Birth of a legend. Following King Richard(Danny Huston)'s death in France, archer Robin Longstride(Russell Crowe), along with Will Scarlett, Alan-a-Dale and Little John, returns to England. They encounter the dying Robert of Locksley(Douglas Hodge), whose party was ambushed by treacherous Godfrey(Mark Strong), who hopes to facilitate a French invasion of England. Robin promises the dying knight he will return his sword to his father Walter(Max von Sydow) in Nottingham. Here Walter encourages him to impersonate the dead man to prevent his land being confiscated by the crown, and he finds himself with Marian(Cate Blanchett), a ready-made wife. Hoping to stir baronial opposition to weak King John and allow an easy French take-over, Godfrey worms his way into the king's service as Earl Marshal of England and brutally invades towns under the pretext of collecting Royal taxes. Can Robin navigate the politics of barons, royals, traitors, and the French?
