Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson and Best Actress Oscar winner Jessica Lange give extraordinary performances as the legendary hero who refused to let his enemies destroy his honor and the loyal woman who gave him the courage to fight. Boasting “the best direction, acting, writing and technical credits [and] one of the great action sequences in movie history” (Roger Ebert), Rob Roy is a thrilling, powerful adventure and “one of the best films of the year” (Gene Siskel). When a harsh winter threatens the majestic Scottish Highlands, Rob Roy MacGregor (Neeson) is forced to borrow money from the less-than-noble Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt) to provide for his clan. But when Montrose’s henchman (Tim Roth, in an Oscar-nominated*** performance) conspires to take the wealth for himself, Rob is thrust into the most challenging battle of his life…one that escalates into an exhilarating climax that will captivate you to the film’s final frame.
One of the most invigorating period adventures to hit the big screen in decades, this lavish, brilliantly directed film drew critical and audience raves when it was released in 1995. Inspired by historical fact and larger-than-life legend, the intelligently scripted story takes place in Scotland in 1713, when Highland farmer and clan leader Rob Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) is forced to borrow money from the duplicitous aristocrat Marquis of Montrose (John Hurt) to help his clan survive a harsh winter. When Montrose’s vile henchman (Tim Roth) schemes to dishonor MacGregor and his wife (Jessica Lange) and take the money for himself, the rugged Highlander must take courageous action to preserve his integrity. What follows–along with some of the finest sword-fighting ever filmed–is a tale of courage and valor destined to become an enduring movie classic. Tim Roth received a well-deserved Oscar nomination (for Best Supporting Actor) for his indelible performance as the foppish but deadly villain Cunningham, and both Neeson and Lange bring an earthy, sensual quality to their passionate roles. Boasting a wealth of breathtaking scenery and high-intensity action, Rob Roy is further blessed by a splendid supporting cast (including Brian Cox and Eric Stoltz), and the lush soundtrack by Carter Burwell strikes a perfect balance of romanticism and vigorous dramatic energy. –Jeff Shannon
Starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Eric Stoltz.