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4.5
This review is for "Robin and Marian" (Widescreen 2002 Edition)PLEASE NOTE THAT ONCE AGAIN AMAZON HAS LUMPED REVIEWS FOR ALL VERSIONS OF "Robin and Marian," THUS DENIGRATING THIS DVD VERSION!!!I have always been a fan of Robin Hood shows, and when "Robin and Marian" came out I was thrilled to see this "new" take on the legend. I must admit, however, that I was a bit skeptical of the fact that Audrey Hepburn (who portrays Lady Marian) was in the film. The only movie I had ever liked her in was her "last movie" (Hepburn said this) in 1967--"Wait Until Dark"--the best thrill/horror movie I have ever seen. But Hepburn's performance in "Robin and Marian" turned me into a fan of her spectacular acting abilities--"Always" (her actual last movie) being a beautiful homage to a phenomenal film career. Sean Connery, as Robin Hood, and Nicol Williamson, as "Little" John, seemed to have been born for their respective roles. While many viewers of my generation automatically associate Sean Connery with his James Bond films, whenever I hear his name the first movie that comes to my mind is "Robin and Marian" (albeit, "The Hunt for Red October" and "First Knight" are close runner ups). Another actor for whom I have never been particularly fond of until I saw him in "Robin and Marian," was Robert Shaw. However, like so many of the other cast members, Shaw was absolutely brilliant as the Sheriff of Nottingham.UPDATE: December 29, 2008Not that I believe my review reveals any thing more than other reviews, I wish to respect the individual who left me a comment today that I needed to add "a spoiler alert."--KarlFor me there are a number of things that make "Robin and Marian" stand out from other Robin Hood shows, and, for that matter, romances. First and foremost is the notion of viewing the Robin Hood and Marian legend at the climax, rather than at the peek, of their lives. Robin and Marian are in their 40s--which in the late ll00s was unusually old--and both Connery and Hepburn (along with most of the rest of the cast) fit their roles perfectly. It is delightful to watch as these worn and "used" characters try to recapture, and live, life as if they are still in their late teens or early twenties. The love and romance--which must be distinguished from today's diluted versions or concepts--portrayed by Hepburn and Connery is deep, passionate, beautiful, and real. But that love and romance is not played out in overt acts; rather is is subtle and true to the times they were depicting. (Notions of idealized love and romance were just beginning to emerge in European thinking during the 12th and 13th centuries). In my unprofessional opinion, the fact that "Robin and Marian" dared to look at love (or, more correctly, re-kindled love) between "older" characters--especially characters that most people think of and films portray as younger persona--was too uncomfortable for most viewers, and this is why "Robin and Marian" has not received the acclaim it deserves.Secondly, "Robin and Marian" is boldly "realistic" in its portrayal of life in the late 1100s and early 1200s. There is nothing "romantic" about how people are living, or the actions of Robin Hood and other characters. The world is wet, muddy, cold, and dirty; nobody has a change of clothes--they sleep and wear the same clothes every day (except for the few "aristocrats"). It shows the characters to be: honorable and profane; capable but fallible; dark yet caring; culpable and responsible. There is a wonderful humanness to the portrayals lacking in so many films. "Robin and Marion" dares to show a nun cursing and people's ambiguity about God and religion--another aspect that most likely does not bode well with many viewers. And in doing so, examines--indirectly--the question of just how God fits into each person's life. Yet the characters, including the Sheriff of Nottingham, are all overtly pious--even if they are hypocritical as well.Third, "Robin and Marian" boldly portrays the love and companionship of the relationship between John and Robin, John, Robin and Marian, and, more covertly, between Robin and the Sheriff. That is, "Robin and Marian" is a "buddies" movie in the vein of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) right down to the "three-way love triangle" between the two buddies and the one buddy's lady; (all be it, without the great songs). Moreover, "Robin and Marian" does not inject judgment upon the characters; that is, no character is good or bad, they are human. Some characters are "strong", others are not; but all have their own values and their shared values. Again, the film does not pass judgment on these values. As a result, the final confrontation, and the culminating fight scene between the Sheriff and Robin as "Champions" or their respective "armies," is a bold artistic move. (Sadly, this too, most likely leaves too many viewers wanting to see more violence and combat). The resulting "fight" is absolutely wonderful and "realistic" of how conflicts were frequently settled. Connery and Shaw are absolutely spectacular as two "over the hill" warriors too proud to back down or quit. The scenes are amazing, passionate, and enthralling; even loving. And while neither side abides by the result of the fight and disorder rules the day, Robin--seriously, if not mortally, wounded--is helped by John and Marian to the Abbey where the "truth" of the day is memorialized by Marian's actions and Robin's words.Fourth, "Robin and Marian" dares to take a page (or maybe more) from "Romeo and Juliet." Marian confesses her love to Robin, and, for her, commits her greatest sin: she tells Robin "I love you more than God himself." Intoned in the scene is the "romantic" idea that the only way Marian can ever truly have Robin is in death; and so, Marian poisons them both. While initially irate, Robin realizes that he "will never have another day like this." And then ask John to bury them together wherever "the arrow lands." It is poetic and dark; it is sad, yet beautiful. But then, Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet" (1968) is perhaps my favorite movie (although another under appreciated film, Lewis Gilbert's "Friends" (1971)--also about young lovers and sacrifice--is right up there on my list). For me, then, "Robin and Marian" captures the essence of love, romance and friendship, three of the most important things that make the world go around--be it in life or death.If you have not seen "Robin and Marian," I cannot say enough good about it. But I will "warn" that it is a thoughtful and "quiet" film, not an action or emotionally romantic movie. To a degree, I suppose it is an artsy type movie as well. But most of all, it is brilliant entertainment with three outstanding actors: Audrey Hepburn, Sean Connery, and Robert Shaw. It is a film worthy of accolades and appreciation that it has not received. "Robin and Marian" is a film that needs to gain the recognition it deserves, and, as such I strongly recommend it--even if you normally would not venture into a film about Robin Hood or this time period. "Robin and Marian" is a DVD (I just got mine because my VHS is wearing out) that can proudly stand in most collections. Lastly, please don't think that because the film is "old" (1976) that it has lost its luster. I believe that "Robin and Marion" will stand the test of time.Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.
