Thanks for watching, and please consider supporting the channel by buying merch: teespring.com/stores/the-cynical-historian Or by donating to my Patreon: www.patreon.com/CynicalHistorian See following replies for corrections and additional info, but first, here are some related videos to check out: 7:10 - Mary Queen of Scots: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aLxihdeE15-6ooE.html 7:45 - Scholarly vs. Public vs. Pop History: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q6iYZqx1l7HHhn0.html 9:05 - Braveheart: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jM51lsl-lZOpaYE.html 10:20 - Historical Orthodoxy, Revisionism, and Post-Revisionism: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rrd3ppaWvt6rgqs.html 15:45 - Things Movies Cannot do Accurately: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e9Foa82Yqtm8l3U.html

In other words, the arguably better version of braveheart

Whatever inaccuracies THE OUTLAW KING might lumber under, it's got two undeniable things going for it: 1) No anachronistic kilts in sight, and 2) Randall Wallace was not allowed within 300 miles of the script.

believe me, as an actual Scot, we are somewhat confuddled at why our history is so terribly and inaccurately portrayed in cinema

it was a great movie, up until the last 5min. Its like the director forgot to finish the script and then remembered that he had to pitch the movie in less than 30min so he scribbled something down. I was so weirded out by the ending, but otherwise i enjoyed the movie. Would have made for a great miniseries of like 3 to 5 parts

my favourite trivia is that as funny as it appears on screen is that the Sir James "black" Douglas's coat of arms is historically accurate even if it does look like he stole it from captain America

7:27 ***Classicists silent screams***

this was a much better film that most excuses for cinema but the final battle the king wasn't there. there was a cross over of battles and events

I've best heard the story of Robert The Bruce described as "MacBeth with a happy ending". The dude might have been the most terrifying medieval king on a purely physical level. A peerless warrior whose utter ruthlessness very well may have crossed over into evil.

I loved the movie, I forgave the charge with swords on horse back and fire arrows. The only thing that was really off to me was the release of the King at the end. I know they added him to the battle for nemesis conflict at the end but damn they didnt even attempt to capture him? Lol. I guess it would have been better if he escaped at the last minute but wouldn't have felt as gratifing. Idk good action vs good history. If you are going to add somebody that wasnt even at the battle anyway good action is a better choice even if it pisses off a few of us pedantic history buffs. I really liked the movie I give it a PERFECT 5 out if 7.

Ooh, we'd like to avoid a fight. Howabout we get Longshanks involved, what could possibly go wrong?

17:33 Ain't nothing in the world more pedantic than a cat.

I loved this film, I loved the casting of Stannis as Edward I because Holy Hell, as a Stannis fan, it was like watching how Stannis should have been portrayed, Hell, I even found myself forgiving the casting of Chris Pine....and then the ending happened and I was FURIOUS, can films not resist a "fuck the English" film?

At least it's not Braveheart.

One really cool accuracy you didn't mention was the inclusion of Edward's viewing stand which he had built for the women of the court to watch his siege machines in action. It may not have been at this siege of Stirling in particular but still a nice detail

This is actually one of the better one from Netflix "historical" movies. "The King" is even more smh-ing imo, but to be fair the filmmakers was trying to adapt the Shakespearean story instead of the actual IRL story counterpart.

I hear people complain about Irish accents and I just think “have they ever met a scot?”

Still blows my mind why in these historical Scottish movies, they don't just tell the real story. its 10 x more fascinating and interesting than the Hollywood versions.

Stannis the Mannis Baratheon is in it, I have to see this film now

6:23 is that supposed to be a medieval depiction of Steve Buscemi?

7:26 What about classicists ?

I would contest that feudalism and colonialism are strictly separated, because there are some neat examples of early colonialism ranging from Russian eastwards expansion to spanish invasions into southern america that combined things we usually associate with both things. Even later examples such as dutch indonesia had feudalistic attributes integrated into the system such as local feudal vassals. I'd judge the transition to be rather fluent based on my understanding.

I do appreciate this movie for introducing me to Florence Pugh who plays Roberts wife in this movie. With very little material she actually made a compelling character and I liked seeing her relationship with Robert play out, despite the fact that he looks old enough to be her father. It's amazing how quickly Florence career exploded not long after this with Midsommar and Little Women.

Scot here.. excellent analysis. Feudal warlords vs feudal warlords... it's always been interesting to me to see how the nationalists focus on the exploits of a Anglo/Scots/Norman warlords impressive as they were, which happened 700 flipping years ago, rather than looking at the many many Scottish achievements since then...🙄

Hey Cypher! Have you done a Based on a True Story review on the Flags of Our Fathers/Letters From Iwo Jima duo? Could make a nice two-part episode! Love your work, congrats from La Paz, Bolivia!

5:46 was that map created by a specific app or through MS Paint/Photoshop? Thanks

Aymer de Valence is kind off shown as the leader at the battle of 'Loudoun Hill' but Edward II is there as well, I guess as the leader of the Dragon banner knights.

Wait you said the scene with the Trebuchet is right but I do remember that they are using greek fire which seems highly improbable to me

In the outlaw King they combined all of the Bruce's most famous battles into to one

What year is the image at 6:21 depicting?

7:00 how many wars between Scotland and England are there?

Would you consider watching Robert The Bruce which has Angus Macfayden reprise his role as well Robert the Bruce

Just for completeness, it's spelt Berwick but pronounced "be-rick"

How arbitrary is the Medievalist/Modernist distinction? I mean both in terms of dividing historians into two groups and in the year that divides them. Also, does this influence which era a historian chooses for a specialty, or is it entirely a matter of being fascinated by a particular time and place? This seems like an idea for another video.

My big gripe with this film was the treatment of The Bruce as a "reluctant King." I know there's this modern age distaste for people who yearn for power, and we as ordinary people, find more identity with ordinary people in extraordinary situations, this cannot be translated in this situation. Reluctant? There was no-one more bloody minded and ruthless in his ambition to *be* King. It really is a massive unused potential for a TV drama series of blood and guts, sex and desire, murder and betrayal, that audiences love in the wars of independence and the story of Robert the Bruce. He would make Game of Thrones season 1 to 7 look like Game of Thrones season 8. (BTW - I was *in* this movie. I was one of the action extras in the Battle of Bannockburn. In fact, if you pause at 17:09 I'm somewhere in that crowd in the back.)

It will be interesting to see how this compares to "Robert the Bruce", which came out at the same time and stars Angus Macfadyen who played the Bruce in Braveheart.

12:21 who are they?

I liked the movie although personally I think the makers could've done a better portrayal if it was a tv series.

Just an fyi, Berwick is pronounced in a English accent (my own southern twang that consists of a mix of generic London with a touch of RP scattered randomly throughout) as 2 distinct syllables - "Bear" and "ick" with neither syllable being particularly stressed more than the other. I can't (and wouldn't even dare) say how a Scott might pronounce it, as there is such a diverse range of accents that are geographically and sociologically unique to their environments (take Glasgow, big east/west divide in accents - then through in socio-demographical differences).

I was puzzled why they showed the Battle of Loudon Hill as the climax and not the Battle of Bannockburn.

Hey Cynical Historian, great channel and I like your vids. Do you think you can give an accurate and bias/speculation free review of the Last King Of Scotland and the historical accuracy of Idi Amin's presidency? If you think u can, I'd love to see that. Keep up the great work

I loved this movie

Ar-broath not aa-broath was a declaration like the declaration of independence not a treaty.

Good video, Cynic. What's the name of the flag at 13:05? Thanks.

swing and a miss with some of the pronunciation, but a great video. e.g Comyn is pronounced like common at least in modern day Falkirk ;)

The myth of Bannockburn? Eh?

Before I have even seen most of this episode, but having seen the film but not totally familiar of the history, I thought it was a brave effort, reasonable effort made on costume etc. Within the limits of the budget. The one thing they could not fix was the bare hills, this was pre clearances Scotland. Those should have been alive with people. Plot Wise... The Bruce himself, starts as the biggest wet lettuce since Luke Skywalker in the first half what is now episode 4 of Star Wars. His missus was a more active and a compelling character. It would work as part one of a series, where the Bruce learnt to become the leader he needed to be.

It was a good movie but it still has its problems. If it had been more than one move or instead a tv series it could have been explained better.

So,do u recomend this flic ?

Why are actual historical narratives more interesting than the events as presented in these "based on a true story" dramatizations? "Outlaw King" lost me at the battle sequence. Did anyone else notice how the Prince of Wales' sword flexed as he was flailing in the mud at the end? How many battles have ended with the two lead generals fighting each other? Other than that a pretty good vid. Horror of war and all that.

I could be wrong, but I don't think Isabella MacDuff was Robert’s sister.

I didn't know everyone knew how to do Greek fire by then. (most countries)

Bringing the king of england was so not machiavellian. Now there was a fourth party involved with new interest in the area.

You should critique Angus Macfadden's 'Robert The Bruce' film. That would be entertaining. As a Scot I am aware of my countries history of perpetual civil war, in fighting and back stabbing. A nation state that never had an army. Check out the battle of Rosslyn 1306 where the red comyn and Simon Fraser raised an army of 9000 lowlanders to fight an army from England of 30000 strong many of which where Scot's mercenaries in the pay of the English.

Medieval history is basically a big my grandad your grandad argument where both kids may be correct but no one really knows if it is true

I scoured my mind too figure out who i would ask, and then i remembered, WILSON!!! Then i wad like oh yeah cyn would totally know. Soo.. being covid is spreading like ther flu of 1918, and the country was led by Wilson, i wanted to know more. The bestest person to ask. Was thre man whose words echo in my mind. Sorry my comment isn't about this vid. Appreciate what you do. Ty so much your one of my 9 year old nieces faves.

That effects my life

Awww, scottish accents

Just an FYI, there is no reason William Wallace would have been called on to sign the pledge to loyalty to Longshanks - he just wasn't that important at that time. Also, Wallace did indeed use guerilla tactics and it is though that his tactics are what gave Bruce the idea.

Yaaas! Its here!

Hey check out this book chapter for an argument on why the term guerrilla warfare isn't applicable to this period: Alastair J. MacDonald, 'Good King Robert's Testament?: Guerrilla Warfare in Later Medieval Scotland', in B. Hughes, F. Robson, (eds.), Unconventional Warfare from Antiquity to the Present Day (2017), pp. 197-217.

Agree with all the criticism, but it's a movie. I love the costumes, medieval people loved color. Overall a great movie. Agree the ending was bad, the king would have been randsomed. But it's a movie.

The shaky cam effect on the pictures earned you a thumbs down. Why would you do that?

By the declaration of Abroath 1320 Robert the Bruce gave Scotland sovereignty back to the people of Scotland. As long 100 of us remain alive we will never be under English rule it's in truth not for riches or glory which we lay down our lives but for freedom alone.

INSOLVENT?! You only have enough cash for the next three customers?!!?

Dare you to critique Druids

I always think that the real 'coverup' with Scottish history is that most of these people weren't even originally Scottish. Name like Bruce, Wallace, Stuart - they're all French in origin. Much of the above-par governance/education that made Scotland able to leapfrog over far larger countries was achieved because a lot of high ranking noblemen fled to Scotland and brought skills & capital with them after the freemasons became unpopular in europe, but that's a rabbit hole for a different youtube channel.

If you want Scottish historical confusion, then it's just as well they haven't made a film about the Reformation.

Must I do the honors? *clears throat* Now our time has come to fight!

Braveheart is a movie that I’d say is overrated. It’s not the little stuff that bugs me, (cough turkeys cough) it’s the mountain of nonsense the writer shoved into the film. Guess Mel Gibson forgot the French love interest was a CHILD during the rebellion and had nothing to do with Scotland. Or how the battle scenes make no sense logically. Or how Mel uses the version of William Wallace that says he was married. Mind you, the version used was made a couple hundred years after, the event. I could go on and on but if Mel wants to make a movie made in history, he might as well do something like Inglorious Bastards. Because that movie was honest that it was fiction. The death scene of Wallace saying FREEEEEEEEDOOOOM is so cringeworthy. It’s as bad as Darth Vader’s “nooooooo.”

I thought the wedding night scene was cringe worthy. Robert not consummating his marriage would cause him a lot of problems if word got out. Also I was just one medieval movie would show English Kings before Henry IV at least speaking with French accents

The ending was just so stupid. I couldn't believe that a movie that went to such great lengths to use period appropriate armor and costumes would suddenly throw that silly bit at the end. It makes even less sense from the point of the movie because he is shown as being in love with his wife, who is now being held prisoner. If you take the heir to the throne prisoner.. wouldn't you have an easy way to ransom her? You would think every scottish soldier on the field would jump at him and make sure he couldn't get away.

Comyn = Common.

Hey Cynical Historian, I'm a Medievalist at Boise State, you can always hit me up if you wanna talk medieval stuff!

LOL there is even the head of William Wallace being pecked by a crow right on Berwick Bridge XD

Feudalism, is a system, Colonialism, is action. They are not mutually exclusive. It does not matter what the system is, if you send your people to permanently occupy a place, or at least hold positions of authority in that place, and redefine the cultural and political paradigms to suit your own, and your agenda, it is Colonialism. It does not matter if your are Democracy, a Communist Dictatorship of the Proletariat, or a Feudal Monarchy. If you do think that the English assaults on their neighbours were Colonialism, you need to look a little deeper. Look at Language, and Laws regarding its use. Look how Welsh managed to return as an overt language spoken among its own people, simply due to the fact that two of the recipients of the secret Welsh language education, that ran via underground classes, family to family, valley to valley, grew up to be two of the most prominent composers of religious music in Britain in the early 19th century, and composed in Welsh. When the Church of England threw their support behind the men, it finally halted English plans to totally wipe out the language from Wales, which was now 'Anglicised" almost completely, via 400 yrs there about of English rule. THAT determination to erase culture, language, and history in a way, by doing so, by imposing your language, your Church, and your people in positions of power, to impose YOUR laws.... is COLONIALISM. After Henry Plantagenet rose to the throne of England, becoming Henry II, he needed to flex some muscle, to posture and sabre rattle, when he had Thomas Beckett, Bishop of Canterbury killed. The European powers, and the Pope, were nonplussed with this, obviously, I believe it was the German Emperor who threatened to mobilize. So he did not want that, and had to flex, flex without provoking. So certainly would not flex eastward, towards Germany, or the HRE, really, from his Norman lands. Instead, it was impetus for something in his plans anyway, the invasion of Ireland. What do we see from then on? Same thing as in Wales. Except they lapse, after few centuries, in Ireland. The Tudors have to reassert, followed by the Stuarts...in their capacity as ENGLISH KINGS, not Scottish, beginning in the 1500s. After this we see another 18th Century reassertion of power. Lots of similarities. Though the Plantation model seems to be uniquely Irish. We can still see this model's legacy today. We can still the three unique phases of English conquest of Ireland today too. We the 1200s, 1500s, and 1700s in the names of key players in Northern Ireland. Many Unionist peoples, leaders arguing they're British, and they're families have been in Ireland X-100 years and they wont leave and it is British land.....have French surnames, OLD French surnames.... a legacy from the Norman England. Many also have Scottish names, thanks to the Tudor and later, Stuart, dominion of Ireland. How is that not Colonialism? If you think the English did not have the same plans for Scotland, you are naive. In fact, the language suppression and the placing of Anglicised Scots in powerful positions, after the Stuarts inherited England, shows quite clearly what the Plantagenets would have done, though not as much as simply what they did to Wales and Ireland shows they would have done. It was Colonialism. It was the attempt of, at least, and later under another King, would become so. Ireland, Wales and Scotland were just appetizers for English to go on a conquer half the world. Just because they all occupied the same group of Islands, does not make them any less subject to English colonialism.

History is more important as weaving a perennial myth that creates a healthy national pride and spirit than as what “actually happened.” Logistics are for mathematicians, history is supposed to be badass

Can you pls have a narrator from the uk so they can actually pronounce berwick and arbroath geez

TL;DR Blood of Bannockburn by Sabaton is better than outlaw king, and a million times better than braveheart

First mistake: allying with the French

Mel Gibsons Braveheart probably pissed off the people of scottland considering how they had Robert the Bruce betray Wallace, and gave the braveheart title to Wallace instead of Robert for some strange reason. It's inaccuracies are just ridiculous, and the movie didn't seem to respect the material at all.

stergent is gibberish

How about another Mel Masterpiece - The Patriot? Just kidding....sort of....The movie is beneath contempt, but somebody has to get to the bottom of why Hollywood thinks it can get away with such insulting drivel

WOTS MAH FOOKIN NAME???!???🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I'm pretty sure The Bruce killed that man while he was praying effectively excommunicating himself

This comment section is so fucking niche

That Scottish accent is actually quite weak.

Comparing Zinn to that trash is a joke.

Feudalism _is_ colonialism, when conducted on foreign soil.

The American pronouncing certain words here is making my Scottish ears bleed.

Modernism ftw

I have trouble watching this movie because the title character isn't played by a Scottish actor. Almost every notable Scottish actors and actresses are in this one. They should have made Bruce a real Scotts or English at least. To cast an AMERICAN 😡.

Oh this has nothing to do with Scotland. It's just another version of the onlyx movie america ever made, the only story it knows. 1. The oppressor 2. Te oppressed 3. A hero 4. Freedoooooooom! Almost every bloody movie that ever came out of America and had any commercial significance at all has that exact same plot.

Calling Berwick upon tweed "occupied territory seriously triggered me! 😂😂😂😂 I just feeds into the notion that England is this imperial power that oppresses the other nations of the UK. That's not true!

I wish Americans learnt how to speak English !