Princess of Thieves

Princess of Thieves (2001)

Genres - Fantasy, Children's/Family  |   Sub-Genres - Adventure Drama, Family-Oriented Adventure  |   Release Date - Mar 11, 2001 (USA)  |   Run Time - 120 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom, United States  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Review by Dana Rowader

As a family-themed retelling of the Robin Hood story, Princess of Thieves is light and entertaining. Keira Knightley is charming as the feminine yet athletic Gwyn, daughter of Robin Hood -- beautiful in a dress, but equally at home in "men's" clothing, riding a horse, and firing arrows with dead-on precision. Pre-Bend it Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean, Knightley was a relative unknown, but she still delivers an assured star performance as Gwyn. As far as the rest of the cast, Stuart Wilson is a bit disappointing as Robin O'Locksley, who it seems, has become somewhat of an absent father, more concerned with the Crusades than caring for his child (it is explained that Maid Marian has previously passed away). His character does not seem to exude the heroic aura usually associated with the Robin Hood myth. Malcolm McDowell is acceptably sinister as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham -- his visage alone would probably be enough to portray most villains -- but he seems to be walking through the part a bit. Del Synnott is likeable as Gwyn's bumbling best friend and admirer, while Stephen Moyer is suitably charming as the reluctant heir to the throne of England and more handsome suitor for Gwyn. Probably due to its budget and small scale, Princess of Thieves fails to deliver a thoroughly enchanting and engaging story, but it is entertaining and certain to inspire the imaginations of many young girls, its assumed target audience.