The 2008 film Stone of Destiny, which tells the true story of Scottish students who removed the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey in 1950, has been hailed by fans as a "hidden gem" and praised for creating a "swell of patriotism".
The historical adventure stars Charlie Cox, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle and Kate Mara. Filmmakers secured exceptionally rare access to Westminster Abbey to depict the daring removal of the Stone of Scone from the historic church.
The true story behind the film
The Stone of Scone served as a vital element in Scottish royal coronations until the 13th century, when King Edward I of England captured it and transported it to London. In 1950, a band of Scottish nationalist students managed to retrieve it from Westminster Abbey and return it to Scotland.
Shot across Scotland, Wales and England, the picture features Cox as Ian Hamilton, a Scottish nationalist who, alongside his mate, devises a bold plan to reclaim the 'Stone of Destiny' from Westminster Abbey and bring it home to Scotland.
Filming locations and fan reviews
The duo meticulously research and prepare for the heist, but when Ian's pal Bill Craig (Billy Boyd) comprehends the serious consequences it might have on his future, he withdraws, forcing Ian to recruit additional willing accomplices on his own.
Scottish locations used for filming encompassed Arbroath in Angus, the University of Glasgow, Strathclyde, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Oakshaw Street East and Paisley Abbey.
Fans flocked to IMDb reviews to express their opinions on the film, with one describing it as a "hidden gem", remarking: "I live for great movies like this, ones below the radar of the big movies."
Another confessed they were "surprisingly moved", stating: "Stone of Destiny is stirring and while it never claims to be Braveheart it does capture a lot of what Scotland's quest to be free is all about; and is surprisingly moving."
Streaming availability
A third viewer, commending the locations, wrote: "There were moments of real suspense. You root for the heroes and seriously find yourself wondering why any country wouldn't allow another to be free or would take its national treasures (please don't bait me on this). Filled with lovely Scottish landscapes and it's got Robert Carlyle. Glad I found it."
A final reviewer labelled it "thoroughly enjoyable", concluding simply: "I enjoyed this film very much. It's got humour and heart and characters that you can really get behind. You really want to see them succeed."
Stone of Destiny is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
