Rating: 
Summary: One of the best
Review: A magnificent film depicting Scotland of the 18th century. Rob Roy McGregor the proud upright leader of a small band of Scottish farmers who share the land on lease from the loveless Marquis of Montrose played with real style by John Hurt, in fact he steals the show completely much like Allan Rickman did in Robin Hood except of course that this film is by far superior. Great authenticity in both costumes, speech and manners of the day with the Scottish accent well portrayed by Liam Neason and Jessica Lange, both perform well although both John Hurt and Tim Roth are very good indeed. I found this film to be better than the overrated Brave Heart, although it was good Rob Roy I think captures the times and Scottland better than the former. Rob Roy also has, I believe, the finest sword fight yet filmed (I include in this the one in Episode 1) with the hero only winning through in the end because of great determination and the over confidence of his enemy. One of the best films I've seen.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: Rob Roy is an excellent story set in 18th century Scotland. The scenery, music and costumes are excellent and give this film a realistic feel for this period. Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, Tim Roth and John Hurt are all excellent in their roles. This movie will appeal to fans of Braveheart and 13th Warrior. Its entertaining and well worth seeing.
Rating:
Summary: Tim Roth was Robbed
Review: This is one of my favorite films of all time and I agree with many of the points made by other reviewers. That said, Tim Roth's portrayal of Cunningham stands out as one of the best performances I have ever seen. He deserved the Oscar. Roth's characterization of a man who combines power, strength and meanness, with femininity and a preference for finer things was truly unique and complex. Finally, I think this film has the best sword fighting scenes in the history of film. The opening fight sequence is particularly unforgettable.
Rating:
Summary: RARE TO FIND A MODERN MOVIE THIS WELL MADE
Review: Jeff Shannon's review (above) just about says it all. It is extremely rare to find a recently made movie this good. Most of the movies made nowadays are pure garbage. This version of Rob Roy rates up there with Walt Disney's version with Richard Todd from the early 1950's. This version has fabulous cinematography, stage sets, costumes and acting. Thank God they didn't have any cheesy fake looking sword fights. This movies swordfights were very good although I can't imagine anyone (Tim Roth) watching passively as someone else (Liam Neeson) picks up a sword as slashes him open (Get Real!) There doesn't seem to be any specific historical inaccuracies although the film is a composite in order to make a coherent story. Believe it or not, there was actually a sexually degenerate fop who bested the real Rob Roy in a sword fight, but not in the service of the Marquis of Montrose and not over an insult to Rob Roy's wife. John Hurt(Montrose) and the now late Andrew Keir (what a pair of actors!) as well as Brian Cox, Brian McCardie, Erich Stoltz and Ewan Stewart and others add great realism to this film. By realism I mean all actors involved were not perfectly fed, perfectly quaffed, recently showered Hollywood pretty boys who all had perfect white, straight teeth. These actors looked as if they were from hard scrabble life of early 18th century Scotland. And for heaven's sake, finally a recent-made movie without an ignorant rock music soundtrack. The sound track was splendid. What a great movie! A treasure to keep for a long time.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Buy The DVD of Rob Roy---It's The European version
Review: On VHS, this is one of our all time favorites movies. We recently bought this DVD and it is not the AMERICAN English version. We couldn't understand it without the subtitles and even then we struggled. The DVD version is not the same as the VHS. Buy the VHS and wait for Braveheart in August on DVD. I am going to ask Amazon to refund our money as I expected an English version of the movie not the European version. This is my first disappointment with Amazon since they came online.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable story of honor, family and virtue
Review: A sword fight that rivals the light saber duel w/ Darth Maul and Obi Wan will win the praises of those seeking a testosterone flick, the deep love that Robin Roy has for his wife and son will win the rest. The dramatized story of the real Scottish hero is not for kiddos... a graphic rape scene (no nudity in that scene, but still graphic) is enough to turn stomachs... but it was helpful to know that Tim Roth (the villain) and Jessica Lange (the pillaged wife of Rob Roy) became fast friends on the set and had a tough time filming this scene w/o laughing. It's hard to believe, because Lange and Roth pull it off so well, you're ready to grab your sword and jump into the scene to dismember this guy. This is a great story, superbly acted and never boring. Comparing this to "Braveheart" is like comparing "1776" to "Jefferson in Paris" simply because the two involved Americans during the same time period. The two are different movies in their own right and have their own distinct flavor... and neither film deserves to be judged in light of the other. Powerful and penetrating performances and scenes that you will never forget make this a must-see for those who love great film.
Rating: 
Summary: Comes up short in comparison to Braveheart
Review: Much was said, when this came out, about how it was overshadowed by Braveheart, while being just as good a film. Surely they jest. While there's a good cast assembled for this (including Jessica Lange, who's notable for actually _acting_ in this movie, and a curiously low-key Eric Stoltz), it doesn't come anywhere near the depth, intensity, and majesty of its shadowbearer. Thankfully, it's also not nearly as long. Fine if you like any of the main players, but when you take bathroom breaks, you probably won't find yourself hitting the pause button.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Love Story, Anemic Action
Review: Scotland was the country of my forebears and, as such, it has always held a special place in my heart. The sight of the glorious highlands, the heather and the lochs is more than enough to bring a twinge to this Scotsman's heart and a tear to his eye. With that beautiful backdrop for a film, it would be hard to make a loser. If "Rob Roy" fails to take full advantage of its possibilities, it is still an engaging and enjoyable film. Robert "Rob Roy" Macgregor was a legendary Scottish rogue, kind of like the Highland Robin Hood. The Macgregors were once a proud and noble clan. By 1713, the year in which the film takes place, they have been reduced to serving as cattle drovers for the wealthy and odious Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt). Rob Roy (Liam Neeson) still has his pride, though, and his honor; his two most valued possessions. He is determined that the Macgregors will rise again and he will lead them to it. In his quest to help his people, Rob Roy runs afoul of the cruel Montrose and his foppish henchman Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth), a deadly swordsman. Through their treachery and deceit, Macgregor is falsely accused. His lands, his family, even his life are in jeopardy. He must leave his beloved wife, Mary (Jessica Lange), and their children and take to the hills. He will battle Montrose as long as it takes; honor demands no less. At least, that's the movie this was supposed to be. Certainly those elements are all here. They just don't seem to interest director Michael Caton-Jones or writer Alan Sharp very much. They are clearly more interested in the relationship between Robert and Mary. That would be fine-after all, those segments of the film are wonderful-except that is not the story of Rob Roy. The tale of Rob Roy-so wonderfully put down by Sir Walter Scott-is filled with action and adventure, sword fights and great battles. There are some battles in this film, a little action and one outstanding sword fight at the end. But that's not enough. The love story that comprises the bulk of the film is tender and extremely well done. The intimate moments that pass between Roger and Mary are as touching and perfect as any I've seen. Their chemistry is remarkable. These are two people obviously in love. The quiet dialogue that passes between them, especially while in bed, is so affectionate and exquisite that we feel like voyeurs eavesdropping on them. I would have loved to have seen more of their romance-in another movie. I suppose my complaint, more than anything else, was the I was disappointed with "Rob Roy." Not because the film is bad; rather it is quite good. But because the filmmakers chose to make the wrong film. The Rob Roy I wanted to see makes up only a small percentage of this picture. Now, you might argue that that is my problem and I should not judge the film harshly because of it. I disagree. Judging the story the filmmakers chose to tell is just as important as judging the way in which they tell it. They tell the story fine; they just chose the wrong one. It is really too bad, because parts of "Rob Roy" are so well done. The acting by everyone concerned is wonderful. Liam Neeson exudes such power and confidence, swaggering around in a kilt and swinging a claymore. It is rare that such a physical actor-and such a handsome one-is also such a good actor, but Neeson is. Jesssica Lange is also fine; much better than I expected. She is hard and tough, but still desirable, attractive and so very feminine; a difficult combination to achieve. Tim Roth is proving himself over and over to be an extremely gifted young actor. His Cunningham is such a delightful mix of the fey, young noble and a cold, cruel killer. He is detestable, but always real, from first to last. Eric Stoltz also appears, but briefly, as Rob Roy's friend and companion. Stoltz always makes interesting choices as an actor, both in terms of roles he undertakes and the performances he gives. He pops up in the widest range of films of any actor I can think of. I only wish he had been in the film more. A movie like this should fire the blood, stir the heart and warm the cockles. "Rob Roy," while still entertaining, fails to do that. It is a good effort, but far too dispassionate and detached. It is a lackluster epic; hardly an epic at all. Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" is far superior in that regard.
Rating:
Summary: Great cast, great movie...
Review: Many moons ago Disney released "Rob Roy" starring Glennis Johns as Mary and Richard Todd as Robert Roy McGregor. Todd was an extremely good-looking man and a real life hero who is mentioned in Stephen Ambrose's book "D-Day, the Sixth of June." Until the current version of "Rob Roy" was released I didn't think the story could be told any better. I bought the DVD and was lucky enough to see this film on the big screen. Although the wild scenery of Scotland which features so prominently cannot be depicted in quite the same way on the small screen, the DVD does it justice. Also, since I flinch at violence, I find the DVD version less threatening--though it's just as disturbing. This is not a film for kids, whereas the the Disney version was made for kids. Jessica Lange plays Mary--Robert's wife. Ms. Lange is an incredible stage (Cat on a Hot Tim Roof) and movie actress and she was perfectly cast as Mary McGregor. Sans make-up, this 45+ year-old-woman CAN hold a candle to any young chick. I don't recall if she received a nomination for her acting in this film, but she should have. Her reactions as she undergoes some horrific moments at the hands of the vile Archie Cunningham (Tim Roth) made me want to personally kill him. Roth is a fine actor, and at his best when he plays sniveling despicable little rodents--though I've seen him play the leading man credibly a time or two (Captives). He even has a nose like a rodent (sorry Tim). He is especially good as a sniveling little rat with long golden curls and a plumed hat. Who'd have thought he would make such a "real" 18th Century dandy after playing such a punk in "Pulp Fiction." He deserved the Oscar he didn't get. I saw "Rob Roy" because I love history stories, and because this film featured the wonderful Liam Neeson as Robert Roy McGregor. Goodness Mr. Neeson looks good in a kilt! And without a kilt. And almost any way at all--except with Archie Cunningham at his throat with a big big knife. The dialogue is brilliant. I must have heard my mother talking about turning sow's ears into silk purses a dozen times, but she never used the expression quite the way Mary McGregor does. The banter between Robert and Mary smolders. There are some bloody and heart-breaking moments. The story fairly accurately portrays what is known of the life of Robert Roy McGregor, sometimes cattle rustler and local Scottish hero. Mr. McGregor lost his lands through the nefarious dealings of an English Baron, and he became a wanted man who was befriended by another English Baron who employed him to "watch" his herds. At the time the film takes place (late 18th century) Scotland was heavily oppressed by the English. It had lost the freedom won in the wake of "Braveheart" William Wallace's deeds. Following the Enclosure Acts, which English Barons used to control the land, thousands of Scots left for America as endentured servents. The poverty of the landless Scots is dismally portrayed. This film makes a nice counterpoint to the "Last of the Mohicans" which picks up the tale of the Scottish immigrants (endentured servents)in the New World. Both of these films accurately depict the same time period on opposite sides of the Atlantic and give the viewer a clearer understanding of why "White" folks immigrated to and settled in the New World.
Rating:
Summary: great historical epic
Review: It's unfortunate that this movie came out almost at the same time as "Braveheart" did--although I found "Braveheart" to be a very good film, I like "Rob Roy" much better. For one thing, there's a lot more character development in "Rob Roy". Aside from the title role, which was wonderfully played by Liam Neeson, the characters played by Jessica Lange and (especially) Tim Roth were very well developed both by the screenwriters and the actors. This relates to another reason why I prefer "Rob Roy" to "Braveheart"--even though this is a historical drama, the story is very personal, dealing with one man's struggle to right a wrong. Incidentally, when "Rob Roy" came out 5 years ago, I read that there were scenes left on the cutting room floor which would have been of great interest to those of us fans of Mr. Neeson's who are of the female persuation! May I respectfully suggest a future release of a "director's cut" of "Rob Roy" which will satisfy the curiosity of said fans?
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