Fans of historical dramas are praising the 2008 film Stone of Destiny, now streaming on Prime Video, as a "hidden gem" and a "terrific true adventure story." The film, starring Charlie Cox, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle and Kate Mara, is based on real events from 1950, when a group of Scottish nationalist students removed the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey and returned it to Scotland.
True Story Behind the Film
The Stone of Scone was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs until the 13th century, when it was seized by King Edward I of England and taken to London. Filmmakers gained rare access to Westminster Abbey to tell the story of its removal.
The movie stars Cox as Ian Hamilton, a Scottish nationalist who, with his friend, plots a scheme to bring the Stone of Destiny back to Scotland. The pair research and plan the theft, but when Ian's friend Bill Craig (Billy Boyd) realises the potential impacts on his life, he backs out, leaving Ian to find more participants.
Filming Locations and Fan Reactions
Filmed in Scotland, Wales and England, the movie used locations including Arbroath in Angus, the University of Glasgow, Strathclyde, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Oakshaw Street East and Paisley Abbey.
Fans took to IMDb reviews to share their thoughts. One called it a "hidden gem," adding: "I live for great movies like this, ones below the radar of the big movies. This one has charm, friendship, intrigue and you just can't help but want them to accomplish their task. I thoroughly enjoyed this flick!"
Another admitted they were "surprisingly moved," saying: "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."
More Viewer Praise
A third fan praised the setting, sharing: "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 viewer called it "thoroughly enjoyable," concluding: "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. It's also hard not to feel a swell of patriotism come the end - if you're a Scot. Otherwise you'll still get a warm feeling inside."
Stone of Destiny is streaming on Prime Video.
