust so clear, so artfully created, and with such breathtaking beauty!


Not to be given short shrift is the story of women as property, chattel to be violated at will in battle, those who pay the price for the decisions of their men. Rape as a weapon of politics and property (honor violated) is a crushing testament to women's place in herstory.

"Honor is what no man can give you, and none can take away," says Rob Roy, "Woman is the heart of honor."

Rob Roy is nothing if not a man of honor. He will not swear false witness even against a man he has no respect for, he will not lie, cheat or steal and chooses only men of honor to surround him. When his best friend disappears with money borrowed as an investment, he refuses to believe he has been duped. There is nothing but honor around Rob Roy MacGregor.

This becomes crucial when Rob Roy speaks the truth of his rage to those in power. To accuse him of lying would be ludicrous, as everyone knows Rob Roy MacGregor doesn't lie. It is the best defense anyone has against being disbelieved.

A beautiful movie. Powerful themes. Worth watching again and again.

One of the best movies ever...

Yes, in my opinion, Rob Roy has to be one of the best movies ever. I've always seen good reviews about this movie, but I never knew the effect it can have on me (and I'm sure on other too) until I rented the video last weekend. Liam Neeson, Tim Roth, and Jessica Lange were inspirational in their roles.

Rob Roy movie

The movie has much action and is a great adventure. Although I had ordered a used version, I now wish I had ordered a new movie. My movie had some white lines in it, and the voice at times seemed muffled. The picture at times also had wavy lines through the entire screen. But the movie was great anyways.

One of the greatest EVER!

Although it's hard to understand with the accents the actors use, it makes it more real. Tim Roth deserved the best supporting actor. Liam was great as usual. A MUST SEE!!!!!!!!

worth a second and third look

Rob Roy, based loosely on the real life Highlander Rob Roy Macgregor, had the bad mistake of Hollywood timing. There must be a lot spy vs spy in Hollywood, industrial secrets being passed around for a price! Ever notice how if one movie company does some genre, then suddenly they all are? Well, someone whispered Mel as doing in man in a skirt drama (Kilt to you Sasunnach!) and suddenly they rushes to do another. With Rob Roy coming out at the same time, it hurt by comparison. Braveheart was a powerhouse tale of one man's fight for Scottish Freedom. Off the bat, you have a difference. Rob Roy was the story of one man's personal fight against wrongs done to him and his family. So the personal tale automatically feels "smaller". Not big battle scenes for Rob Roy. No King for an enemy, just a Scottish Noble, John Graham, Marquis of Montrose (brilliantly played by John Hurt, Ian McShane old RADA roommate!).

Still, despite the automatic comparisons between the two films (both with problems of historical inaccuracies), Rob Roy should be given a stronger look. The acting is without fault. Neeson as Rob is great (who da thunk an Irisher could do such a good Scot!). Eric Stolz, Jessica Lange, Tim Roth (so utterly despicable!) Andrew Keir (5 Million Years to Earth) and Brian Cox (the first Hannibal Lector in Manhunter, a REAL Scot mind you! He did double duty by playing Mel's Uncle in Bravenheart), gives performances that are flawless. The Highland's are filmed in breathtaking beauty, the writing is gritty, sharp with a good idea for detail. Frankly, any film that has Liam "Calling down the Gregor" commends itself to my Scot heart!

Best swordplay of any movie.

Braveheart is a better movie overall but the battle scenes were mostly slash and hack. The movie Rob Roy demonstrates the skill of a good swordsman. Forget Errol Flynn. You will not find another movie with better swordplay.

Powerful, Involving Story

This is one powerful film. The first time I saw it, the Scottish accents made it a little tough for me to understand all that was being said and it hurt my viewing experience. Then acquired this DVD, used the English subtitles when I needed them, and really got into this movie, discovering just how good it is. It is excellent.

The widescreen picture makes it spectacular in parts, with some wonderful rugged scenery and the story reminded me of Braveheart, an involving tale of good versus evil. Here, it's Liam Neeson (good) vs. Tim Roth (evil). Both do their jobs well.

Few actors come across as despicable as Roth, which means he's a good actor. Man, you really want to smack this guy in his arrogant, irritating puss. He is so nasty and vile the sick national film critics love his character more than anyone else's here. That's no surprise.

Neeson is a man's man and a solid hero figure. Jessica Lange is strong in here as the female lead. The movie draws you in and gets you totally involved, so prepared to have an emotional experience viewing this.