That soaring, instantly recognizable score by Michael Kamen – punctuated by the twang of a bowstring and the clash of steel – wasn't just the soundtrack to a movie in 1991; for many of us, it felt like the pulse of pure adventure echoing directly from our VCRs. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves landed with the force of a catapult launch that summer, a sprawling, slightly muddy, yet undeniably epic retelling of the Sherwood Forest legend that became an absolute fixture on rental shelves and weekend movie nights. It aimed for the bullseye of blockbuster entertainment, and despite a few stray arrows, largely hit its mark, securing its place in the annals of 90s cinematic memory.
Welcome Home, Noble(?) Englishman
Directed by Kevin Reynolds, who had previously collaborated with his leading man on the smaller cult film Fandango (1985) and would notoriously reunite with him for Waterworld (1995), this Robin Hood immediately set itself apart with a grittier opening. We find Robin of Loxley (Kevin Costner, then riding high on his Dances With Wolves Oscar triumph) escaping a Jerusalem dungeon alongside Azeem (Morgan Freeman), a Moor who pledges a life debt. Their return to England reveals a land suffering under the tyrannical rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham, played with scenery-chewing magnificence by the late, great Alan Rickman. Loxley castle is in ruins, Robin's father murdered, and the peasants are squeezed dry. Time to gather some merry men.
Let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the accent not in the room. Kevin Costner's famously variable English accent (or lack thereof) became an immediate point of discussion, and yes, it's noticeable. Rumors swirled about disagreements over accent coaching during the famously rapid production. Yet, Costner's sheer star power and earnest conviction somehow carry him through. He brings a brooding intensity to Robin, a world-weary soldier rediscovering his purpose, even if his vowels occasionally take a detour through California. His earnestness, paired with the film's overall grand scope, made it easy for many younger viewers back then (myself included!) to simply get swept up in the adventure.
Sherwood's Scene Stealers
While Costner provides the heroic anchor, the film truly crackles thanks to its supporting cast. Morgan Freeman, bringing his signature gravitas and quiet dignity, elevates Azeem beyond a mere sidekick. His "wise foreigner" trope might feel a bit dated now, but Freeman's performance lends it weight, and the character's inclusion was a refreshing twist on the familiar legend. His deadpan delivery of lines like "Did God paint you?" after encountering Friar Tuck provided welcome moments of levity.
And then there's Alan Rickman. Oh, the Sheriff of Nottingham! Turning down the role initially, Rickman was reportedly given considerable freedom to shape the character, transforming him from a standard villain into a petulant, psychopathic, yet darkly hilarious tyrant. He drips sarcasm, spits threats with relish, and delivers lines like "Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans... No, cancel Christmas!" with such malevolent glee it’s impossible not to enjoy every second he's on screen. It’s a performance that didn't just steal scenes; it practically burgled the entire film and remains one of cinema's all-time great baddies. Supporting players like Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as a feisty, capable Marian, Christian Slater offering smoldering resentment as Will Scarlet, and Michael Wincott as the menacing Guy of Gisborne all add colour and texture to the ensemble. And who could forget the surprise arrival of Sean Connery as King Richard? A delightful cameo reportedly secured for $250,000 (which Connery donated to charity), it provided a perfect, regal ending – and a knowing wink, given Connery's own turn as an older Robin in Robin and Marian (1976).
Epic Scope, VHS Charm
Visually, Prince of Thieves felt big. Filmed on location across rugged English landscapes (including Hadrian's Wall and Alnwick Castle) and French forests, Kevin Reynolds delivered genuine scale. The treetop village felt magical, the siege on Locksley Castle suitably chaotic, and the final assault on Nottingham Castle thrilling. Remember that innovative arrow's-eye-view shot? It felt revolutionary back then, a nifty practical effect achieved with a specialized camera rig that literally put you on the tip of the arrow. Sure, some of the pacing lags a bit in its hefty 143-minute runtime (and the 155-minute extended cut adds even more, including some restored violence trimmed for the PG-13 rating), but the sheer momentum of the adventure usually carries you through.
The film's massive $390 million worldwide gross (on a $48 million budget) proved its crowd-pleasing power, significantly overshadowing the rival Robin Hood film starring Patrick Bergin that landed the same year. It wasn't just the action; it was the blend of romance, Michael Kamen's stirring, heroic score, and yes, that song. Bryan Adams' "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" was inescapable in 1991, becoming synonymous with the film and topping charts globally for what felt like an eternity. It perfectly captured the film's slightly overwrought but deeply felt romanticism.
The Verdict
Watching Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves today is like revisiting a cherished, slightly worn photo album. You notice the dated hairstyles (oh, the mullets!) and perhaps chuckle at the earnest melodrama or that wandering accent. Yet, the thrill remains potent. It's undeniably entertaining, propelled by fantastic villains, solid action, a wonderful score, and a genuine sense of large-scale adventure that defined early 90s blockbusters. It perfectly captured that feeling of settling down for an epic story on a Saturday night, the VCR humming faithfully. It has its flaws, certainly, but its heart is in the right place, aiming squarely for rousing entertainment.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: While Costner's central performance is a notable weak point and the script takes considerable liberties, the film delivers hugely on spectacle, boasts an unforgettable villain in Rickman, features a strong supporting cast led by Freeman, and is powered by an iconic score. Its sheer nostalgic pull and status as a defining 90s adventure outweigh many of its imperfections, making it a flawed but incredibly enjoyable favourite.
Final Thought: It might not be historically accurate, and its hero might sound like he just flew in from LAX, but Prince of Thieves still knows how to hit the target for pure, unadulterated cinematic adventure – a true VHS treasure.