Outlaw King

A direct follow-up of the Braveheart, which is definitely more precise in terms of history, however not faithful, not even remotely. However, which does not matter in the genre move, not at all. It has only one major problem; it is too abbreviated in two-hour footage. In addition, in a way that strikes the eye or it start talking about many topics, but nothing more. Even, especially in the middle part, so much that I doubt that I would not blame the same for the twenty-minute longer version that was screened at festivals. Otherwise, it's a dirty historical chamber feature film (no, it's not as contradictory as it would seem), which follows the classic plot of “historical David versus Goliath", but it has an atmosphere, a beautiful set design and a camera (and it's not just about taking advantage of the Scottish Highlands or the introductory nine-minute one-shot scene), an uncompromising battle scene, a soundtrack connected by folk hackneyed songs and surprisingly good performances for such a butchery (perhaps only Edward is a way too excessive cartoon character). This includes Pine, where out of necessity the virtue “so that he doesn't have to speak much of a Scottish accent" is transformed into one of his strengths, because a quiet role based purely on charisma will surprisingly suit him. Outlaw King is exactly what it promised to be. It just had to be longer and therefore not so straightforward. Which, of course, wouldn't matter if it weren't clear from the final cut that the original ambitions were greater. (11/09/2018)

Everyone whose mouth waters over Game of Thrones should have a look at the final bloodbath in the marshes to see how it’s done properly. Pine is excellent with effortless acting and the romantic storyline with Florence Pough works well. A brutally realistic view of Scottish history in which every shot of London opens with William Wallace’s rotting head impaled on a stake. Fantastic camerawork and nice Scottish songs. P.S: Probably the first role in which I thought Aaron Taylor-Johnson was any good. DOUGLAAAS!!!! (04/26/2019)

A prequel to Braveheart, which ironically tells the story after it. Pine is an interesting choice for a medieval protagonist and it has to be said that he fits Robert the Bruce quite well, although it doesn't seem like it at first. Mackenzie makes up for the poor script and the lack of strong emotions with a slick medieval carnage, not quite good enough, but certainly above standard within the genre. Of course, in terms of epic, romantic line or directorial virtuosity, it doesn't even come close to Gibson. (11/18/2018)

100 minutes of alternating epic, bloody and generously designed scenes and dialogues, which are simply a bit of cheesy historical TV series. Mackenzie aspires to the dark medieval carnation, which he thrives on in luxury crowd scenes and some quadratures of Scots, but other times he uses superficial adornments and Gaelic kitsch. Nevertheless, I like Pine a lot. He's not an exaggerated macho caricature, but rather a guy who has been going after what he wants in a calm and steadfastness manner for some time. It may seem strange to some people that this is the leader people follow - I understand them. I would follow him, too. Btw, Aaron Taylor-Johnson seems to have a taste for raw beef for the first time in his career. (11/10/2018)

More than an unofficial sequel to Braveheart, Robert the Bruce and his journey resemble a half-hearted remake. There are betrayals, loves, and magnificent battles here too, but while Mel Gibson unnecessarily deviated from historical realities, he was forgiven because with every twist he tore the viewer's heart apart. David Mackenzie holds onto history more firmly and adds more gritty combat, but I can't shake the feeling that it's all too superficial. The opening interaction doesn't work for me as an introduction to the plot, but rather as a teaser taking the form of a scene without cuts. The exposed intestines don't make a point about the horrors of war, but just come out of a person in all their nakedness; warm feelings arise between newlyweds in just a single cut. And Chris Pine, an eternal charmer and rascal at first sight, is only just maturing into the role of thoughtful ruler. In this case, the king is a brave and pleasantly uncompromising figure, but his battle songs desperately lack heart. (11/14/2018)