I had to write this review to counter the Neil Oliver haters who let their stupid prejudice get in the way of enjoying some excellent accounts of the deadly history of Scotland. The fist on the Bruce and the 3rd on May Queen of Scots were particularly good as they were so detailed. Those 2 stories have not been well examined on tv and many interesting facts were mentioned, not least the battle tactics of the weaker on paper Scottish army under the Bruce. The clan maps helped a lot. Who cares about the acting it is just a dramatic device.
Mary's history is like a plot from Dynasty with everybody bad and all hypocrites and it takes some disentangling working out who is who. Now I see why her husband was assasinated. Good riddance. Plus I didn't know the Catholic Protestant factor was so important among the clans. Should read more books. Didn't know he was bisexual. Would make a great modern film as we could include the sexual goings on instead of hiding them like old films do and there is enough gore to satisfy action lovers.
Much better than a 1!! Idiots.
7 Reviews
Great Historical Docudrama
allyg3156 December 2018
Absolutely jaw dropping scenery of mountains, castles and lochs is the setting for this drama documentary piece.. The story of the Gael / Viking clans of western Scotland and the politics and intrigue in their support of down and out King of Scots Robert the Bruce. And of those other clans that they did not see eye to eye to. Great piece of a very interesting historical era.
Educative, and true to the history
pimisi18 December 2018
First of all, I love how the story is being told. I love how the narrator is embedded in the re-enactment. It makes it feel as through the story is being told from by a first-hand witness of the entire historical events... making it seem more immersive.
Secondly, I love the fact that it's faithful to the true story, which makes it educative enough for anyone who did not, before now, know the history of the First War for Scottish Independence... and about King Robert Bruce.
Secondly, I love the fact that it's faithful to the true story, which makes it educative enough for anyone who did not, before now, know the history of the First War for Scottish Independence... and about King Robert Bruce.
For the love of Scotland!
nathandebruin22 February 2019
Great show about Scottish history. Still a little bit unsure why it is called rise of the clans since there are already clans in the first episode. But besides that I really loved it, it is a great way for people to learn about the rich Scottish history. Really hope there will be a second season which will include the Jacobite rebellions.
Excellent
laurajaneratcliffe16 September 2019
The Neil Oliver Show
celtigra4 December 2018
I really don't know why this programme was called Rise of the Clans. It should have been called the Neil Oliver Show. Lots of close ups of his "witty" remarks and tossing his hair. He starts off by saying Robert the Bruce was a coward and didn't want to fight at Bannockburn. When I watch a documentary I expect to see and hear facts. This programme was short on both.
Much, much better was the History Channel's programme Battle of Kings: Bannockburn.
Personally I feel I wasted an hour of my valuable time on this dreadful programme and I won't bother watching the rest. It's a pity as a while back there was a brilliant programme about the Battle of Bannockburn from a military point of view. I thought it was made by the BBC but on reflection I think it might have been another History Channel production.
Don't waste your time watching. Find something more productive to do.
Much, much better was the History Channel's programme Battle of Kings: Bannockburn.
Personally I feel I wasted an hour of my valuable time on this dreadful programme and I won't bother watching the rest. It's a pity as a while back there was a brilliant programme about the Battle of Bannockburn from a military point of view. I thought it was made by the BBC but on reflection I think it might have been another History Channel production.
Don't waste your time watching. Find something more productive to do.
Too Gimmicky
btay151211 May 2024
Spotted this on PBS and gave the first episode a try.
Too gimmicky with Neil skulking in the background of the "live" action bits.
He's much better than this, stopped watching as it grew irritating. Deleted the other 2 episodes.
The topic was of interest as I know very little of the history between England and Scotland but his presenting style was very childish in its format.
I also gave Blood of the Clans a try but he was just the same. So this was also deleted.
Sorry, Neil. I usually like your style and programs but this seemed to be for very young viewers and possibly a school project.
Too gimmicky with Neil skulking in the background of the "live" action bits.
He's much better than this, stopped watching as it grew irritating. Deleted the other 2 episodes.
The topic was of interest as I know very little of the history between England and Scotland but his presenting style was very childish in its format.
I also gave Blood of the Clans a try but he was just the same. So this was also deleted.
Sorry, Neil. I usually like your style and programs but this seemed to be for very young viewers and possibly a school project.
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