Rob Roy

Rob Roy

Year: 1995

Runtime: 139 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Caton-Jones

ActionBiographyDramaHistoryRomanceWar

In 18th-century Scotland, Rob Roy MacGregor faces a devastating turn of events when a substantial debt leads to a violent feud. Following the murder of a friend and a brutal assault on his wife, he seeks retribution against a formidable and ruthless swordsman. Driven by a quest for justice, Rob must confront dangerous loyalties and betrayals as he fights to protect his family and reclaim his honor in a land rife with conflict.

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Timeline – Rob Roy (1995)

Trace every key event in Rob Roy (1995) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Mission Begins

In early 18th Century Scotland, a group of Scots highlanders, led by Robert Roy MacGregor, embarks on a mission to recover cattle stolen by a rival clan. MacGregor is committed to protecting the property of a local lord, indicating the importance of this task.

Early 18th Century Scotland
2

Tracking the Thieves

As the search party tracks the cattle thieves, Alan McDonald observes that they are a day behind. The urgency to reclaim the stolen livestock weighs heavily on MacGregor and his men.

3

Planning the Attack

The group discovers the thieves camped in a secluded valley but decides to wait until dawn to negotiate. MacGregor instructs his men to rest during the night, highlighting the cautious approach to a potentially violent confrontation.

Night Secluded Valley
4

Dawn Confrontation

With the first light of dawn, MacGregor confronts the thieves, asserting that the cattle belong to his lord. He demands their surrender, revealing the power dynamics involved in the encounter.

Morning Thieves' Camp
5

Thieves Defeated

The leader of the thieves, Sibbald, initially mocks MacGregor's claims but ends up dead when he attempts to attack him. The remaining members of Sibbald’s group flee, showcasing the effectiveness of MacGregor's authority.

Thieves' Camp
6

Reunion with Family

After the successful mission, MacGregor returns home to his wife Mary and their two young sons. The family shares a tender moment beneath a tree, illustrating the personal stakes involved.

MacGregor's Home
7

Duke's Duel

In a neighboring village, the Duke of Argyll meets with the Marquis of Montrose during a duel featuring Campbell’s best fighter, Guthrie. The surprising defeat of Guthrie by the flamboyant Archibold Cunningham sets the stage for future tensions.

Duke of Argyll's Village
8

Loan Proposal

MacGregor approaches Duke Campbell to secure a loan of 1000 guineas for cattle droving. He aims to increase his wealth by purchasing cattle at a port and later selling them back to Campbell for a profit.

Duke's Estate
9

Betrayal Unfolds

Unbeknownst to MacGregor, Killearn, Montrose’s banker, plots against him by delaying MacDonald’s access to the funds they had agreed upon. This treachery sets in motion a series of unfortunate events.

Montrose's Bank
10

MacDonald's Murder

As MacDonald tries to deliver the funds to MacGregor, he falls into a trap orchestrated by Archibold Cunningham, who murders him. This brutal act further complicates MacGregor's struggle for justice.

Remote Area
11

Rob Becomes a Fugitive

Following MacDonald's death, suspicion arises, and MacGregor finds himself branded a fugitive. He pleads his case to Montrose, but the situation continues to deteriorate as his innocence is questioned.

12

Mary's Ordeal

While trying to protect her family, Mary falls victim to Archibold’s violent outburst. In the aftermath, she instructs her brother to stay silent about the assault to shield Rob from seeking revenge.

MacGregor's Home
13

Mary's Plan for Justice

Determined to protect Rob, Mary devises a plan to use Archie's lover, Betty, to gather evidence against him. Tragically, this plan fails when Betty takes her own life, leaving Mary devastated.

14

Confrontation with Killearn

In a desperate attempt to clear Rob's name, Mary confronts Killearn. Their struggle results in her fatally wounding him, an act of desperation that showcases her fierce determination.

15

The Clash at the Bridge

In a gripping showdown at the Bridge at Glen Orchy, Rob seizes the opportunity to fight back against Archie. Their duel culminates in Rob’s victory, allowing him to reclaim honor and justice.

Bridge at Glen Orchy

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 16:41

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Grim Historical Epics of Revenge like Rob Roy

Brutal tales of personal justice set against unforgiving historical landscapes.If you enjoyed the stark vengeance and honorable struggle of Rob Roy, discover more movies like it. This collection features similar historical dramas where protagonists fight for justice and family survival against brutal odds in richly realized, unforgiving settings.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a steadfast protagonist whose world is shattered by a profound act of betrayal or violence. The central conflict becomes deeply personal, forcing them to navigate a dangerous world of political intrigue and powerful adversaries. The story unfolds with a steady, propulsive pace, building towards a climactic confrontation that serves as both physical and moral resolution, often restoring a sense of order and honor.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together for their shared focus on a dark, honor-bound quest set in a tangible historical world. They deliver a coherent experience of grim tension, high emotional stakes driven by personal trauma, and a pacing that steadily builds towards a visceral, satisfying climax where justice is seized against overwhelming evil.

Cathartic Survival Stories like Rob Roy

Stories where characters endure profound suffering to ultimately achieve a hard-won victory.For viewers who appreciated Rob Roy's journey from devastating trauma to triumphant vindication. These movies share a similar emotional structure: they are difficult watches with heavy themes, but conclude with a happy or hopeful ending that feels earned, offering a powerful sense of release.

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Narrative Summary

The emotional journey is paramount. The story begins with a devastating event that shatters the protagonist's life, often involving violence against loved ones. The middle section is a trial of survival and determination, marked by oppression and despair. The narrative structure is designed to make the audience feel the weight of the struggle, so that the final victory—whether through revenge, justice, or survival—lands with significant emotional impact and relief.

Why These Movies?

This grouping is defined by a specific emotional rhythm: a descent into darkness followed by a hard-fought ascent into light. The movies share a high intensity, a dark tone for much of their runtime, and a heavy emotional weight, but are unified by their ultimately happy or hopeful endings that provide a strong sense of catharsis, making the difficult journey worthwhile.

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Rob Roy Summary

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Rob Roy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rob Roy

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rob Roy

Rob Roy Spoiler-Free Summary

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