Red-Barracuda This is an adaption of the famous Robert Louis Stevenson novel. I haven't read it myself but hear that this film is pretty faithful to the book. Set in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden in 18th century Scotland, a young man is sold into slavery by his unscrupulous uncle. He is soon rescued by a Jacobite rebel who is presently an outlaw wanted by the British government. The two men form an alliance of sorts and subsequently become involved in an incident that creates various complications.The first thing that stands out from the outset here is that the cockney actor Michael Caine is starring in the role of Alan Breck, the Jacobite rebel. It seems like it must be a bit of miscasting, as it is difficult imagining Caine in such a role, however, pleasingly he is very good here and his film star charisma is used to very good effect for this particular character. The film also benefits a lot from plenty of nice on-location photography from around Scotland. It gives the whole production more of an authentic feel. The story-line is compelling and the direction is well-paced, while the events depicted are less over-the-top than in later Scottish adventures set in historical times such as Braveheart (1995) and this for me is a good thing. The story-line eventually dove-tails to a very bittersweet ending that seems like the only appropriate way to round things off.

dwiski I saw this film only once the year it was released and the only thing I can actually remember about it has me chomping at the bit to see it again. It is the final scene where Allan Breck was led out into the beautiful Scotland countryside by his captors, presumably to certain execution. As he looked around at the land he loved so much in sad resignation, Mary Hopkin's sweet soprano sang "For all my days upon the earth, for mountains high and valleys green, for mist that rolls in from the sea, I thank you Lord for sharing this with me." I'm sure I've remembered only the gist of the song, but I also remember some serious goosebumps and teary eyes during that scene.

sddavis63 As a history lesson about the Jacobite Rebellion this fails, but as a movie for the whole family it's entertaining and a good cast makes it fun to watch.Michael Caine is Alan Breck, determined that the Stuarts should have retained the throne of England, who befriends young David Balfour (Lawrence Douglas) and sets off on a journey with him to Edinburgh, sharing a variety of adventures along the way. In a limited role, Donald Pleasance added to the fun of the movie as the curmudgeonly Ebenezer Balfour (David's uncle).It was all working together quite well, I thought, until the very end of the movie, and I thought too much was left hanging with the way it concluded. So an entertaining but historically inaccurate movie ended with a bit of a letdown. 7/10

larry-hilderbrand The plot revolves around a young man who is betrayed by his uncle and is kidnapped for service aboard a ship. The ship is headed for America where he will be sold into slavery. On board the ship, he is befriended by Alan Breck, a rebel Scotsman. The ship is wrecked off the coast of Scotland and Balfour (the young man) and Breck (played by Michael Caine) are forced to seek aid from some of Breck's relatives. The English are still combing the countryside in search of clansmen and rebels. The two become involved in the murder of a local Scot who was working for the British. They must then elude the British while making their way to Edinburgh. Balfour to confront his uncle and Breck to hire a ship for his escape to France. This movie is nothing but high adventure! Michael Caine plays the role with the same flair and style that he always brings to the screen. He portrays a man who is a true patriot yet he must face the realization that the Clans have now been effectively destroyed by the British--the Scotland he loved and fought for no longer exists. This is high adventure at its best! It is also a moving, poignant story of a culture in its death throes.It is a magnificent, heroic movie. I loved it! Hope it is soon released on DVD!!