Braveheart is a 1995 American epic historical drama film directed, produced, and starring Mel Gibson as Sir William Wallace, a late-13th-century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England.
The film is based on Blind Harry's 15th-century epic poem "The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace" and was adapted for the screen by Randall Wallace. The movie also stars Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, and Catherine McCormack.
The story follows William Wallace as he leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free their homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England. The film is known for its powerful message, incredible acting, and unpredictable plot twists. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many considering it one of the best films of the 20th century.
Plot
Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama film that tells the story of Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led his countrymen in a rebellion to free their homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. The plot of the movie can be summarized as follows:
- Introduction: The film begins with the death of William Wallace's father and brother in a battle against the English. Wallace is sent to continental Europe to be educated.
- Return to Scotland: As an adult, played by Mel Gibson, Wallace returns to Scotland and marries his childhood sweetheart, Murron MacClannough, in secret.
- Incident with English soldiers: English soldiers attempt to rape Murron, but Wallace saves her. The soldiers make a second attempt, and Murron is captured and executed.
- Revenge and rebellion: Wallace leads his clan in slaughtering the English garrison in his hometown and sending the occupying garrison at Lanark back to England. He continued to fight to expel the English from Scotland, gaining increasing numbers of followers as stories of his exploits spread.
- Battle of Stirling Bridge: Wallace leads his outnumbered ranks to victory in this pivotal battle.
- Invasion of England: Wallace invades England and is betrayed by members of the Scottish nobility, leading to the Battle of Falkirk.
- Conclusion: The Scottish fighters are crushed by an army led by King Edward in the Battle of Falkirk.
Trailer
Cast
- Mel Gibson as William Wallace
- Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle
- Patrick McGoohan as King Edward
- Catherine McCormack as Murron MacClannough
- Brendan Gleeson as Hamish Campbell
- David O'Hara as Stephen, Irish Fighter
- Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce
- James Robinson as Young William
- James Cosmo as Campbell
- Sean McGinley as MacClannough
- Gerda Stevenson as Mother MacClannough
- Mhairi Calvey as Young Murron MacClannough
- Brian Cox as Argyle Wallace
- Peter Hanly as Prince Edward
- Ian Bannen as Robert Bruce Sr.
- Sean Lawlor as Malcolm Wallace
- Sandy Nelson as John Wallace
- Alan Tall as Elder Stewart
- Andrew Weir as Young Hamish
- Ralph Riach as Priest No.
- Patrick McGoohan as Longshanks, King Edward I
- Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle
- Stephen Billington as Phillip
Director: Mel Gibson
Writer: Randall Wallace
Box Office (Gross USA): $75.5M
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Genre: History, Drama, Biography, War
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 1995
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Themes and Reception
Braveheart is known for its themes of freedom, nationalism, and sacrifice. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many considering it one of the best films of the 20th century. It won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture and the Golden Globe for the same. The movie's success led to increased tourism in the locations featured in the movie, such as Stirling in Scotland.
Challenges Faced
The production of Braveheart faced several challenges, including budget constraints and historical inaccuracies. The film had a budget of $65-70 million, which was considered high for the time, and the production team had to be creative in finding ways to stretch the budget. Additionally, the film was criticized for its historical inaccuracies, with some experts pointing out that the movie took significant liberties with the actual events of William Wallace's life.
Settings
Braveheart was filmed on location in Scotland and Ireland. Some of the key locations featured in the movie include Stirling Castle, Glen Nevis, and Loch Leven. The film's stunning landscapes and sweeping vistas helped to create a sense of epic grandeur and scale.
Fun Fact
One fun fact about Braveheart is that the film's explicit pro-Scottish themes and its portrayal of the Scottish hero William Wallace sparked the fires of nationalism in Scotland, leading to the nation's partial autonomy. The movie managed to revive, alter, and create Scotland's greatest historical and mythological hero, as well as forever change the course of Scottish political and social history, making it one of the most influential films of all time.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The film Braveheart is known for its epic visual style and techniques. The movie's stunning landscapes and sweeping vistas helped to create a sense of epic grandeur and scale. The battle scenes, in particular, are notable for their visceral and intense portrayal of medieval warfare, with the use of practical effects and large-scale set pieces.
Trivia
One notable trivia about Braveheart is that it is often cited as one of the least accurate historical epics of all time, with an estimated 90% of the movie being historically inaccurate. The film has been criticized for its artistic license with history, including the portrayal of events and characters, and the use of anachronistic elements. For example, the order given by King Edward I to have archers shoot into the melee, which is questioned by his commander, was almost nonexistent in real life but is a popular trope in Hollywood.
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