Scotland in the 18th century is a land seeped in the gore and sweat of the poor crofters who struggle to survive while the perfumed Scots gentry control their destinies from the comfort of their castles.

The tough-toned plot includes Rob Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) hiding inside a dead animal and a graphic rape, but the film is bolstered by spirited action scenes and a splendidly hateful villain in Tim Roth.

Despite some lapses into dullness, this is strong action fare, with Neeson on stirring form and fine turns by Jessica Lange, as Rob's wife, John Hurt, as a scheming nobleman, and Brian Cox, as Roth's partner-in-crime.