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Action historical film

Robert the Bruce (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Robert the Bruce (2020) movie poster

Robert the Bruce is a 2020 action historical film directed by Richard Gray, starring Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce, Diarmaid Murtagh and Anna Hutchison. It runs 2 hours 4 minutes and earned $23,425 worldwide. Critics gave it 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
43%
worldwide gross
$23.4K
Echo Score
58
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Robert the Bruce (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 4m (124 min)
Director
Richard Gray
Genres
Action , History
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Robert the Bruce About?

The premise of Robert the Bruce without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

After sustaining injuries while escaping the English army, King Robert the Bruce finds refuge with a compassionate widow and her family. Their kindness rekindles his determination to fight for Scotland's freedom. He then rallies his forces, embarking on a dangerous campaign to liberate the nation and reclaim its sovereignty, while forming a powerful connection with the common people who join his cause.

Robert the Bruce Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • scotland
  • rebellion
  • year 1306
  • character name as title
  • reference to william wallace
  • shot in the chest
  • blacksmith
  • 14th century
  • king
  • bow and arrow
  • sword
  • visiting a grave
+38 more
  • chanting someone's name
  • no opening credits
  • robert the bruce character
  • reference to king alexander iii of scotland
  • man with a beard
  • mustached man
  • wound
  • england
  • snowing
  • horseback riding
  • voice over narration
  • betrayal
  • sword fight
  • fight
  • lantern
  • water bucket
  • campfire
  • reference to norway
  • mother son relationship
  • reference to god
  • visible breath
  • treason
  • pickaxe
  • murder of a boy
  • aerial camera shot
  • wooden sword
  • kneeling
  • woods
  • praying
  • throat slit
  • storytelling
  • battle
  • blood
  • hanging
  • soldier
  • eating
  • aunt combs her niece's hair
  • shot in the chest with an arrow
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Cast & crew

Robert the Bruce Cast & Characters

Angus Macfadyen leads the cast as Robert the Bruce, with Diarmaid Murtagh as James Douglas and Anna Hutchison as Morag. Directed by Richard Gray; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Richard Gray

More films directed by Richard Gray, best-rated first: The Unholy Trinity, Murder at Yellowstone City, Robert the Bruce and Broken Ghost.

Full filmography
Ratings

Robert the Bruce Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Robert the Bruce 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 58/100, strongest in sensory experience (72) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

58 /100

Robert the Bruce Echo Score Breakdown

Robert the Bruce delivers a visually striking portrait of its titular figure but struggles with uneven pacing and a constrained narrative. Critics and viewers alike applaud the cinematography and moments of introspection but point to a thinly developed plot that feels like an extended first act. Performances receive modest praise for their sincerity, though the central character remains reserved. While the film offers occasional emotional resonance, its limited scope and leisurely flow hold back its broader impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of visual craftsmanship, Robert the Bruce shines through its cinematography and landscape framing. The Scottish countryside is rendered with evocative lighting, though the production design occasionally shows budgetary constraint. Direction maintains consistent composition but leans into heavy fireside moods. Overall, the film’s art direction delivers memorable visuals tempered by resource limitations.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When it comes to character depth and emotion, performances are earnest but restrained. Angus Macfadyen’s portrayal offers moments of introspection, and supporting cast interactions yield occasional warmth. Critics note a lack of charismatic spark that might have elevated emotional stakes. In conclusion, the character work is sincere yet muted, offering genuine feeling without dynamic breadth.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative unfolds slowly and often feels like an extended setup. The exploration of Bruce’s inner journey provides intimacy but limits dramatic progression. Several scenes linger without advancing major events, leaving the story’s scope feeling minimal. Ultimately, the plot exhibits thoughtful moments yet remains underdeveloped and uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 72

    When evaluating the sensory experience, the film’s score and sound design contribute warmth, and the visual style offers cohesive mountain vistas. The orchestral cues turn occasionally whimsical, and moody lighting sometimes overwhelms interior settings. Overall, the soundtrack and cinematographic choices create a compelling atmosphere, though certain audio-visual flourishes feel overapplied.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    In terms of replay value, Robert the Bruce offers limited incentive for multiple viewings. Moments of introspection and scenic beauty retain some appeal, but the slow pacing and absence of major set pieces reduce lasting engagement. The film may reward viewers interested in character study, yet overall it lacks the dynamism that typically drives rewatchability.

Plot

Robert the Bruce Plot Summary

What happens in Robert the Bruce from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1306, the delicate peace in Scotland is disrupted as Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen) and John Comyn engage in a covert meeting within a chapel, a gathering fraught with betrayal. Comyn proposes a fateful bargain: relinquish his claim to the Scottish throne in return for land and riches. However, Robert is aware of Comyn’s malicious intentions to betray him to the English, which ignites a fierce and deadly retaliation. The chaos that unfolds is spearheaded by James Douglas (Diarmaid Murtagh), Robert’s devoted vassal, as they square off against the guards outside in a brutal clash.

Full summary

The whole story of Robert the Bruce, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Robert the Bruce Box Office

Robert the Bruce grossed $23,425 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$23.4K

International
$23.4K
Videos

Robert the Bruce Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Robert the Bruce.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Robert the Bruce?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What year does the movie primarily take place?

Details

Robert the Bruce Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “O Rei da Escócia” and “Robert the Bruce - König von Schottland”.

Also known as
  • O Rei da Escócia
  • Robert the Bruce - König von Schottland
  • キングス・オブ・ブレイブ
  • 罗伯特·布鲁斯
  • Ροβέρτος Α' της Σκωτίας
  • Robert the Bruce: guerriero e re
  • El rey de Escocia
  • Waleczne serce. Król Szkotów
  • El rei d'Escòcia
  • Robert Bruce
  • Роберт — король Шотландии
  • 브레이브 하트2
+1 more
  • Роберт I Брюс

Seen Robert the Bruce?

FAQ

Robert the Bruce FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Robert the Bruce, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Robert the Bruce?

Robert the Bruce runs 2 hours 4 minutes (124 minutes).

When was Robert the Bruce released?

Robert the Bruce was released on April 24, 2020.

Who directed Robert the Bruce?

Robert the Bruce was directed by Richard Gray.

More films by Richard Gray

Who is in the cast of Robert the Bruce?

Robert the Bruce stars Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce, Diarmaid Murtagh as James Douglas and Anna Hutchison as Morag, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Robert the Bruce make at the box office?

Robert the Bruce grossed $23,425 worldwide.

How is Robert the Bruce rated?

Robert the Bruce has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, 42 on Metacritic and 54% on TMDB.

Does Robert the Bruce have a post-credit scene?

No. Robert the Bruce has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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