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You love a good historical epic, right? The clash of swords, the political intrigue, the sweeping landscapes... but sometimes, Hollywood takes a few creative liberties with the past. That's where "Outlaw King" (2018), starring Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, comes in. It promises a grittier, more realistic look at Scotland's fight for independence against England. But how much of it is actually true? Buckle up, history buffs, as we separate fact from fiction in this thrilling tale!
Before the Crown: A Tangled Web of Succession
"Outlaw King" throws you right into the action with the siege of Stirling Castle in 1304. But to truly understand Robert the Bruce's journey, we need to rewind a bit. Imagine a Scotland on the brink of chaos. King Alexander III is dead, his heirs gone, and the throne is up for grabs. Enter Robert the Bruce's grandfather, nicknamed "The Competitor," vying for power.
The film glosses over some key players and events here, like the short reign of John Balliol (Scotland's king before Bruce) and the role of Edward I of England in manipulating Scottish politics. Why? It paints a cleaner picture of Bruce's claim to the throne.
The War Wolf: A Trebuchet for the Ages
One thing the film nails is the sheer scale and power of Edward I's siege weaponry, particularly the monstrous trebuchet known as the Warwolf. This behemoth could launch 300-pound boulders! While the movie's depiction of flaming projectiles is up for debate, the Warwolf's destructive force is undeniable.
A Questionable Killing and a Hasty Coronation
The film portrays the pivotal moment when Bruce kills his rival, John Comyn, as a spur-of-the-moment act of self-defense. In reality, the circumstances are murky, but it was a calculated move that solidified Bruce's claim but made him an enemy of England.
We then see Bruce crowned king at Scone, with Isabella Fife bravely placing the crown on his head. This detail is surprisingly accurate! Isabella risked everything to legitimize Bruce's claim, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Guerrilla Warfare and the Black Douglas
After suffering early defeats, Bruce adopts brutal but effective guerrilla tactics. One of the film's most memorable scenes depicts James Douglas, later known as "The Black Douglas," reclaiming his castle with terrifying ferocity. While the timeline is jumbled, the essence of Douglas's ruthlessness rings true.
The Battle of Loudoun Hill: A Turning Point, Not the End
The film culminates in the muddy, visceral Battle of Loudoun Hill, where Bruce's forces outmaneuver the English. However, the movie makes a glaring error by placing Edward II (who wasn't even king yet) on the battlefield.
This fictional showdown undermines the real significance of Loudoun Hill, which was a morale-boosting victory for the Scots but not the decisive blow it appears to be in the film. That honor goes to the later Battle of Bannockburn, where Bruce secured Scotland's independence.
The Legacy of "Outlaw King": A Good Story, But Not the Whole Story
"Outlaw King" is a visually stunning and engaging film that captures the brutality and political complexity of medieval Scotland. While it takes liberties with the timeline and invents a few key scenes for dramatic effect, it gets many details right, especially compared to its more romanticized predecessor, "Braveheart."
Want to Learn More?
If you're hungry for more Scottish history, check out these resources:
"Robert Bruce: King of Scots" by Ronald McNair Scott
"The Wars of Independence: Scotland 1306-1328" by Michael Brown
So, the next time you're in the mood for a historical epic, give "Outlaw King" a watch. Just remember to take its portrayal of events with a grain of salt (or maybe a dram of whisky!).
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