Robin and Marian (1976)

8/10

Bittersweet romantic tale, autumn in Sherwood Forest

roghache19 April 2006

This is a lovely tale chronicling the autumn days of Robin Hood's life and his rekindled romance with his lost love, Marian. The only reason I didn't rate it higher is that I was hoping for more scenes with Robin & Marian together, as opposed to the men's exploits. The movie relates Robin's story from an unusual perspective, not as the legendary dashing young archer & outlaw, but as an aging hero with some physical infirmities, making him all the more appealing. But Robin Hood still has some fight left in him...

The much older Robin has returned from the Crusades to Sherwood Forest, accompanied by his faithful friend and constant companion, Little John. His old love, Marian, is by this time a nun, in fact the Mother Superior of an Abbey. Politically, King Richard the Lionheart and his brother, Prince John, are basically greedy idiots and definitely no asset to the peasants. Robin's old nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham, is as menacing as ever, and Robin must again summon a band of loyal followers (including his old cohorts, Will Scarlett and Friar Tuck) to protect the innocent from the Sheriff's tyranny.

The two stars are perfect in this mature love story, with its dramatic ending that I won't give away here. Sean Connery makes a sympathetic and compelling but weary hero, as Robin comes to grips with his aging, his physical limitations, and his mortality. Audrey Hepburn with her ageless beauty is radiant, dignified, and graceful as Marian. The pair are absolutely beautiful together on screen.

Actually, the most engrossing relationship in this film might just be between the two old adversaries, Robin and the Sheriff of Nottingham, who form a sort of bond and develop mutual respect. Robert Shaw is absolutely perfect in his role as the Sheriff, who seems almost sympathetic & honourable here, not quite his usual completely villainous self. Their struggle culminates in a dramatic sword duel. Another relationship well developed is the one between Robin and his faithful friend, the gentle giant, Little John, who is portrayed by Nicol Williamson. Richard Harris plays the malevolent King Richard, though I am uncertain as to the historical accuracy of the depiction.

This movie has beautiful cinematography and musical scoring. Though Robin is no longer the daring young adventurer of old, this story is much more compelling than some other adaptations, notably the vastly inferior Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner. Perhaps less exciting derring do than other tales, this film (to its credit) tends to humanize the mythical medieval hero. It is a touching, bittersweet, and melancholy tale of autumn in Sherwood Forest...for Robin's band of Merry Men, his lady, his foe, and especially the legendary hero himself.

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8/10

A new telling of an age old classic.

jrs-815 May 2002

Oh what a wonderful idea. A new telling of the Robin Hood legend with his merry men, Maid Marion, and the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham thrown in. The twist was that the characters were all older and starting to slow down and realize their youthful adventures were long past them. The core of the story is the bittersweet love story between the title characters.

The true core of the film and what makes it so special is the casting. Sean Connery plays Robin Hood as the hero we all know who is slowing down despite his attempts to keep going. Audrey Hepburn is perfect as Marian. She reminds us of her eternal beauty and how truly a good actress she was. This was her first theatrical film in 9 years and it's a shame she was so little seen in that time. Actually, she was little seen after that appearing only in a few more films and none that were very memorable. Nicol Williamson plays Robin's ever faithful right hand man still trying to fight the good fight and always remaining by Robin's side. And Robert Shaw plays the Sheriff in a role he was born to play. The final swordfight between him and Robin is a highlight.

Then we come to the ending. I won't give it away save to say that it's a good, albeit, very bittersweet ending. The point comes across in a way that Shakespeare may have written.

It's a sweet and sometimes exciting film that is most underrated and deserves to be seen.

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6/10

Respectable

gavin69428 June 2016

Robin Hood (Sean Connery), aging none too gracefully, returns exhausted from the Crusades to woo and win Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn) one last time.

Roger Ebert was positive towards Connery and Hepburn as Robin and Marian although he was uncertain about "history repeating itself" in regards to the plot. According to Ebert, "What prevents the movie from really losing its way, though, are the performances of Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in the title roles. No matter what the director and the writer may think, Connery and Hepburn seem to have arrived at a tacit understanding between themselves about their characters." Although it may not be quite what Ebert meant, I do feel that Connery and Hepburn are what make this worth watching. The plot is just alright and the costumes are pretty good. But Connery shines, and Hepburn -- despite being past her best years -- makes a triumphant return to the screen. What brought her out of retirement?

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A good, inspiring movie, about the true nature of heroism

Scoopy24 October 1998

Most people are unaware of this movie's existence, despite an all-star cast. It is one of my favorite movies of all time.

Robin Hood is an old man now, trying to tie together some of the pieces of his ideals. The familiar characters are also still around.

The most interesting thing about the movie is the insights it offers into the nature of heroism. Robin and the merry men were heroes because of what they believed in and their courage, not because they could shoot the straightest and run the fastest.

The gang can't jump fences or climb walls any more, or do much of anything that requires physical exertion. Their efforts are sometimes comical. But they are still great men because of what is inside of them.

Audrey Hepburn is wonderful as the aging Marian, and look for the visual poetry of the three apples which are pictured in the opening as ripe and in the ending as withered, as are Rob and Johnny and Marian. There are many such metaphorical presentations which are not often seen in movies. I like to see a little of that visual poetry, even if it is a bit clumsy.

Not a great film ... not a Grand Illusion or anything, but just a nice execution of a simple, touching concept.

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7/10

"Where this falls, John, put us close, and leave us there."

Nazi_Fighter_David11 May 2008

The film picks up the Robin Hood legend some twenty years after with Robin and his sidekick Little John return to their old Sherwood Forest embittered by King Richard, by the Crusades and their sickening brutality

They're informed by former friends Friar Tuck and Will that the lovely Maid Marian now lives nearby, where she has become the abbess And the sheriff is as powerful as ever and rules the country

Marian greets Robin's return with mixed feelings, and tells him that, in the passed two decades, she worked hard studying herbs and medicines, and she loves her life and she won't give it up

Of course, after the return of Robin, Marian could not imagine herself living in the world again, or even wanting to But after he rescues her from his long time enemy, the Sheriff of Nottingham, who tries to arrest her on religious grounds, the two become lovers once again

As Robin, Connery is a little bit in love with death He flirts, he teases, he challenges his strong enemy to a single combat to the death...

As Marian, Hepburn felt so little for so long

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6/10

A refreshing take on the Robin Hood legend

dustinkdye29 July 2013

If Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn had a child together, he or she would probably be the best-looking kid ever. I assume that is what was going through the casting director's head when she approached this film.

"Robin and Marian" shows us a Robin Hood story we haven't seen before. Rather than an origin story, we get an outcome story. This is a welcome approach to a tale that has been told so many times that it could easily become dull.

In other Robin Hood films, such as the 1922 silent film staring Douglas Fairbanks, 1991's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" starring Kevin Costner, and 2010's "Robin Hood" staring Russell Crowe, Robin's adventures begin after he returns from the Third Crusade. We're asked to believe that a crusader who had fought alongside the king in the Holy Land would settle down in Sherwood Forest to frolic with Maid Marian, Friar Tuck and the Merry Men.

In "Robin and Marian," we learn that Robin's best-known adventures passed 20 years before the events in the film--before Robin joined the crusade. Robin (Connery) has become disillusioned with the crusade after King Richard the Lionheart (Richard Harris, Dumbledore from the first two Harry Potter films) orders his men to attack a crummy, undefended castle for a treasure that doesn't exist. After Richard dies, Robin returns to Nottinghamshire and resumes his relationship with Maid Marian (Hepburn), who has since become a nun, and his rivalry with the Sheriff, all of whom are older and wiser. Robin's old gang comes back to him, and they dream of rising up against the notorious King John (Ian Holm, Bilbo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings").

The youthful innocence of Robin's adventures in Sherwood and his love with Marian is long gone. We learn that Marian attempted suicide after Robin left her. Robin's experience in the crusade has also caused him to mature. Even though Connery is 45 in this movie, he doesn't look a day over 63. Their love now has the maturity of an old couple, and there is no denying there is real chemistry between Connery and Hepburn, which allows the characters to rise above the material.

The Sheriff is played by Robert Shaw, resuming his adversarial role against Connery that commenced in the 1963 Bond film "From Russia with Love." Shaw is grim, but sympathetic, as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and is the best Sheriff of any Robin Hood film.

"Robin and Marian" is a fun film. With the exception of some heavy- handed dialog early on in which the characters talk about historical events that would have been well-known in their day in order to educate the audience, the movie is both playful and touching. The film has effective situational humor throughout, using both slapstick and irony.

The scenes between Connery and Hepburn all find the right tone, and the film has a somewhat faded look that helps create a nostalgic atmosphere. However, the fights look clumsy. Director Richard Lester could have taken tips on staging fights from Connery's earlier Bond films. Another technique Lester often employs is to show someone shooting an arrow, cut away, then have the victim with an arrow through his head fall into the frame. This is about as gruesome as the filmmakers could get considering the PG rating (this was before PG-13 was created).

Unlike the most recent Hollywood Robin Hood film, this one doesn't pretend so much to be historically accurate, so I won't complain about historical inaccuracies such as Kings Richard and John speaking English, rather than French, or Robin Hood speaking in a thick Scottish accent.

Movie connections: Sean Connery would go on to play King Richard in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," as well as appear with Ian Holm in "Time Bandits"--another film with the Robin Hood character. His son, Jason Connery, played Robert of Huntingdon in the British TV series, "Robin of Sherwood."

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7/10

Revisionist version based on the legendary character who returns from the Crusades , being spectacularly shot in Spain

ma-cortes20 November 2015

Sherwood forest 20 years later , Robin Hood (Sean Connery , he was the oldest actor to play him up to that point) along with Little John (Nicol Williamson) , aging none too gracefully , return exhausted from the Crusades , a land of mud and grime . After a long separation , Robin is reunited with Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn , she took the role , in part, from the insistence of her sons) who is now a nun . Robin attempts to woo and win Maid Marian one last time . Love is the greatest adventure of all , as their dormant feelings for each other reawakened ; then , Robin spirits her to Sherwood forest . But the wicked sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw) is still in there kidnapping nuns , and oppressing peasants .

Credit this retelling of the Sherwood legend with attempting to be something different , including elderly Robin and Marian as well as a veteran collection of Merrie men . The movie has adventure , romance , great action sequences well staged with stylish and vitality , grueling as well as pulsating combats , blood stuff , and results to be pretty entertaining . Although is a little revisionist and twilight about characters , history and time when is developed the action in a dirty , gritty Middle Age ; as a lot of spectators disapproved the changes of Robin Hood's classic canon . Too long in places doesn't hurt an otherwise enjoyable film . The action is reasonable well staged though of it is so unlikely as not be thrilling . Interesting and inspired script by James Goldman , he had already written The lion in Winter (1968), which included the characters of Richard and John Plantagenet in their younger years , besides : Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine .

Connnery is nice as exhausted Robin ; however , the producers originally wanted Albert Finney to play Robin and Sean to play Little John . This was Audrey Hepburn's first film in nine years after she had taken a break to raise her family , here she gives a marvellous acting . Richard Harris agreed to play the cameo role of King Richard the Lionheart as a favor to Sean Connery, whom he had befriended while filming Molly McGuire (1970) . Connery himself later made a cameo appearance as Richard the Lionheart in Robin Hood , prince of thieves (1991) . Excellent support cast such Ronnie Barker as Friar Tuck , Kenneth Haigh , Kenneth Cranham , Ian Holm as King John and brief acting by Victoria Abril as Queen Isabella . In addition , including four Oscar nominees : Richard Harris, Denholm Elliott, Ian Holm and Robert Shaw . Being this one of three movies starring Sean Connery and Denholm Elliott , being the other two Cuba (1979) and Indiana Jones and the last Crusade (1989). Sean Connery and Robert Shaw previously played adversaries in Fron Russia with love (1963) . Sensitive and thrilling musical score by the classic composer John Barry . Colorful cinematography with breathtaking scenarios by magnificent cameraman David Watkin , shot in Spain : Pamplona, Navarra, and Villalonso, (Castle) Zamora .

The motion picture was well directed by Richard Lester providing attractive images in its own right , being filmed in his peculiar style coupled with typical surrealist comic touches . At the beginning Lester directed various Beatles vehicles and subsequently made known comedies : ¨The knack¨ , a satire : ¨The bed sitting room¨ and a drama : ¨Petulia¨ . He got a big success with ¨The Three Musketeers¨ (1973), which he shot simultaneously with ¨The Four musketeers¨ (1974) for producer Ilya Salkind , resurrected his career . When the Salkinds (Ilya and his father Alexander Salkind) were in the midst of filming ¨Superman¨ (1978) simultaneously with its sequel, Lester was hired as a supervising producer, then took over the filming of the sequel, ¨Superman II¨ (1980), when original director Richard Donner was fired . The sequel was a financial and critical success , and he was hired to direct the far-less successful ¨Superman III¨ (1983). At the end of the 1980s, Lester returned to the storyline that had revitalized his career back in the early 1970s, filming a second sequel to "The Three Musketeers" titled : ¨The return of the musketeers¨ . However, after his close friend, actor Roy Kinnear died during the shooting , Lester seemed to lose heart with the movie-making business , he has not directed another film.

Other versions about this famous personage are the followings : ¨Robin Hood price of thieves (1991) ¨ by Kevin Reynolds with Kevin Costner , Alan Rickman and Morgan Freenan , the same year was exhibited ¨Robin Hood¨ by John Irvin with Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman but was a flop though the critics considered best adaptation . Plus , ¨Robin Hood¨ (2010) by Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe , Cate Blanchett , Mark Addy , Kevin Durand . The classic rendition is ¨The adventures of Robin Hood¨ by Michael Curtiz with Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland.

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7/10

Original, different and daring, but it works.

philip_vanderveken17 August 2005

Before watching it, I didn't know much about this movie, although I thought I knew enough, just by reading the title. I was certain that this would be another adaptation of the legend of Robin Hood and I must say that I was looking forward to it. I'm not going to say that this is exactly the type of movie that I constantly want to see, but when I get the chance to watch a movie with famous actors like Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Robert Shaw and Richard Harris, I'll certainly not let it pass without watching it.

As I already said in the previous paragraph, this movie tells the story of Robin Hood and Lady Marian. However, this time we don't get to see him in the prime of his life. Robin Hood is an old man when he returns with his best friend Little John to England after the crusades and Marian has become a nun. Robin Hood no longer seems capable of great action, but when the Sheriff of Nottingham once again threatens Sherwood, it doesn't take long before he gathers his still loyal men around him together with many peasants and villagers who are tired of the Sheriff's tyrannic behavior...

At first it all took some time to get used to the new concept. No-one has ever shown Robin Hood as an old man who is still willing to fight, but who has to deal with several physical restrictions. That's not exactly the image that we have of him, but I must say that it worked. It was original and the new approach to the subject made sure that this is a movie that doesn't immediately gets lost in the bunch of other Robin Hood movies. But the original approach to the story isn't the only good reason why you should give this movie a try. Sean Connery is a very worthy Robin Hood, Audrey Hepburn did an excellent job with her role as Maid Marian and Robert Shaw was very nice to watch as the Sheriff of Nothingham.

As a conclusion I would like to add that all the fans of the Robin Hood movies who aren't afraid to see their hero as an old man, should give this movie a try. It's original, it's different and it's daring, but it works. And even when you aren't too much a fan of this story, then you should still watch the movie for the interesting performances from this very nice and interesting cast. I give this movie a 7.5/10

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10/10

Love's lost time

GulyJimson30 December 2005

Warning: Spoilers

It brought Audrey Hepburn back to the screen after an absence of eight years. It brought Sean Connery and Richard Harris back together again after their teaming in "The Molly Maguires" and it even brought back Connery and Robert Shaw fourteen years after they fought to the death in "From Russia With Love". Unfortunately at the time of its release it did not bring back audiences to the theaters. For a movie going public acclimatized to the likes of "Jaws" and "Rocky", a film concerned with aging and loss, corruption and mortality was not likely to find very wide acceptance. Today it is generally regarded as a classic and one of the best adult love stories ever filmed. What do heroes do when it's time to call it a day? This is the problem confronting Robin Hood, a legend in his own time, on his return to Sherwood Forest after twenty-five years of fighting in the Holy Land. Should he, as old soldiers are said to do, quietly fade away, or go out in a blaze of glory? Unfortunately Robin is, as his great adversary, The Sheriff of Nottingham wisely observes, "A little in love with death." So it is unlikely he will slowly fade away. And Death hangs over the film like an unseen presence. This central theme is given visual emphasis in one of the opening shots. We see three apples set in an open window. Perfect at first, then suddenly an abrupt jump cut showing them rot. This motif of aging and corruption is repeated for the closing of the film as well. We hear Will Scarlett sing about, "Following Jolly Robin to the grave." The mortally wounded Richard Lionheart confides to one of his lieutenants his dislike of the cold and dark; when Little John expresses his desire to go see his father again, he is ruefully informed by Friar Tuck that, "He died years ago, John..." The wistful reaction on Little John's face eloquently expresses regret too profound for words. Visually and verbally death is a constant presence. Indeed, the original script was titled, "The Death of Robin Hood." With a title like that it was not going to be a rehash of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. And perhaps that also added to the films lackluster performance at the box-office. Audiences brought up on "The Adventures of Robin Hood" simply could not accept seeing these two beautiful star-crossed lovers ravaged by time, even if they were portrayed by the likes of Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn.

However like the Flynn film, "Robin and Marian" boasts a superb cast. Sean Connery gives one of his great performances. His Robin refuses to acknowledge the approaching infirmities of old age, and like a great ex-athlete attempts to make a comeback in a world that has long since left him behind. Nicol Williamson, woefully under-used in most films has one of his best roles as Little John, the terrible gentle giant who follows Robin with the unquestioning simplicity of a child. He and Connery have the essential chemistry necessary and make an incredibly good team. Robert Shaw brings intelligence, sensitivity and danger to the Sheriff of Nottingham, a man who will ultimately be undone because of those very virtues. Richard Harris does a magnificent turn as King Richard the Lion-hearted. Even though burnt out by years of chasing after glory, he still retains the after-glow of greatness. Ian Holm as his brother Prince John is a wonderful contrast, anxious and insecure, scheming and pleasure loving. His scene with the ambitious, equally scheming Sir Ranulf, the marvelously supercilious Kenneth Haigh, highlights another of the film's themes; the passing of the chivalric age. This is signaled by the death of King Richard, continues with the death of The Sheriff, and is completed by the deaths of Robin and Marian. Prince John and Sir Ranulf symbolize the ascendancy of the modern, hollow man, ambition without vision, loyal only to power and expediency. Prince John, is King as CEO interested only in profit, Sir Ranulf, like the armor he sports, a soulless, mechanical bird of prey. Denholm Elliot as Will Scarlett and Ronnie Barker as Friar Tuck complete Robin's band. Elliott was an actor who could express more with a simple look than most actors can with pages of dialog, and Barker has some nice ironic moments as the Friar. Finally "Robin and Marian" brought Audrey Hepburn back to the screen, as radiant and lovely as ever. Seeing her first in her nun's garb recalls her appearance in, "The Nun's Story" sixteen years earlier. Some people have an ageless beauty and Audrey Hepburn had that quality. She and Connery may be the best tragic lovers since Humphrey Bogart told Ingrid Bergman to get on that plane in "Casablanca". Their scenes together are magic. When Marian asks Robin why he followed Richard during all the years of terrible carnage, Connery sums up his life with a simplicity that is breathtaking; "He was my King..."

The film is wonderfully elegiac and the melancholic sense of time irretrievably lost is heartrending. James Goldman's screenplay is quite simply his best, surpassing his own adaptation of his play, "The Lion in Winter". Unlike that film Goldman refuses to indulge in pithy witticisms at the expense of period flavor. John Barry's bittersweet score and Richard Lester's austere direction never descend into sentimentality and underscore the tragedy of the two lovers reunited after spending half a lifetime apart. David Watkins's gritty cinematography beautifully captures the squalor of life in the medieval age. "Robin and Marian" is a bittersweet adult love story for discriminating viewers of all ages.

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6/10

A different kind of Robin Hood story

SindarS20 August 2018

It's not just another Robin Hood story, although the names do sound familiar. At the beginning of the movie we're greeted by Robin and Little John, who have left England to join king Richard in his crusades at the Holy Land. Once those are over and the men return back to England, they realize just how much time has passed since they left and the toll the war has had on them. Back at Sherwood Forest the things have changed too and the new king John isn't making life easier for the locals. Robin finds Marian in Kirkly abbey, where she has tried to forget him all these years, but obviously still has feelings for him.

The main focus of the movie is on Robin and his struggle accepting the fact that father time has caught up with him and he's not the young guy anymore that once robbed the nobles in the Sherwood Forest. And also whether he can re-kindle the love they once had with Marian. The locals still view him as the hero though and they rally around him to support him.

After watching this, I somehow felt that the movie couldn't find its identity - it's a romantic drama with some pieces of comedy, action and adventure, but didn't really excel in any of them. I did enjoy the comic elements and the clumsiness of the characters, which was to show that they aren't as fit as they once were. I do have soft spot for Sean Connery, so his charm did help too.

Robin's main rival in the movie is supposed to be the sheriff of Nottingham, but throughout the movie you never really get the feeling that they are enemies - rather they might as well just sat together by the campfire as two old men and have a friendly beer.

Without giving too much away, I didn't enjoy the movie's conclusion - as romantic and touching as it was supposed to be, to me it just felt foolish. Although I did understand the reasoning behind it - that Marian didn't want to lose him again, but she knew that he'll probably never gonna change. What exactly? Watch it to find out! ;)

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4/10

Distressingly downbeat

moonspinner5516 July 2005

In the dog days of Spring 1976 at the nation's cinemas, critics praised this collaboration between director Richard Lester and actors Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn (returning to the screen for the first time in nine years) as rapturous. It might have been with a more uplifting script. Connery is a middle-aged Robin Hood, and he's just right for the part. Unfortunately, this Medieval tale replaces sweep and pomp and grandeur with wintry discontent. Robin is still at war with the Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw), and he's loved again by Maid Marian, who has since become an abbess. Hepburn is predictably incandescent, though Marian's apparent dark side--what is perceived and what is implied--is jarring. The film has bits of nostalgia which are hurried passed and moments of sentiment undercut with dreary melodrama. It is also far too long and draggy, with blurry, sunlit cinematography from David Watkin that isn't lyrical and a vile-spewing villain who is so tyrannical and lusting for blood that he's no fun. Shaw's final battle with Connery (his nemesis in "From Russia with Love") is staged for a rousing effect, yet by this point the movie has pretty much imploded. It interests us with its built-in good will, but dashes all our hopes. *1/2 from ****

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10/10

twilight of the gods

bluesman-2020 May 2010

Robin and Marion is a bittersweet look at the last days of Robin Hood. Sean Connery was born to play Robin Hood and his easy going charm and grace gives fact to this. Audrey Hepburn gives a stunning portrayal of Maid Marion who has arrived at a point in her life where she is not happy but content. Robin has returned from the crusades and he is neither happy or content King Richard is dead and the throne has returned to King John and the Sheriff of Mottingham wonderfully played by Robert Shaw is once again doing the King's dirty work. Robin returns home to England only to find he's a legend and a hero and that a tyrant once again sits on the throne. Robin brings the merry men back together but finds that old age has crept up on them and nothing is easy. Then King John orders all priests and nuns jailed and churches closed because if they do not support him he considers it treason and Robin finds out Marion is now an nun and her abbey is targeted by the sheriff. Robin and his men rescue her only to find shes bitter and angry at Robin. But you know the rest they are still in love and there is one final well put together sword fight with the sheriff. And then the Death of Robin Hood in what has to be one of the most emotionally packed scenes I have ever saw. This is not Errol Flynn's Robin Hood but this one deserves to stand beside it as one of the greatest Robin Hood films of all times.

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6/10

A moving examination of aging and affection

shakercoola5 June 2021

An American-British romantic adventure; A story about Robin Hood and Maid Marian, characters in English folklore. Set twenty years after his legendary adventures, Robin, approaching middle-age, is re-acquainted with Marian. But when he learns she has been arrested by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin faces his old nemesis one last time. A sublimely expressive spectacle of bittersweet nostalgia. It has solid characters, a good plot, good visual pacing, the historical imagery is clean, and it has a moving soundtrack from John Barry. However, it tends to stay within its story premise without fully exploring the themes it touches on i.e. End of youth, high romance, death, and simple human compassion. The funny asides are enjoyable, but if the director had exerted more control the film would have been more tonally consistent. Instead it was tragicomedy and a bit betwixt-and-between. Connery and Hepburn have a wonderful chemistry though - the depth of feeling to the characters' rekindled courtship is touching. They are grounded in the reality of quarrels and jealousy, yet reaching many moments of passion and affection that are a joy to watch.

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3/10

the movie lacks energy or purpose

planktonrules11 June 2005

Warning: Spoilers

I WANTED to enjoy this movie so much. I love adventure movies and Sean Connery yet I was shocked the movie seemed so lifeless and unengaging. Part of this is due to the dreary and deadly serious plot--Robinhood returns after a very long absence to find that Maid Marian is old and you just can't go back. Talk about depressing! I bet Errol Flynn's Robinhood wouldn't have behaved that way--he would have swept Marian off her feet and gone on 1001 NEW adventures. Well if that's what you are looking for, find another movie. No, this one's just dreary and ultimately culminates in Marian killing herself and Robin. Huh?! Did they REALLY need to go THERE with the plot?

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beautiful

Kirpianuscus23 June 2016

its beauty is real special. the atmosphere, the humor, the bitter nostalgia, the right actors for a story who propose a different Robin by the classic versions. something familiar defines this story about late state of love, courage, return to a different world, memories and the conquest of peace after long storm. one of the gifts - it seems be the only authentic story about Robin Hood. Sean Connery does more than a good job - it impose the essence of a character and put the end to the romantic version . Audrey Hepburn does that wise, vulnerable, delicate, courageous Marian who must be the perfect choice of Robin. a twilight story. touching and useful. beautiful for great scenes - the last desperate fight, the dialogues with the king Richard, the stories about hero to the crusader. the taste of black tea defines this superb film. and does it precious memory.

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6/10

Good But Not Great

Theo Robertson24 September 2004

Check this out for a cast :

Sean Connery - Scotland's greatest ever movie star

Audrey Hepburn - An iconic actress

Nicol Williamson - Many critics choice as Scotland's greatest ever actor

Robert Shaw - Perhaps one of cinema's most overlooked actors when it comes to playing convincing bad guys

Richard Harris - Another screen legend

Ian Holm - In an early screen role . Can anyone think of a more convincing and consistent English actor alive in 2004 ?

A great cast indeed but one that is not used to its full potential . Both Harris and Holm are very underused and their appearances at little more than cameos , and having a couple of heavyweight Scots playing the heroes does bring consistency to the characters ( Remember they've been together for years so why shouldn't speak with similar accents ? ) but their performances tend to cancel each other out

There is another slight problem and that's the script . It seems to go against the legend of who Robin Hood was . People like to imagine that he was a good guy communist robbing the rich and giving the proceeds to the poor not someone who was a right hand man of Richard the Lionheart . I much preferred the mythical figure of the 1980s TV series that mixed myth and mystical plots . I also got slightly bored when the story started concentrating on the romance between Robin and Marion

There was also a slight problem with the directing from Richard Lester where he tries to inject humour into the proceedings and it often fails . If I remember correctly this is something that spoiled his collabarition with Connery in CUBA , another movie that mixes action and romance with slight off beat humour

Having pointed out these criticisms there's nothing much else wrong with ROBIN AND MARION , it's just that when you've got a bunch of butch men in a forest who dabble in swordplay in 2004 you're instantly reminded in some small way of a certain film trilogy that was released at the turn of the century which does spoil the positive aspects of this movie when watching it today . Having said that it's one of Connerey's better movies and Robert Shaw is very good as the villain with the battle between the two protagonists being every bit as violent and memorable as that seen in FROM Russia WITH LOVE

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6/10

great chemistry between Connery and Hepburn

SnoopyStyle23 August 2014

Robin Hood (Sean Connery) and Little John (Nicol Williamson) are searching for a treasure for King Richard the Lionheart (Richard Harris). The dictatorial and cruel Richard orders the castle, defended by one crazy old man, stormed killing all the women and children. Robin and Little John escapes after 20 years of crusade but Richard captures them for disobeying him. Richard dies and they go home to Sherwood. England is now ruled by mad King John (Ian Holm). Friar Tuck (Ronnie Barker) and Will Scarlett (Denholm Elliott) tells Robin that Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn) is now running the nearby Abbey. The Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw) is as powerful as ever. He comes to arrest Marian in a spat with the Pope and Robin rescues her despite her wishes.

It's an absurdist continuation of the Robin Hood tale. The jokes are oddly interesting but not funny. It's fascinating to see some of these classic actors trying to deadpan these jokes. It is probably more appropriate to keep the story totally serious. The great thing about this movie is the deeply felt chemistry between Connery and Hepburn. Their relationship projects a lifetime of world weariness and true love. They are able to keep the movie from completely collapsing. This is a romance no matter how hard the movie tries to inject comedy action scenes.

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7/10

Robin Hood returns to England in his grey years

Wuchakk14 August 2021

Coming back from the Crusades, Robin Hood and Little John (Sean Connery and Nicol Williamson) are still serving under King Richard the Lionhearted (Richard Harris) in France before finally making it back to England and reuniting with Marian (Audrey Hepburn) and their old nemesis the Sheriff of Nottingham (Robert Shaw).

Directed by Richard Lester, "Robin and Marian" (1976) has an odd tone, combining the brutal realities of Medieval Europe with subtle humor and nobility. The fun element is low-key and meshed with melancholy, but such 'dark comedy' is lost on many today (even I had to acclimate). However, if you think about it, the blockbuster "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" (1991) had a similar mixed tone.

In any case, the movie emphasizes the betrayal of aging; how the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Past glories and past loves are yearned for, but the passing decades have changed everything forever. On top of this, you get real-life castles, authentic Medieval garb and a great, realistic swordfight between two aging men before the controversial close (controversial to others, not me).

Pompous King Richard's shocking atrocities in the opening act are contrasted by the Sheriff of Nottingham (Shaw), who has mellowed with age and has leaned something of compassion and respect. He's older and wiser now, less disposed to unfair treatment. His present reign seems to be rather benign and not overly oppressive. He has a limp along with the generally slower movement that comes with age. When he comes to the edge of Sherwood Forest with his small army his strategy is to wait Robin Hood out for surrender, presumably to spare Robin's life and allow his followers to simply go back to their farms or what have you. This is a welcome surprise and shows that this is not just Sean Connery's movie, but Shaw's as well. Notice how, after a prayer in the field before their mano a mano duel, Robin assists the Sheriff to his feet before they begin.

Concerning King Richard, his fate in the movie is similar to the way it went down in real life, except that it was by a vengeful boy using a crossbow and, like in the film, he was using a frying pan for a shield. The kid's name was Pierre Basile and the incident happened at the siege of Châlus-Charbrol in central France on March 26, 1199. Although Richard generously forgave him and set him free, he was flayed alive the day Richard passed away on April 6, 1199 at the order of Richard's infamous mercenary captain Mercadier.

This rendition of Robin Hood features perhaps the best depiction of Little John by Nicol Williamson, at least as far as getting to know the character and caring about him. You'll note that he too loves Marian, albeit secretly. Speaking of Marian, this was Hepburn's first film in almost a decade after taking a break to raise her family.

If you appreciate "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" or "Robin Hood" (2010), be sure to check this one out as it's a quality interpretation of Robin in his older years. True, Connery was only 45 years-old during shooting and Russell Crowe was the same age when he did his version, but 45 was fairly old in Medieval times. The only negatives are the aforementioned curious tone, which you have to get used to, and the lack of lushness in the locales, which betrays that the flick was not shot in England.

The film runs 1 hour, 46 minutes, and was shot in the Navarra region of northeastern Spain and Villalonso, Zamora, Castilla y León in northwestern Spain.

GRADE: B+

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6/10

Audrey Hepburn's Perm

RudeArtAndDesign_Com16 September 2018

I saw this movie way back as a young boy in its first run on an early HBO, and loved it! I just watched it again on TCM and... "meh".

The credits run and the movie opens as two armored soldiers dig the ground. Either accidentally or in a poorly scripted bit of slapstick their helmets knock into one another as they free their treasure from the soil which as it turns out, is a large stone. The camera pans out as they labor from the ground to a neaby catapult. Now in the background we see a dilapidated castle and a mere handful of other knights. Seems this poor excuse of a siege army is about to lay siege to this even poorer excuse of a castle. They load the catapult, then crank it up and let loose. The stone launches and flies a pitiful halfway to its target... and there you have this movie in a nutshell. Underpowered and understaffed, despite its top tier star power.

This retelling of the tale of Robin Hood and Maid Marian is, as I'm sure you've no doubt already seen the synopsis, is bottom line an original and quite engaging take on the story. Problem is like the two knights banging heads tries to be funny when it just doesn't jive with the overall mood of the story. And as a whole tries to hit the lofty targets it's made for itself but, like the stone just fall short.

I honestly wish I never re-watched it. Not because it's a terrible movie, it's not. I think its 6.6 rating is about the only thing that really is spot on here. It's just I prefer my childhood memory I had of the story. Whether my remembrance of the climactic scene between Robin and the Sheriff being much more brutally realistic. Or the lack of any memory of Audrey Hepburn's perfectly dyed and coiffed perm... where they hell would a nun get her hair done in 13th century England!?

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10/10

Don't listen to Maltin's summary. If you are Robin Hood fan you need to see this.

Fredichi4 April 2000

Maltin doesn't seem to like this movie yet gives it 3 stars.

The movie is very well done.It is a bit of a downer to see old versions of these classic heroes, villains, and heroines, but is a welcomed different take on the Robin Hood story. I would take one of these any day than a bad remake like Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Sean Connery is great as a weary Robing Hood back from the crusades who suddenly is rejeunivated when he meets up with Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robert Shaw is as usual, perfect in his role as the sheriff. You hate him but you can't hate him too much. He's Robert Shaw. You love to hate him.

Nicol Williamson is a very good Little John, who is Robin's constant companion.

Richard Harris is perfect as malevolent King Richard.

Of course only Audrey Hepburn's Marian could play opposite Connery's Robin without coming off as slight.

The movie takes no easy or unrealistic turns. It is a very and realistic look at Robin Hood.

Warning you might not like the ending, but after you think about it for a while it makes sense.

Lots of potent imagery.

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7/10

Postmodern Hood

jennybantz28 January 2006

This is a sweet and thoughtful film, and a must for Connery and Hepburn fans.

However, it's so far removed from traditional historical epic fare that it's (at first viewing) a bit difficult to get your head around.

It is clearly marked by the seventies in its stark production design and rather odd pacing.

But most notable is the feeling of postmodern ambivalence that pervades the plot: frustration with war, confused allegiances, ironic disillusionment...

If you're prepared for these elements, you'll find much to enjoy in the great chemistry and easy dialogue of the aging but stellar actors.

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4/10

Like watching old athletes trying to come out of retirement

gawarecki19 January 2013

Warning: Spoilers

To summarize another reviewer, not a movie worthy of the impressive cast. While some reviews like the movie as a "bittersweet" romance, I found watching it to be more like a bunch of old farts trying to re-live their youth. Give me the Erol Flynn version any day!

If the dull plot of the movie itself is a letdown, the ending **spoiler alert** of having Marian kill Robin off by poisoning him and taking the drink herself too - what is the point in that? Seems more like politically correct indoctrination that if your (or your love's) life is boring, too much of a bother, or something you just do not want to endure anymore, then it is okay to end it? Ick! The Marian I want to believe in would have aged with more grace and wisdom than that! She should have realized better the power woman have over men and inspired Robin to live the life that earned him legendary status.

The acting isn't that bad, but it is not a plot that appeals (obviously) to me. The best part of the movie may be the realistic costumes and sets, if they are true to the period, otherwise this movie just seems a way for the actors to collect a paycheck.

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10/10

Intensely romantic, lush, magical film!

coop-1611 April 2000

Yes...that title was a direct response to the king of middlebrow criticism, Leonard Maltin. Let me say at the onset that this film was simply superb, one of the best films of 1976.Richard Lester works the same magic here that he worked in his wonderful Musketeers films..he breathes new life into a timeless myth. James Goldmans script is, in fact, a meditation on old age and the passing of heroic values.Audrey Hepburn is incandescent in this, her last performance. Sean Connery, Robert Shaw , and Nicol Williamson are uniformly excellent. Connery portrays Robins heroic desperation and his undying tenderness for Marian.Nicol Williamson embodies dogged, simple minded loyalty.Robert Shaw is a stupendous villain. He interprets the Sheriff of Nottingham as a prototypical servant of the emerging nation state.In short, this is a terrific film, perhaps the greatest reworking of the legend since Errol Flynn.

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7/10

Bitter-sweet and quirkily funny

grantss16 April 2016

Bitter-sweet and quirkily funny.

It is 20 years after Robin Hood's heroics against Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Since then Robin (played by Sean Connery) has spent all his time outside of England, fighting as Richard the Lionheart's right-hand man in the Crusades and in France. His only connection to his past life in Sherwood Forest is his faithful companion, Little John (Nicol Williamson). However, Richard the Lionheart is now dead and a war-weary, middle-aged Robin decides to return to England. His first priority: rekindle his relationship with Maid Marian (Audrey Hepburn). However, if he figured on a peaceful life he didn't bargain on the machinations of the Sheriff of Nottingham and King John.

Sweet, poignant yet action-filled movie. Quite an original angle to the Robin Hood story. Almost every Robin Hood movie ends with Richard the Lionheart returning to England and Robin the hero, set to live happily ever after with Maid Marian. Setting this in Robin's middle-age makes for an interesting storyline.

Good action sequences and some quirky, understated humour too. Some of the comedic moments are very out-of-the-blue.

Moreover, a quite emotional movie - the final few scenes especially so.

Not all good. Can be a bit clumsy at times. This is sometimes the result of trying to be a comedy and a drama at the same time.

Solid performances by Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in the lead roles. Good work from a star-studded supporting cast which includes Richard Shaw, Richard Harris, Ronnie Barker, Denholm Elliott and Ian Holm.

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1/10

Unwatchable

trebuchet-793-66987817 July 2010

Put Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, Richard Harris, Ian Holme, Robert Shaw, Nicol Williamson, and Denholm Elliott together in a film about Robin Hood and you've got a winner, right? Well, not exactly.

This 1976 film, directed by Richard Lester, is an unmitigated disaster. That is to say, a real stinker. At some points in the film I actually expected the Monte Python crew to leap forward singing "Nobody Expects the Sheriff of Nottingham!" Lester, the 'director' (Ha ha ha!), should be boiled in oil. James Goldman, the 'writer' (Ho ho ho!), should be used as fuel.

Avoid this film. I'm sure the cast wish they had.

You have been warned.

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