Here are some films that delve into various aspects of Scottish history:
“Rob Roy”, 1995
Director: Michael Caton-Jones
Starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, and Tim Roth, this film follows the life of Robert Roy MacGregor, an 18th-century Scottish clansman who battles feudal landowners in the Scottish Highlands.
Starring: Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Eric Stoltz, Andrew Keir, Brian Cox, Brian McCardie, Gilbert Martin, Vicki Masson;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Rob Roy” on the website imdb.com
“Mary Queen of Scots”, 2018
Director: Josie Rourke
Directed by Josie Rourke and starring Saoirse Ronan as Mary and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I, the movie explores the turbulent life of Mary Stuart, her claim to the English throne, and her eventual execution.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennant, Guy Pearce, Angela Bain, Richard Cant, Guy Rhys, Thom Petty;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Mary Queen of Scots” on the website imdb.com
“Macbeth”, 2015
Director: Justin Kurzel
Directed by Justin Kurzel, this cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s play features Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. It tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish general whose ambition leads him to betrayal, murder, and madness. Although a work of fiction, it is set in the historical context of 11th-century Scotland.
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor, Elizabeth Debicki, David Thewlis, Ross Anderson, David Hayman, Maurice Roëves;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, history, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
“Stone of Destiny”, 2008
Director: Charles Martin Smith
This historical adventure film directed by Charles Martin Smith is based on the true story of four Scottish university students who plot to retrieve the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey in 1950.
Starring: Charlie Cox, Kate Mara, Stephen McCole, Ciaron Kelly, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle, Peter Mullan, Brenda Fricker, Juliet Cadzow, Alex Donald;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, comedy, crime, adventure, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Stone of Destiny” on the website imdb.com
“Outlaw King”, 2018
Director: David Mackenzie
Starring Chris Pine, this Netflix historical drama directed by David Mackenzie follows the story of Robert the Bruce, the 14th-century Scottish nobleman who launched a guerrilla war against the large English army.
Starring: Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle, Tony Curran, Lorne MacFadyen, Alastair Mackenzie, James Cosmo, Callan Mulvey, Stephen Dillane;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: history, biography, drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Outlaw King” on the website imdb.com
These films, which span various genres and periods, all offer different perspectives on the history of Scotland, from medieval battles for independence to more personal and modern tales of struggle and triumph.
In conclusion, films about Scottish history provide a rich tapestry that stitches together the vivid threads of Scotland's past, offering a cinematic journey through fierce battles, regal intrigue, and the ebullient spirit of a people striving for autonomy and identity. From the thunderous charge of William Wallace in Braveheart to the shrewd political maneuvering of Mary Queen of Scots, these films encapsulate the valor and tenacity intrinsic to Scottish heritage. As they entertain, they also educate, giving audiences around the globe a glimpse into the tumultuous and often heroic chronicles that have shaped Scotland. Whether through the lens of historical accuracy or the flourish of dramatization, these films remain a captivating portal for exploring the depths of Scotland's history and the endurance of its culture.
