Robert the Bruce – A Different Take On A Legendary Story

William Wallace is dead.

Scotland is in turmoil against England for their independence and the one figure they have rallied behind is in hiding. Robert the Bruce follows the titular character as he begins to take stock of his life as the self-proclaimed king of Scotland and the toll that his actions against England have taken on him, his people and their land. It’s during this time that he is hunted as an outlaw by England and eventually finds a safe haven among a Scottish family marred by the cost of his war.

Robert is played by MacFadyen who also co-wrote the film and whom many may recall played the same character in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. Robert the Bruce serves as a continuation of the 1995 epic telling how Wallace’s vision for a united Scotland is slow to take hold by someone who fought alongside him. MacFadyen slides effortlessly back into the role as Robert and delivers a solid performance. He was a figure who was once full of uncompromising vigor and positive belief that he was destined to carry his country to freedom but through a series of defeats in battle, questions if his hubris has cost his country its soul. Unlike Wallace’s seemingly superhuman qualities, MacFadyen’s Bruce appears vulnerable and doubtful over the decisions he’s made over the past 6 years to the extent where it causes him to lay down his sword and run as an outlaw.

Those that might be anticipating large-scale battles and rallying speeches will need to lower their expectations as Robert the Bruce chooses to analyze the psyche of a nation and its supposed leader through well-written characters. While MacFadyen delivers a good performance, his supporting cast is just as effective. Hutchinson as Morag, the housewife that nurses Robert back to health and McGowan’s antagonist Brandubh both provide alternative approaches to citizens living in Robert’s Scotland. There are also some surprise performances by Jared Harris as John Comyn, Kevin McNally as Old Sean, and Daniel Portman as Angus McDonald that help contribute to a well-acted film.

Another asset to Robert the Bruce is its clever camerawork and beautiful colorization as it expertly captures the Scottish countryside in winter and parts of spring. The sweeping mountain ranges and dense forests are gorgeous and on full display as its own character lurking in the background reminding its protagonist why his fight is so vital. The music is never a focal point nor a contributing factor in pivotal scenes but serves its purpose to support emotional moments.

The story of Robert the Bruce is one of legend but many find it suitable to skip past the emotional turmoil its central figure underwent in order to arrive at the place where he could lead his country to independence. Robert the Bruce chooses to focus on this period in time where the outlaw king was at his lowest and most vulnerable. In the end, it is how he is restored and supported by the very people that have the most to lose from this fight is where the film truly shines.

*still courtesy of levelFilm*

Check out my Critics Without Credentials podcast on iTunes and Spotify.

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook. Also subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Critics w/o Credentials

Trying my best to get all thoughts about TV and Film out of my head and onto the interweb.