Directed By – David MacKenzie
Starring – Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle
Running Time – 132 Minutes (2 Hours 12 Minutes)
★★★★★
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| IMAGE VIA NETFLIX |
It’s amazing to think a film this epic will be mostly seen on phones and iPads as I was lucky enough to see Outlaw King on the IMAX screen at the London Film Festival. It’s good news Netflix are releasing in “selected cinemas” hopefully in a couple in the UK because you need to see it on the biggest screen possible.
Outlaw King is about the true, untold story of Robert the Bruce (Pine) who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England. Despite grave consequences, Robert seizes the Scottish crown and rallies an impassioned group of men to fight back against the mighty army of tyrannical King and his volatile son, the Prince of Wales (Howle).
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| IMAGE VIA NETFLIX/ DAVID EUSTACE |
This is the best lead performance Pine has ever given and after impressing in Hell or High Water should do anything MacKenzie does as the Scottish director gets the best out of him. Similar to Patty Jenkins.
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| IMAGE VIA NETFLIX/ DAVID EUSTACE |
It’s just Pine, Taylor-Johnson is unrecognisable as James Douglas and while he plays this manic warrior, it’s his eyes that sells his passion, rage and the craziness. Meanwhile, Pugh continues to showcase why she’s going to be the next big British actress that’ll take the world by storm.
As Elizabeth de Burgh, Pugh has this purity and strength to her and even though she’s going through shit will laugh in the face of evil.
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| IMAGE VIA NETFLIX |
Elsewhere, Tony Curran is the main source of the humour and Howle is a superb villain and even as an Englishman I want to see his face kicked in.
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| IMAGE VIA NETFLIX/ DAVID EUSTACE |
As for the violence and gory, MacKenzie handles it brilliantly, it’s just the right amount so you’re shocked and maybe sad but it’s never unnecessary. The same goes for the nudity as it was used right and only briefly.
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| IMAGE VIA NETFLIX/ DAVID EUSTACE |
This film is the perfect way to build from Hell or High Water. Don’t be surprised to see his name mentioned with major franchises.
The cinematography is fantastic by Barry Ackroyd, which is why it should be seen on the biggest screen possible and why it’s crazy no major studio either didn’t want it or let slip through the net.
Verdict
A truly EPIC film. Netflix has a hit on their hands as Pine has his best performance to date.
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