Braveheart Movie Review

Braveheart (1995)

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Written by: Randall Wallace
Directed by: Mel Gibson
Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack, Brian Cox
Rated: R
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Plot
Scottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England.

Verdict
A sprawling epic with incredible production values, the core of the story is a man who won't give up despite the odds he faces. It's easy to root for the underdog, and Wallace is the epitome of that. He's leading an entire country against insurmountable odds. The final sequence is a wonderful conclusion to the movie, encapsulating his fighting spirit while also being very emotional with a score that underscores those feelings.
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Review
I probably haven't seen this since it came out. It starts in the 13th century with William Wallace as a boy. His father and brother are killed resisting English rule. This checks off all of the history which makes the first third a bit long. William Wallace (Mel Gibson) returns home where the English king has enacting a law that allows nobles to take any bride from her husband on her wedding night.

Mel Gibson plays William Wallace

The Scottish face discrimination and subjugation. People in power that rule have to find someone to rule over. They have to exert their power. The English rule over the less powerful Scots, but Wallace starts a rebellion and inspires the other people in his village to fight back. With that, the other villages join the cause and fight back. Scots were afraid of England's power and numbers, but Wallace proves that doesn't always ensure victory. Wallace is an easy hero. He overcomes persecution and power to succeed. He only seeks freedom from unjust rule.

Few movies have such big battlefields. This has an absolutely huge production; castles, villages, and giant battles. It's a rarity and only bolsters the movie's credibility. Wallace is the outmatched underdog, and we want his army to win and defeat the bully that's the English army. It's a gruesome battle.

The English regard Wallace as a lawless savage, but Princess Isabelle (Sophie Marceau) is smitten. He's more learned and charismatic than she expected. Of course the King is using her as a distraction. She thinks her goal is to broker peace, but it's only to waste Wallace's time as the King mounts an attack.

Mel Gibson plays William Wallace

Wallace is outnumbered from the beginning, but he puts up a valiant effort. He defeats English armies and even sacks one of their cities. The entire movie culminates in his capture where even then he refuses to give up. He will not swear fealty to England's king despite the consequences. It's a tragic but beautifully directed sequence. Wallace screaming "Freedom!" is an image that sticks in your mind. It's a strong final image to an epic movie