Robert the Bruce (film)

Robert the Bruce is a 2019 American historical fiction war film directed by Richard Gray concerning the renowned king of the same name. A character-driven ensemble piece, it portrays Bruce's relationship with a peasant family as a galvanizing influence on his struggle for independence and his ensuing reign.

Robert the Bruce
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRichard Gray
Produced byAngus Macfadyen
Written byEric Belgau
Angus Macfadyen
StarringAngus Macfadyen
Jared Harris
Anna Hutchison
Patrick Fugit
Music byMel Elias
CinematographyJohn Garrett
Edited byHayley Miro Browne
Production
company
Yellow Brick Films
Distributed bySignature Entertainment, Metro International
Release date
  • June 23, 2019 (2019-06-23) (Edinburgh)[1]
  • June 28, 2019 (2019-06-28) (United Kingdom)
Running time
124 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$23,434[2]

Premise

Following a series of military losses, with his army in tatters and the success of his rebellion in doubt, Robert retreats from the battlefield. Alone, injured, and pursued by fortune-seekers intent on collecting a bounty placed on his head by King Edward of England, he finds refuge in the croft of a peasant woman and the three children in her care: a teenage nephew, a young niece, and her own son. They care for him, forging a powerful bond, even though their clan is aligned with England. This connection inspires Robert with a deeper understanding of the patriotism of ordinary Scots, which drives his passionate return to the national stage and, ultimately, to victory and independence.

Cast

Production

The film was announced in February 2018, with Angus Macfadyen reprising his role from Braveheart (1995). Jared Harris, Anna Hutchison and Patrick Fugit were also cast amongst others.[3]

Filming had begun by February 2019.[4]

In order to film the harsh winters which existed in Scotland during these times, the crew utilized the snow-covered hills lining the Yellowstone River (Paradise) Valley, south of Livingston, MT, for those needed shots.[5]

Release

The world premiere of Robert the Bruce took place at the Edinburgh Film Festival on 23 June 2019.[6] It was released in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2019.[7] Signature Entertainment released the official theatrical trailer for the UK on 7 June 2019.[8][9]

The film was scheduled to be released in the United States with a premiere screening by Fathom Events for one-night-only on 16 April 2020 with a limited theatrical release on 24 April 2020 by Screen Media Films, to coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.[10] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fathom Events canceled the premiere and limited release. Braveheart was also scheduled for a theatrical re-release by Fathom Events in March 2020 for its 25th anniversary and in promotion for Robert the Bruce, but it was also canceled.[11]

Home media

Signature Entertainment released the film in the United Kingdom, on DVD and Blu-ray disc, on 4 November 2019. The sole extra feature is an audio commentary with director Richard Gray and co-writer and star Angus Macfadyen.[12] Screen Media Films released the film in the United States on DVD only on 2 June 2020.

Reception

Box office

Robert the Bruce grossed £19,026 in the United Kingdom on its opening weekend (28/06/19) and £98,691 for its UK theatrical run. $TBD in other territories, for a total worldwide gross of £98,691.[13]

Critical response

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 44% based on 50 reviews, with an average rating of 4.89/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "It's inspired by epic real-life events, but rich cinematography and the best of intentions aren't enough to carry Robert the Bruce past its leaden pace and bland storytelling."[14]

Accolades

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipients Result Ref.
2019 Edinburgh Film Festival June 2019 Audience Award Robert the Bruce Nominated [15]
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See also

References
  1. Braveheart sequel tops Edinburgh film festival | BBC News
  2. "Robert the Bruce". The Numbers. Nash Information Services.
  3. "Angus Macfadyen-Led Action Drama 'Robert The Bruce' Drafts Jared Harris, Patrick Fugit & Others". Deadline. February 2018.
  4. "'Robert The Bruce' Movie With 'Braveheart' Actor Angus Macfadyen Boarded By Metro International, First Look — EFM". Deadline. February 2019.
  5. Shelton, Joseph (July 3, 2018). "Montana's Film Business' Arts & Culture". distinctlymontana.com. Robert The Bruce was filmed outside Livingston, and in Scotland last winter, and is currently in post production
  6. " Robert the Bruce sequel to premiere at Edinburgh Film Festival". The National.
  7. "Braveheart sequel tops Edinburgh film festival". BBC News.
  8. "WATCH: First trailer revealed for 'Braveheart sequel' Robert the Bruce". Scotsman.com.
  9. "UK TRAILER - Starring Angus ..." ROBERT THE BRUCE.
  10. "'Robert The Bruce' Trailer: Angus Macfadyen Returns To Free Scotland". Deadline Hollywood. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  11. "Mel Gibson's Braveheart returns to theaters this spring". February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  12. "Robert the Bruce Blu-ray". Blu-ray. United Kingdom. November 4, 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  13. "Weekend box office report: 28-30 June 2019". British Film Institute. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  14. "Robert the Bruce (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  15. "EIFF 2019 Official Awards: The Audience Award Nominees". edfilmfest.org. UK.
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