Historical drama fans have been told not to miss one of Netflix’s hidden gems, which some viewers say is “even better than Braveheart”. 

The Scottish war epic follows the real-life historical figure Robert the Bruce, who led Scotland to victory during the Wars of Independence.

The movie, titled Outlaw King, boasts a star-studded cast that includes Chris Pine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Florence Pugh. It has also been compared to epic historical dramas like Vikings and Game of Thrones.

The synopsis for the Outlaw King reads: “After being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce is forced into exile by the English and leads a band of outlaws to help him reclaim the throne.”

The film holds a score of just 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, but Netflix viewers have since praised the forgotten 2018 release as “absolutely outstanding”. 

Taking to the reviews section, one fan wrote: “Amazing film. Chris Pine’s accent is spot on for the noble lord he was at the time. Emotionally charged and you felt for the characters throughout.”

Another praised Pine’s performance, commenting: “‪Brutal, bloody, and intense, Outlaw King is an engaging medieval epic. Huge scope but still feels deeply human. Chris Pine makes for a strong, quietly powerful king.‬ ‪The battles may overshadow the story overall, but they’re so well-shot that it’s worthwhile.‬”

“Amazing! Beautifully done! Well written, well acted and the scenery and costumes were perfect. Great attention to detail,” a third person remarked. 

Another viewer reflected: “Stellar film. Well done with beautiful light and texture and perfect casting. Only disappointment is that David Mackenzie was compelled to cut twenty minutes out that would have been meaningful.”

One more praised: “Amazing attention to historical accuracy, and a thrilling account of Robert Bruce’s life. Absolutely outstanding.”

Yet another penned: “Wow just wow, Chris Pine is BACK!! The casting in this show is 10/10. The Outlaw King is raw, passionate, thought provoking and action packed. Seriously tho, don’t take my word for it, watch it yourself!”

Other viewers also compared the film to shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones, with one person writing: “After a shaky start (like a lot of biopics) this movie settles down into entertaining historical hokum. The influence of modern TV series (like Vikings and Game of Thrones) is there for all to see.”

Some fans were also quick to compare Outlaw King to Braveheart, with one claiming: “This was a film equal to, if not better than, Brave Heart. It had a good and accurate story and action. It was well balanced in the sense of there being a genuine love for the characters and making them feel like they were people who someone could stand with in battle. The movie was a pleasure to watch.”

“Much better than braveheart,” another person insisted, while a third added: “A much more more accurate – and thus not quite as neat or inspiring – story of the Scottish wars for independence than Braveheart. The acting is superb for the most part IMO, and the attention to detail is impressive.”

Meanwhile, critics at the time gave the film mixed reviews, with Time Out writing: “The battles are brutal, the bludgeoning horrid, yet Outlaw King is frustratingly muted. It’s authentic but rarely dynamic.”

The Washington Post said: “This tedious slog through the highland muck should win no Oscars, only groans and raspberries.”

New York Times queried: “Why do moviemakers insist on telling historical stories when they’re really just interested in costumes and war?”

Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph gave it a more favourable write-up, commenting: “For pure David Lean-grade heft and sweep, David Mackenzie’s Outlaw King is as big as anything you’ll find in a cinema this year.”

The Independent also praised the film, noting: “Even when it stumbles, you can’t help but admire its epic scale and the sheer scope of its ambition.”

Outlaw King is available to stream now on Netflix.

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