Rating: 
Summary: Slightly shallow DVD package, but the movie shines through
Review: Braveheart is a tremendous movie. It has been compared to "Lawrence of Arabia", and rightly so: In terms of visual scale it is incredible both in scope and detail. Also like "Lawrence" it doesn't let go of the viewer until the very end. While perhaps the acting isn't as tight and well-tuned as it is in the older epic, that works to it's advantage. Some of the scenes in Braveheart are so masterfully composed that they exceed, in my opinion, anything Lean managed to bring across. Of course it works both ways, and while Braveheart is perhaps more passionate then "Lawrence" it certainly isn't nearly as subtle. But I'd argue that it equals it, on certain levels.Braveheart isn't about historical accuracy. It's about myth. Think about the film-makers being story-tellers, sitting around a fire, telling you a tale. You can believe as much (or as little) of it as you like. The strength of the tale remains regardless. As such think of Braveheart as being a piece of Scottish myth. William Wallace, the tales main charachter, isn't a leader to be historicaly scrutinized and critiqued. He's a heroe to be cherished. The power and versatility of myth is such that we can cherish entities regardless of thier authenticity, or for that matter existence. One need look no further then the Bible for proof. Myth is something that is very much a part of the human condition, and yet so much of it is lacking in the Western world that when it comes along it is a shocking reminder of how good it can be. Both the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien and "Star Wars" by George Lucas are perfect examples of how hungry the West is for Myth. While many critics make the false assumption that Braveheart is a "historical drama", it is merely continuing this tradtion of ancient story-telling. Much credit must be given to Cinematographer John Toll for the general look of the film. Scenes are shot with an epic thrust. Toll puts us in the midst of this epic conflict, while at the same time keeping things in perspective. Some of the shots in this movie resemble Renaissance paintings in thier composition, so well crafted is the camera-work. The music is equally important. From the wailing of bagpipes over rumbling war-drums, to the sad theme of love lost, the musical themes in Braveheart are both Scottish in style and yet something more. Much like the theme from "Lawrence" they embody so much. Music fulfilling it's role to the fullest. The result of all the different elements that went into this movie is something that trancends words. The most I can say is that this movie embodies so much of the ancient Celtic myth and lengend that we hear whispers of everywhere we go. It throws us into a world that is different and yet eerily familiar. The DVD package is certainly good, it's just not excellent. For a movie this epic, especially considering that it won an Academy Award for Best picture (which tends to warrant fleshed out DVD packages), I'm surprised it didn't get a better treatment. The visual and audio quality is decent, but certainly not exceptional, which it really aught to be. The extras emphasize quality over quantity. The short documentary is informing, but it is obvious that it is only scratching the surface of a much bigger picture. The commentary track IS very good, but it slightly minimalistic in it's approach. It often seems as if Gibson is as engrossed in the movie was we are, and stops for a few minutes at a time to watch the movie without much comment. This is nice, but I would have liked a more active commentary with John Toll in the mix talking about the more technical aspects. While I can gaurantee that a beefed up version will eventually hit the scene, you probably have a good few years to wait until that day. Until then this DVD is excellent, if for nothing else then the movie itself.
Rating:
Summary: Watch it today if you haven't seen it
Review: Braveheart is a beautiful & well produced movie about the Scottish peoples' revolt from England with William Wallace (Gibson) leading the strike. The story line will keep you in your seat and eyes glued to the TV. If you like movies about events that happened and are somewhat documentaries of the event (i.e. Titanic), then you must see this. I promise that this one will not disappoint. -RB
Rating:
Summary: A Right Fit for the Part
Review: Mel Gibson, in the role of William Wallace, is extraordinary, and I'm not the greatest Gibson fan in the world. The first time I saw this film, I was appalled at the violence, but the second and third time, I found a beauty that transcended the violence. When the Scots fought for their freedom, they had a great deal of crude weaponry. That's a fact, just like in the Revolutionary War days in America. That's not to be denied. On the downside of this film, I found the love relationship between Wallace and the King's daughter-in-law to be a bit contrived, and the sex scene didn't need to be there. One could have suggested it in other ways. It was not ostentatious, but it was very obvious. I would have cut it out, personally, but I would still highly recommend this film for the sheer value of its historical content. The love scene was secondary to the overall theme of the film. An awesome task, this film, and to be remembered.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: I just would like to say that anyone who leaves negative reviews on this film because they say 'it wasnt accurate to history' or 'it makes the English seem like tyrants' is stupid. Even if it does, it's a movie, if you don't like the story then don't watch it and please dont leave a bad review because of that. It is a well made movie. Anyway... Braveheart is such a great film!! I haven't seen a movie this good since it came out, even with all the great ones that have came out in the past 5 years. The acting is amazing, the music is sooo amazing, and the story is even better! I guess I could understand if someone just didn't like it because of preference but it makes me mad when people give it bad reviews because it showed the British as being bad people, its rediculous! (and for VINCES, using big words doesn't make you smarter than anyone else)
Rating: 
Summary: Very heroic.
Review: Very heroic, very powerful, very realistic. This is a strong and very solid film.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie, OK DVD
Review: Well deserving of all the Oscars it's received, Braveheart is a must for any movie buff's collection. Short--severely short--on extras, this DVD does have an excellent commentary by director Gibson, but we don't get to see one frame of the hours of extra footage he says he shot! I for one would gladly welcome a double disc version with those sorely missing deleted scenes.
Rating:
Summary: its what TV and DVD is made for
Review: braveheart is a masterpiece,mel gibson is shining like always.
Rating:
Summary: amazing
Review: This is an amazing movie filled with action, romance, and dialog that really makes you think. If you watch movies to learn and their historical accuracy, don't watch it. But if you are someone who watches movies to be thrilled, moved and entertained, this is a must see.
Rating:
Summary: Many years from now, while you are lying....
Review: on your death bed...Do you want to say, "I never saw Braveheart" I don't think so. This movie is outstanding from beginning to end...something for men and women. Hard-knuckle action for the men, and Man loves woman, man loses woman, man gets revenge for losing woman, and man finds another woman for all the women in the audience. This is the kind of movie Mel was born to make, not that silly dressing up like a woman stuff he did with Helen Hunt...what was the name of that? Anyway...You must see this, and buy it. It should be in every DVDites library, PUT IT ON THE TOP SHELF!
Rating:
Summary: Jimmy the mel gibson fan
Review: This movie is a great epic war picture. One of my favorite movies. First mel gibson movie I have seen. I have seen this movie ten times and I still love and never get sick of it and it's an awsome movie. the Dvd is great it has so many features.
The movie just rocks. the part i didn't like is when he died at the end of the movie. Best scene is the first war because he seems very tough in that scene. Mel gibson directs this great picture. Best feature in this dvd is mel gibson interview. See it
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