Princess of Thieves (2001)

It's 1184 Nottingham, England. During reign of King Richard the Lionheart, a girl is born to Robin and Marion. Sheriff of Nottingham (Malcolm McDowell) would have placed a price on the son's head but is unconcerned about a girl. Gwyn (Keira Knightley) grows up under the tyrannical rule of Prince John for his absent brother King Richard. Her father Robin of Locksley is often away and her mother Marion is pass. Richard is gravely injured and heir to the throne Prince Philip (Stephen Moyer) is coming from France. Robin and Will Scarlett go off to aid Philip. Gwyn sets off to help dressed as a boy helped by friend Froderick despite her father forbidding it. Robin and Will are captured while Gwyn runs into Philip pretending to be a servant.This should a lot simpler. Instead there is a lot of political intrigue. It's also way too serious. The material is treated like a Shakespearian play. The production is pretty good considering this is a TV movie. Keira Knightley is great at such a young age. Stephen Moyer is too old especially acting opposite Keira. The chemistry is about what one expects from a 30 year old with jailbait Keira. It's a little creepy. Even Froderick is annoying in his puppy love mode. Keira is great though.

This is one of the first movies in her early career as an actress. I thought it was well acted and the plot was pretty good. I won't watch it again, for myself it was just a one time thing. I think it would appeal to kids and to families more than to adults. I was a little disappointed with the ending.*Major Spoiler* She doesn't end up with the prince and I really wanted her to. I think they were going for a more realistic ending but honestly, life is realistic enough. I don't need "realism" from fictional movies. In the movies the girl is supposed to get the guy and vice versa. If you invest your time in a movie then you should get the happy ending. So no I won't watch it again.

While not exactly a brilliant masterpiece, this movie is solid, steady entertainment. The basic elements of a Robin Hood setting are there, but with a "daughter of Robin Hood" -approach to give a little variation to the theme. Even though it's a "new" plot, they've kept a lot of familiar Robin Hood -themes in the film, including an archery contest and the same old villains - what would a Robin Hood -story be without Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham, after all? And just like her father, Gwyn steals from the rich and gives to the poor, and desires justice and fairness to the people. All the classical elements are there, but with a little "girl power" in the mix. There's also a rather nice father-daughter dynamic going on, with Robin trying to shelter his daughter from the dangerous life he lives. Gwyn, on the other hand, won't have any of that nonsense, and is more than willing to prove that she's "just as good as a son". The movie doesn't really explore medieval gender roles all that deeply, though - Gwyn dressing as a man is made slightly fun of, but there's no shock nor any disapproval of what might have even be considered sinful back then. The clothes may be medieval, but the attitudes are rather modern, and in that sense this is a rather typical adventure film, that doesn't let historical accuracy get in the way of a good story. Keira Knightley does a delightfully energetic performance as the tomboyish and almost recklessly fearless Gwyn, and adds a lot to the freshness of the film. If you intend to watch this film because you're a fan of Keira Knightley, I doubt you'll be disappointed. The actors in general are giving solid, although maybe not the most memorable performances. If you're looking for an entertaining, sort of harmless "feelgood" adventure movie, and are a fan of medieval type of settings, this is the movie for you.

This movie is truly a classic. I know that some of the actor's skills are a bit suspect, but some of them, like Keira Knightly, had began to show some of their true talent in this film. Also, the script is incredibly witty in some places, and incredibly meaningful in the next. And finally, the idea behind the movie is excellent. 10/10 for me...a TV classic