Netflix’s Outlaw King Has 1 of the Most Brutal Battle Scenes Ever Filmed

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The film Outlaw King is gaining well-deserved attention, especially for its depiction of the Battle of Loudoun Hill in 1307. Directed by David Mackenzie, this historical drama stars Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, the Scottish king who fought for independence from England’s King Edward I (played by Stephen Dillane). The movie also features strong performances from a talented cast, including Florence Pugh as Elizabeth de Burgh and Tony Curran as Angus Og MacDonald.

Netflix is known for its high-quality original shows and movies, particularly historical dramas. One excellent example is The King (2019). While Outlaw King, released over seven years ago, didn’t initially gain much attention, it’s now being rediscovered. This drama, directed by Mackenzie, is a compelling watch thanks to its strong acting and realistic, often brutal, depiction of the fight for Scottish independence.

Outlaw King’s Battle of Loudoun Hill Is Graphically Violent

Outlaw King is a violent film and doesn’t hold back. By the time the Battle of Loudoun Hill arrives, viewers will have seen a significant amount of graphic content, including nudity and strong language. The film begins calmly, but once the opposing sides clash, the violence is relentless.

As a movie fan, I was really struck by how intensely visceral the Battle of Loudoun Hill is. It doesn’t pull any punches – within minutes, you’re seeing constant, brutal action. Soldiers are falling left and right, blood splatters are everywhere, and the sounds of weapons connecting and horses being injured are incredibly impactful and honestly, pretty disturbing to witness. It’s a really raw and unsettling scene.

The battle sequence in Outlaw King, while harsh to watch, effectively captures the incredible bravery, courage, and determination of the Scottish fighters. From the very beginning, they fight with a desperate intensity, knowing their freedom is at stake – a level of ferocity the English simply don’t meet.

Bruce made a courageous choice to fight with his people, something most kings would avoid. Although the battle itself isn’t lengthy, the film powerfully conveys the sheer exhaustion and fear felt by everyone involved, showing it in their expressions and how they move.

Chris Pine’s Robert the Bruce Uses Trench Warfare

Robert the Bruce was a truly fascinating historical figure. Even after seven years, one particular portrayal remains a strong interpretation of his life as King of Scots. However, to really understand Bruce’s impact and the complexity of his character, reading historical accounts is more valuable than simply watching a dramatization.

Robert the Bruce led a remarkable life filled with both personal connections and political challenges. He was originally loyal to King Edward I, but later became King of Scotland and skillfully evaded capture. Despite facing numerous conflicts, he achieved several famous victories.

Perhaps the most clever move by one of the characters is setting up trenches filled with spikes, anticipating the English army would be the one attacking. During the Battle of Loudoun Hill, Bruce and his soldiers skillfully lured the English in by initially positioning themselves in front of the hidden trenches, concealing their trap until the last moment.

Just as the English army neared, the Scottish forces quickly pulled back behind a hidden line. This unexpected maneuver caused chaos among the English, with horses stumbling and soldiers instantly injured. Robert the Bruce’s tactic of using trenches is a famous illustration of how clever planning can defeat an enemy, even without superior force.

Outlaw King Significantly Changes the Battle of Loudoun Hill

Overall, Outlaw King gets the main points of Robert the Bruce’s story right, though it speeds up the timeline to fit everything into a typical movie length. The film accurately shows Edward I using the massive Warwolf siege engine at Stirling Castle, but it incorrectly suggests Bruce’s revolt began right after William Wallace died.

The story gets the details and motivations of its characters right, which is impressive. However, the famous death of John Comyn, played by Callan Mulvey, feels hurried and unclear, even though it’s a key event that shapes Bruce’s time as king.

However, the film Outlaw King significantly embellishes the Battle of Loudoun Hill for dramatic effect, even though the fighting itself is portrayed realistically. The most noticeable change is the addition of a personal duel between Robert the Bruce and King Edward II (played by Billy Howle).

Although Bruce’s win is impressive, historical records show Edward II wasn’t actually at the Battle of Loudoun Hill. The film uses wooden spikes to emphasize the battle’s brutality, but historically, the trenches themselves were enough to stop the English army. While Outlaw King doesn’t perfectly recreate the Battle of Loudoun Hill, it’s still a very impactful scene.

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2026-01-06 17:16