Watch Outlaw King

Outlaw King is a historical drama film by Scottish director David Mackenzie. The movie stars Chris Pine, Stephen Dillane, and Rebecca Robin, and tells the story of the famous Scottish king, Robert the Bruce. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2018, and was released on Netflix. Set in late 13th century Scotland, Outlaw King follows Robert the Bruce, who was the rightful heir to the Scottish throne, and how he fought for his country's independence against the English. The film opens with an introduction to the tense relation between Scotland and England, and how King Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane) forcibly claimed the Scottish throne. In an attempt to regain control over Scotland, Edward I orders the execution of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who led a rebellion against England a few years earlier.

Feeling the weight of the injustices committed against Scotland, Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine) decides to take matters into his own hands and starts a rebellion against the English. Initially, he joins forces with other Scottish nobles, but is betrayed by them, leaving him with little support. The movie then portrays Robert the Bruce's journey to gather his own small army of loyal Scottish men, and how they become one of the most feared guerrilla forces in Europe.

The film's strength lies in its focus on Robert the Bruce's character development. He is shown as a stubborn yet honorable warrior, struggling to reconcile his duty to his country with his love for his wife, Elizabeth de Burgh (Rebecca Robin). Pine's portrayal of Robert the Bruce is understated yet powerful. He is able to convey the passion and grit that the Scottish king had, without coming across as overly emotional or melodramatic.

The film also highlights the psychological toll that fighting for Scotland's freedom had on Robert the Bruce. His small army suffers painful losses, and the stress of constantly being on the run takes a toll on him physically and mentally. This aspect gives the film a more grounded and realistic feel, as it is not just a series of battles, but a story about a man fighting for his country's freedom.

The cinematography of Outlaw King is stunning, capturing the beauty and brutality of Scotland's landscape with equal measure. The battle scenes are visceral and gritty, with a sense of realism that makes the viewer feel like they are on the battlefield themselves. The film's score, composed by Tony Doogan and Grey Dogs, further adds to the emotional depth and tension of the movie.

While Outlaw King's pace is slow at times, it ultimately serves the film's storytelling purpose. The movie doesn't rush through the events of Robert the Bruce's life, instead taking time to show the audience the struggles and sacrifices he made for his country. In doing so, the film is able to convey the weight and importance of Scotland's fight for independence.

In conclusion, Outlaw King is a well-made historical drama that tells a compelling story about one of Scotland's most famous figures. Chris Pine's nuanced performance, combined with the film's stunning visuals and music, help to bring the story of Robert the Bruce to life. Despite its slow pace, the film's attention to detail and focus on character development make it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in Scottish history.

Outlaw King is a 2018 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 59.