Braveheart

Rating:
Summary: Ego sum homo indomitus
Review: I still recall seeing this movie in the theater for the first time. I was immediately struck by two things--the dirt and grit that encrusted the actors and the gloriously beautiful music. It was also one of the few films that had me openly in tears at the end. This was especially odd considering I was a jaded 24 year old at the time on a first date with a young lady who was not similarly affected.

Braveheart is one of those rare movies that I can watch over and over again and find something new and compelling every single time. The writing is brilliant. The acting is simply magnificent--every character is memorable. The sets were lush and gorgeous. The battle scenes hit you like a punch in the face. The film deserved every award it was given--and then some.

As for the DVD, it is a "must have" for anyone who loves action/adventure movies, is a Mel Gibson fan, or wants a taste of what life was like in the Middle Ages. Be aware, however, that the plot is not straight history--nor is it meant to be. Little is known about the real William Wallace and the author of Braveheart, Randall Wallace, fleshed out the character and added many plot elements that are not found in the historical record. The extras provided with the DVD are well-done and interesting. I enjoyed Gibson's commentary.

The overall theme of Braveheart is compelling and challenging to us cozy moderns who are often quite willing to exchange our God-given freedoms for financial security. It is helpful to remember that there were times when men were willing to risk everything to throw off the shackles of despotism.