Ridley Scott's retelling of the Robin Hood legend is located in time by an illuminated manuscript introduction and then quickly plunges into the heat of battle, as Richard the Lionheart (Danny Huston) carves his route back from Jerusalem through France. These opening scenes are swiftly and noisily dispatched, with individuals, even deadly archer Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe, reuniting with his Gladiator director), taking a while to emerge. Clarity is achieved once Longstride assumes the guise of Robin of Loxley in order to return to a starved and oppressed England. Scott presents a politically complex vision of the tale, with Mark Strong's royal adviser deliberately whipping up hatred in the North to smooth France's way as conquerors - this is when the film really comes alive. Crowe's romance with an occasionally northern Cate Blanchett as Marion is well handled but still a distraction, while the scenes of mead-quaffing and folk dancing serve little purpose. Scott's film has tremendous strengths - fine battle scenes, a strongly realised interpretation of events and a commanding lead performance - but the weak spots diminish the overall effect, leaving it a valiant try rather than an unqualified success.

When soldier Robin happens upon the dying Robert of Loxley, he promises to return the man's sword to his family in Nottingham. There, he assumes Robert's identity; romances his widow, Marion; and draws the ire of the town's sheriff and King John's henchman, Godfrey.