Rob Roy (1995)

The Scottish legend of Robert Roy MacGregor gets the Hollywood treatment in Rob Roy (1995). Not to be confused with Rob Roy: The Highland Rogue (1953) starring Richard Todd, this flick has Liam Neeson stepping into the Scottish icon’s boots. Based on the adventurous novel by Sir Walter Scott, the R-rated biopic brings viewers back to the 18th century when the titular hero makes ends meet by driving cattle. To secure a future for himself, his wife Mary MacGregor (Jessica Lange) and his small town, the Robin Hood of Scotland enters into an ill-advised trade agreement with James Graham (John Hurt), the 4th Marquess of Montrose. But once word of the deal gets out, evil Archibald Cunningham (Tim Roth) robs Rob’s cash. Broke and unable to pay back his debt and unwilling to surrender his house and land, the Highlands hunk flees. As a result, he becomes a fugitive hunted by the Marquis’s menacing henchmen. As tragedy hits the Roy family, Rob finds himself locked in a political and physical battle to save his life. Will Alan McDonald (Eric Stoltz), Gregor (Jason Flemyng) and Killearn (Brian Cox) help Roy win over his legacy? Or will the victories belong to Roth? Named Best Supporting Actor at the British Academy Film Awards and Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards, Tim pleased critics on both sides of the pond. Speaking of water, Liam shows off his broad chest and pale peen while bathing in the sea 19 minutes into the flick. Quick, call Scotland Hard!