If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

After his king dies and he escapes the war camp with three comrades, he witnesses an ambush, exterminates the remaining soldiers and plans to take back the king's crown (which was left in the fight) for a lifetime reward. Not only that his plans don't work accordingly, but he will soon be facing a big threat which puts his own country into peril.This movie realistically covers the adventures of Robin Hood before he began the legend we all know, how he seeks a peaceful life and how he ultimately defends England and is declared an outlaw because of his heroism and bravery. It's emotional with its main character's story, tragic through numerous familiar deaths, atmospheric with the world it creates and even emotional through the lives it describes.Its only problems were that it was somewhat predictable (in part because of its well-known main protagonist) and a bit boring due to its unnecessary length. A very good prequel I must say!

Who doesn't like Russell Crowe? For that reason alone, this is a must see movie if for nothing else to keep up with Russell and his work. Of course the topic of Robin Hood is always interesting as stories go. If that is not enough, who doesn't love Ridley Scott? Another good reason to visit this flick. I was disappointed that after such a good set-up that they didn't do a sequel. What a shame because they established Robin Hood, King John, The Sheriff, Robins merry men and Sherwood Forrest. After all that, the sequel was ready to go but alas the box office made the final decision. I enjoy Cate Blanchett but in this movie, she tended to ham it up a bit and to people who follow her that is acceptable. For me it was overdone. Everything else is realistic and well presented passing the believe ability test no problem. I recommend a sandwich with this movie and a tasty drink with a snack to follow for maximum enjoyment.

Famed director Ridley Scott presents a tale unlike any of the Robin Hood you may know. He is not even referred to as "Robin of the Hood" until the film's conclusion. Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) comes across a dying Sir Robert Loxley (Douglas Hodge)and promises to return the man's sword to his family. Robin will assume the man's identity; romance Loxley's wife, Marion (Cate Blanchett) and manages to really draw the wrath of area outlaws as well as the Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen).Scott's film actually tells the story of how a man can become Robin Hood and what happens to villages and countries that create such heroes. This is a well made movie with an extremely high level of talent. Well choreographed sequences of action and fighting.Top shelf cast also includes: Max von Sydow, Mark Addy, William Hurt, Oscar Isaac, Danny Huston, Mark Strong, Lea Seydoux, Scott Grimes and Kevin Durand.

There are numerous Robin Hood stories told throughout history and this one was one of the most different. I don't know why it is not highly rated because I really loved this one's unique take on the Robin Hood legend, giving him an origin story and a totally different love interest and merry band and taking place with Robin as an older man. It was refreshing, well acted and directed. I can watch it repeatedly and enjoy the varied emotions it evokes: the humor, the sadness, the pain and suffering, the lurking evil and the joy of getting back. I was intrigued by the many back stories introduced, such as the French intervention, the military influences, the royal intrigues and craziness. That last arrow shot by Robin was thrilling to watch. It was the epitome of climactic for a movie. I hope that is not considered a spoiler. Thoroughly enjoyable.