Robin Hood is the kind of role that can make or break a person’s career largely because it is such a popular folk legend that a lot of people would love to play if they had the chance. One thing that Robin Hood seems to be destined to do however is limit itself to the type of people that can play the role as in the legend and therefore the film the character is a white male of European descent that is working to the betterment of those around him. The legend of Robin Hood has been told many different ways throughout the years but the overall result and theme is pretty much the same. He robs from the rich to give to the poor, he fights injustice, and in order to do this he breaks the laws of the land and in doing so becomes an outlaw. It’s a very romantic notion and something that a lot of people find appealing. That’s a big part of why Robin Hood has become such an icon in our society.
Here are five of the all-time great performances of the famed outlaw.
5. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – Kevin Costner
A lot of people had a lot of issues with the historical accuracy of this film and yet a lot of those that criticized were still those that happened to laugh and enjoy the film at the same time. So yes, technically Kevin Costner tried and failed to pull off a decent English accent, but the action in the film more than made up for it. You might get a scoff from many an archer when it comes to his trick shots and how they were performed, but in terms of Hollywood having fun with a folk legend and doing a good enough job to make it entertaining this was quite well done. Yes it was a little overdone in spots, but it still hit the mark no matter that people will seek to downplay it at times.
4. Robin Hood – Russell Crowe
This film decided to take a more historical direction and describe the origins of Robin Hood as more of a commoner that had no titles, no lands, and was basically a man trying to do the best he could in a bad situation. That being said he was given the title he stole by those that came to find out that he was not the person that he claimed, and also charged with keeping the town of Nottingham as safe and as liberated as possible. In many ways he helped Prince John retain his crown, though of course one had to expect that John would never hold to his word and would become the wicked king that many have come to know him as.
3. Robin Hood: Men in Tights – Cary Elwes
It didn’t matter if there was anything historically correct with this film because it was supposed to be a spoof movie, something that Mel Brooks cooked up to make people laugh and get them in a good mood when it came to cheering on one of their favorite legends. Of course the campy nature of it was intended, it was one of those films that didn’t try to take itself too seriously since it was supposed to be nothing more than a comedy that people could laugh uproariously at. One thing you can admit about the film no matter what else you think, Mel Brooks has long been a master of comedy and has known for a long time what people are going to laugh.
2. Robin Hood – Disney
Disney had to offer their own take on Robin Hood of course since legends don’t often escape the corporation that seeks to take over so much of Hollywood. But this version was quite enjoyable more so because it was set in the animal kingdom and therefore was its own entity in a way. It didn’t have to rely so heavily on history and yet it kept pretty true to the time period as well as the story of Robin Hood. There was no origin story and no politics involved, it was a story about a long-running feud with the outlaw and Prince John, plain and simple. John was oppressing and overtaxing the people and Robin felt it was his duty to make things right. It was just simple enough to be entertaining and a lot of fun for kids.
1. The Adventures of Robin Hood – Errol Flynn
To many people the one and only Robin Hood will always be the immortal Errol Flynn, as he was one of the first to really bring the character to life on screen in a way that was dynamic, heroic, and in many ways entirely appealing to the public. While Robin Hood actors have come and gone his name has managed to remain as one of the greatest because he was one of the first ones to the part and of course because he was just that good.
Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions. It’s just too great a saying to pass on.
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