Chris Pine’s ‘Outlaw King’: Braveheart’s Forgotten Sequel

by

For over a decade, Mel Gibson was a well-known actor, but it was his second directorial venture, “Braveheart”, that gained him significant award recognition beyond Australia for the first time. Nominated for 10 Oscars, it’s the only film to have earned Gibson an Academy Award. Now, three decades later, opinions about this Best Picture winner can vary; some see it as overly dramatic and historically inaccurate, while others still regard it as a timeless epic. Regardless of your stance on “Braveheart”, you might be intrigued to learn that there’s an unofficial sequel featuring Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Florence Pugh – titled “Outlaw King“.

The Netflix movie takes place nearly immediately following the conclusion of Braveheart. At this delicate juncture, England was attempting to mend English-Scottish ties by arranging the king’s goddaughter (Pugh) to marry Bruce (Pine). However, the revelation of William Wallace’s (Gibson’s character) execution in Scotland stirs Bruce to initiate a rebellion against the English. Much like Braveheart, this film captures the inspiring narrative of “the oppressed fighting back against their oppressors,” which has resonated deeply in post-imperialist periods, although it’s important to note that history is often more complex than this portrayal suggests.

In the footsteps of his critically acclaimed movie “Hell or High Water,” David Mackenzie is at the helm for this film. Notably, Chris Pine was also a part of that superior production, demonstrating a strong working relationship between them. However, the script seems to be the issue here – when five writers are involved, it often leads to complications. This particular script tries to tackle too much, which is evident in its execution. Unfortunately, Netflix decided to trim 20 minutes from Mackenzie’s original cut, leading to a film that feels both hurried and disjointed, yet excessively long. The action sequences and Mackenzie’s occasional masterful direction – like the stunning eight-minute opening shot – are what keep this movie afloat.

In terms of production costs, “Outlaw King” was an extravagant production at approximately $120 million, significantly more than Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart” ($70 million, though slightly higher when adjusted for inflation). This budget is ten times greater than Mackenzie’s previous film, “Hell or High Water,” raising concerns about the director’s trend – the larger the budget, the poorer the end result. Among all his works, David Mackenzie’s best film remains “Starred Up” with its $3 million budget, primarily due to its intimate feel. Unfortunately, the grandeur of “Outlaw King” may have contributed to its shortcomings.

How ‘Outlaw King’ Compares to and Follows ‘Braveheart’

The reception for Outlaw King was somewhat mixed among critics, earning a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite varying opinions on the film, many reviewers found it impossible not to draw comparisons with Braveheart. Dan Jackson from Thrillist commented that while the movie is frequently stirring, it fails to establish a central character or idea that resonates beyond the end credits, saying “Outlaw King is often rousing, but it never connects the man at its core to an idea that’s thought-provoking after the final scene.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must confess that “Outlaw King” seamlessly blends into what one might call an extended “Braveheart” saga, following the narrative thread left hanging after the climactic events of that legendary film. Although a key scene involving the iconic William Wallace, as portrayed by Mel Gibson in “Braveheart,” was regrettably excised post-Toronto screening, his symbolic presence – or rather, his severed arm – still makes a poignant appearance. However, it’s hard to ignore the lingering specter of Gibson’s occasionally over-the-top cinematic legacy that casts a long shadow over this film.

According to Bill Bodkin’s writing for The Pop Break, “Outlaw King” is a fresh historical epic that essentially continues the narrative from where “Braveheart” ended.

It’s unfortunate that “Outlaw King” seems to follow too closely in the footsteps of “Braveheart”. The film essentially rehashes Braveheart’s visual style, music, plot structure, and even some key narrative points. For instance, Robert the Bruce experiences similar situations like losing his army and resorting to guerrilla warfare, just as William Wallace did in Braveheart. The depiction of blood is also strikingly similar. To top it off, Bruce and his wife use a wildflower as a symbol of their relationship, much like Wallace and his wife did.

If you’re looking for a historical epic double-bill this weekend, how about checking out “Braveheart” and “Outlaw King”? Both films share some similarities that could make for an engaging five-hour viewing experience. You can stream “Braveheart” on Paramount+, while “Outlaw King” is available on Netflix via the link provided below.

Watch Outlaw King

Read More

2025-01-19 18:31