As with countless folktales and myths, the story of Robin Hood has been given countless films over many years. From historically accurate versions like Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood or more jovial adaptations like Robin Hood: Men in Tights. The Merry Men of England have been brought together numerous times, but Disney’s 1973 animated version is the best of them all.
Robin Hood is a hero who audiences never seem to tire of. Much like how superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man have numerous iterations, Robin Hood is no different. Even in recent years, there are 3 adaptations: Taron Egerton’s Robin Hood, the MGM show with the same title, and Hugh Jackman’s upcoming The Death of Robin Hood. Each new show or movie brings something new to the hero, but nothing has topped the animated version with a lovable fox and an endearing bear.
Disney Perfected the Myth of Robin Hood
Above all, Robin Hood is a figure that has been mythologized over the years. He is a figure that has reached legendary status in both literature and film, and even general folklore. The concept of a heroic outlaw who robs the rich to support the poor of his community is a near-perfect hero for many people. This idealized version of Robin Hood is the person that many audiences want to see in the movies, and Disney understood that decades ago.
1973’s Robin Hood is an underrated masterpiece that frequently gets overlooked when it comes to classic animated movies. The story is brought to life with a multitude of animals filling in the roles. The sly fox plays Robin Hood, and the massive bear is Little John. The singing rooster is Allan-a-Dale, and the lions are the kings of the land, as John and Richard.
The mastermind behind this film was Wolfgang Reitherman, known for other classics like The Aristocats, The Jungle Book, and The Sword in the Stone. Reitherman seemed to understand exactly how to toe the line between some more serious moments, heartwarming scenes, and exciting action pieces. The best part of it all is the delightful music that accompanies much of the movie and is an incredibly catchy earworm for all viewers.
The movie pushes the fun and heroic actions of Robin Hood to the forefront of the story, while also not omitting the inherent darkness of the Sheriff’s and the King’s actions. It made Robin Hood a genuinely likable and lovable hero who was flawless in his approach to helping those around him. His mythical kindness and generosity are what made him so endearing as a character, and the movie perfectly captured that.
The movie connected with audiences and created a feeling of an authentic adventure film, and a movie that went beyond just a kids’ movie. It’s a film that goes beyond what any other version of the character does and is not only the best understanding of the character, but it is also by far the most fun.
Most Adaptations Failed to Capture the Spirit of Robin Hood
The problem with characters and properties that receive multiple reboots and remakes is that each version feels the need to try to do something vastly different. Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott went for a very historical film, focusing more on realism than mythology. Egerton’s film felt more like Kingsman taken back to the time of Robin Hood, with the character presenting as a gritty war veteran with modern action.
Even other, more beloved films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves took years to resonate with audiences. People found the movie to have poor pacing and dull visuals, leaving people needing time to warm up to the movie in the years since it was released. Many of these films all tried to capture the essence of Robin Hood, but none of them quite hit the mark.
Robin Hood is a true Disney classic that brings all the magic, action, and heroics to life in a mythical way. It is whimsical and exhilarating, not to mention emotional. The movie resonates on many levels and brings a clear understanding of who Robin Hood is and what people desire from stories about him.
- Release Date
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November 8, 1973
- Runtime
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83 Minutes
- Director
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Wolfgang Reitherman
