OUTLAW KING (2018) Movie Review
The making of Outlaw King has been long overdue. Ever since the premiere of Mel Gibson’s Braveheart , a story that gives William Wallace more credit than he deserves while portraying Robert the Bruce as a spineless, treacherous daddy’s boy. Indeed, Bruce was no such thing. Well, move over, Braveheart , because the truth has finally come to light. The true liberator of Scotland will receive his moment to shine, and Netflix is the institution to grant it.
Set directly after the events of Braveheart , Outlaw King begins with the temporary submission of surviving Scottish nobles to King Edward I of England following the execution of William Wallace. Robert the Bruce and his family are allowed to return to their homes, their land, and paying their taxes. To ensure that Scotland remains loyal to England, Edward arranges a marriage between Robert and his goddaughter Elizabeth. The union, Edward hopes, would symbolize an undeniable union of England and Scotland. He is wrong.
To give a person trapped under tyranny to another person trapped under tyranny would instead ensure they unite under their shared interest for FREEDOM.
The young daughter of Ireland’s most powerful noble is brought to Robert soon after Edward makes the order. That is the moment they meet and certainly not in love. Robert is significantly older than her. Yet, they are married. She becomes the wife of a stranger, the step-mother of a grieving child, and the subject of a foreign land. Her fate is decided by her parents and her king. Their marriage, though difficult, marks her first taste of freedom, and she adapts well.
She is extremely lucky to marry a man who is respectful and empathetic as Robert. Because he craves freedom for his people and himself, he turns that same desire for his wife. He respects her opinions and intelligence. He compliments her artistic expression by calling her song pretty. He condones her bravery after she saves a child from the brutality of English soldiers. He gives her time to adapt to marriage when it becomes clear that she is not ready for physical intimacy. In the time between their wedding night and Robert’s coronation, he waits for her to make the first move. ALL is an expression of love
The young daughter of Ireland’s most powerful noble is brought to Robert soon after Edward makes the order. That is the moment they meet and certainly not in love. Robert is significantly older than her. Yet, they are married. She becomes the wife of a stranger, the step-mother of a grieving child, and the subject of a foreign land. Her fate is decided by her parents and her king. Their marriage, though difficult, marks her first taste of freedom, and she adapts well.
She is extremely lucky to marry a man who is respectful and empathetic as Robert. Because he craves freedom for his people and himself, he turns that same desire for his wife. He respects her opinions and intelligence. He compliments her artistic expression by calling her song pretty. He condones her bravery after she saves a child from the brutality of English soldiers. He gives her time to adapt to marriage when it becomes clear that she is not ready for physical intimacy. In the time between their wedding night and Robert’s coronation, he waits for her to make the first move. ALL is an expression of love.
"Power is making decisions, and whatever course you are charting, I choose you, my husband." (Elizabeth de Burgh, Outlaw King)
Because of his love, she remains loyal to him in his absence and supports his work to free Scotland from the tyrannical king, her godfather. She denounces her family, her king, and her former home for Robert, Scotland, and her cause. She fights for freedom. Robert’s cause is her cause. Scotland becomes her country. Such are the traits of a true Scottish queen.
She refuses to denounce Robert, and she waits for his return. Even after her step-daughter is ripped from her arms. Even her parents abandon her. Even when Edward, Prince of Wales and her childhood friend brands her a traitor. Even as she sits in a tiny cage that hangs off the roof of a castle with no food and water. Robert’s fight to free Scotland then becomes a fight to free his wife.
This story revolves around the most Scottish war in Scottish history. Beneath the surface is a beautiful romance of an unconventional couple whose desire for independence makes them the new monarchy of Scotland. Robert the Bruce is not only the King that frees Scotland from the tyrannical king of England, but he is also an advocate for all people in need of freedom. May he serve as an example as a leader, husband, and a man with a cause.
