Rating: NR
Genre:
Adventure
Release Date: 05/05/2009
SubTitles: English
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD2
Run Time: 142 Minutes
Flags: Suitable for Children
Distributor/Studio: Sony Pictures
The classic adventure novel by Sir
Walter Scott, which covers the same ground as the various
Robin Hood legends, becomes this impressive television production, boasting a well-heeled British cast, a robust pace, and solid production values.
Wilfred of Ivanhoe (
Anthony Andrews) is a young Saxon knight of 12th century England. Returning home from fighting in the Crusades alongside King
Richard the Lionheart (
Julian Glover),
Ivanhoe finds that the nation is now under the dictatorial thumb of the king's brother,
Prince John (
Ronald Pickup) and the prince's thuggish Norman cohorts. He is also dismayed to learn that his longtime love, Lady Rowena (
Lysette Anthony), has been betrothed to another man. Determined to restore throne and country to
Richard, the courageous
Ivanhoe has soon run afoul of those in power, though a few rebellious types like
Robin Hood (
David Robb) are on his side.
Ivanhoe also finds love again, with the lovely Jewish girl Rebecca (
Olivia Hussey), though she and her wise father
Isaac of York (
James Mason) face Norman persecution for their religious faith.
Ivanhoe also finds a deadly rival in the cynically twisted knight Brian de Bois-Guilbert (
Sam Neill).
~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
;)
