Amazon.com video review:
One of the most invigorating period adventures to hit the big
screen in decades, this lavish, brilliantly directed film drew
critical and audience raves when it was released in 1995. Inspired by
historical fact and larger-than-life legend, the intelligently
scripted story takes place in Scotland in 1713, when Highland farmer
and clan leader Rob Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) is forced to borrow
money from the duplicitous aristocrat Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt)
to help his clan survive a harsh winter. When Montrose's vile
henchman (Tim Roth) schemes to dishonor MacGregor and his wife
(Jessica Lange) and take the money for himself, the rugged Highlander
must take courageous action to preserve his integrity. What
follows--along with some of the finest sword-fighting ever filmed--is
a tale of courage and valor destined to become an enduring movie
classic. Tim Roth received a well-deserved Oscar nomination (for Best
Supporting Actor) for his indelible performance as the foppish but
deadly villain Cunningham, and both Neeson and Lange bring an earthy,
sensual quality to their passionate roles. Boasting a wealth of
breathtaking scenery and high-intensity action, Rob Roy is
further blessed by a splendid supporting cast (including Brian Cox and
Eric Stoltz), and the lush soundtrack by Carter Burwell strikes a
perfect balance of romanticism and vigorous dramatic energy. --Jeff
Shannon
