Rating: 
Summary: Rousing epic is simply fantastic entertainment!
Review: Mel Gibson stars as William Wallace, a Scotsman who leads his people in revolt against the conquering British. Gibson's second directorial attempt is a towering achievement, with the bloody battle sequences and rousing speeches standing out. Other outstanding accomplishments: James Horner's score is superb, Mel Gibson gives a powerful performance, and Catherine McCormack and Sophie Marceau are gorgeous beauties. A stirring epic that works on every level it aspires.
Rating: 
Summary: Lost Ideals
Review: In "Braveheart" Mel Gibson stars as the Scottish hero William Wallace. Wallace was a late 13th century Scot who attempted to block English encroachment into Scotland. Wallace was the son of an upper class farmer but not a member of the landed elites who ruled Scotland. Those Scottish elites tended to go along with English influence so long as they maintained control of their wealth."Braveheart" is a mostly accurate depiction of Wallace's life. Certain events in the movie, like the sack of York, never really happened; but, the spirit of the movie remains true. Wallace was not just a warrior, he was also a defender of Scottish independence and of the lower classes. There are other aspects of the movie that leave a little to be desired, such as the depiction of England. Too often we view history through our own eyes instead of through those of the past. Modern conscience dictates that what England did in Scotland, in that time period, be viewed as criminal. However, by the standards of the day, England was just doing what was necessary to conquer a foreign land. Constant warfare was a fact of life in Europe at this time and the British Isles were no different. "Braveheart" is the kind of movie that provides both entertainment and an endorsement of certain values that Hollywood deemed passe a long time ago. "Braveheart" celebrates such things as patriotism, honor, courage, and freedom. These are concepts long forgotten in too much of American society, especially the entertainment industry. "Braveheart" is an excellent example of how these ideals can be combined with an exciting story to produce, not only a good movie, but a profitable one too.
Rating:
Summary: NOT RACIST
Review: Just wanted to write a few words about Braveheart's main theme, the battle by the Scottish people against the oppressive English forces that had invaded and occupied Scotland many times. How can it be rascist to represent the invaders of a small peaceful country as the arrogant tyrants and the oppressed people of the invaded nation fighting for their freedom as the heroes? The point is the English did invade Scotland (and other countries) many times and did commit many atrocities such as slaughtering whole villages (such as Berwick), women and children included. Scottish forces only struck back against England with ten times the population and an army ten times as large and well equipped, in revenge and defiance. Unfortunately it seems that many English people do not want to believe that there country ever did anything wrong (hence their dislike of Braveheart, The Patriot, Rob Roy etc.). All countries have had tyrannical rulers and/or done things during their history to be ashamed of. Why should England be any different? After all many English people still always like to speak badly of the French or the Germans as if they are enemies, having never forgotten The Battle of Hastings in 1066 or the Germans for the second world war. It may be worth remembering that the English monarchy were actually descended from the French, and that the current monarchy is descended from Scots, Dutch and more recently Germans and that Prince Charles and his siblings are all half Greek. The first legitimate King of a united Scotland and England was also a Scotsman King James VI of Scotland, King James I of Britain. So please dont call Braveheart racist and dont be ashamed about things your country did hundreds of years ago, to quote Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting"it's not your fault", "no, its not your fault" . Braveheart does have its faults and some of the changes of historical fact may have been slightly unnecessary, although most to be truthful are irrelevant. Point is its essence is based on a true story of a small nation led by a very courageous man overcoming great odds to defeat an invading army and lead his country back to freedom. Its an entertaining movie, which has inspired an interest in history that many people previously did not have and that should be applauded.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie
Review: Good lord did i enjoy this great film. mel gibson gives a great performance as the brave William Wallace, the leader of the infamous scottish revolt against england in the 13th century. terrific battle scenes you gotta buy this movie just for the history alone.
Rating:
Summary: Continues to Amaze and Excite...
Review: Mel Gibson took not only a page, but a whole chapter out of David Lean's book when he directed this. The cinematogrophy is nothing short of brilliant. The sweeping shots of the Scotland countryside, the beautiful fields, the mountains, the forests, etc... are breathtaking. There hasn't been anything like it since Lawrence of Arabia. A bold statement perhaps, seeing as there have been many films made between 1962 and 1995, but I feel confident in making it. Moving on, the actual story in this movie is riveting. It follows the life of a Scottish man named William Wallace (interestingly enough, the script was written by Randal Wallace, a descendent of the real-life main character) who starts a rebellion against England to win Scotland's freedom after an English lord kills his wife. The battle scenes in this movie are the most graphic you will have ever seen. And I'm including SPR. It says on the back of the DVD box that this was rated R for "brutal medieval warfare" and it sure as hell isn't kidding. You see people getting shot with arrows, smashed with what looks to be a twenty pound sledge hammer, hacked with swords, stabbed through with spears, and on and on. The worst part for me, though, was when it showed the English lord's throat being slit. For some reason, I just can't stand to see that. It makes me rub my neck and grimace everytime I watch it. I can stand all the other stuff just fine, though. Go figure... Anyway, this isn't one of those movies you watch with your ten year old. The DVD is okay, but nothing real special. The documentary is one of those 25 minute things that is half promotional. You get to see a little about how Mel directed it, and how the battle scenes were shot, but it really leaves something to be desired. The commentary is pretty good, though. It's just Mel, talking about the movie. It's interesting, and that alone makes it better than a lot of commentaries. Overall, you get the feeling that there is a special edition DVD lurking in the future. A movie of this magnitude simply deserves more than a trailer, a commentary, and a little promotional "documentary". So, if you truly love this movie, get it now. The sound and picture are simply astounding, and it does have some extras, but if you can wait, I suggest you do. You don't want to have to shell out money for this and then do it again when the SE comes out. But hey, I did it.
Rating:
Summary: " They will never take our Freedom"!!!
Review: Mel Gibson stars as " William Wallace" in this Popular and award winning epic that is incredibly amazing and brutal at the same time. It's where is a Scottish leader with troops to defend Scotland against the english, no words can describe this movie.
Go See it!!!
Rating:
Summary: Greatest film of the past decade.
Review: Heck the past 2 or 3 decades for that matter. I can't beleive you haven't seen it yet. Why are you reading this? GO WATCH IT!
Rating:
Summary: An adventure romance film, which is Based on a True Fact.
Review: William Wallace (Mel Gibson in a Strong Role, also the film`s director) is a Scottish Rebel, who returns home to fall in love with an young beautiful woman (Catherine McCormack) but when she was Killed by the English Officers. William, later kills them and then starting a war with Warriors, trying to Keep the Peace between His Land and against the British for Freedom. He`s up against the Cruel English Ruler named Edward the Longshanks (Patrick McGoohan), who wishes to have the Crown to become ruler of Scotland. When he was a young man, William`s Family has been killed by fighting the Wars to Free Scotland. But Troubles Start, when William falls in love with the Queen of England (Sophie Marceau) but William`s Quest will be long journey with the help of a man named Robert The Bruce (Angus MacFadyen) to fight and Free Scotland, forever. Directed by Mel Gibson (The Man Without a Face) has made a Important film, Winner of Five Academy Awards including:Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Make-Up and Best Cinematography:John Toll (Also Oscar Winner for the Underrated film:Legends of the Fall). Oscar Nominated for:Best Original Screenplay, Best Music Score, Best Sound, Best Editing and Best Costume Design. A Sharp well made film. DVD has an strong anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an terrific Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD Extras are:An running Commentary Track by Director:Mel Gibson and a 25 Minute Featurette. The only thing is Missing in this DVD are:The Deleted Scenes was Aired in National Broadcast Network (NBC) back in 1999. Mel Gibson outdid himself with this film. Panavision. Grade:A.
Rating:
Summary: It was good, but, You have distorted the true story
Review: William Wallace was indeed a scottish patriot, but according to this movie he was more than that. This movie was excellent besides the fact its supposed to be historical. Yes, some facts were true, but lots was ...for you to root for one side of the other. Lots of the core elements of Wallace's character remained, but by fictionalising, romantising, and adding more victories they ruined the true story. ANYONE WHO WATCHES THIS MOVIE I SUGGEST: first: Know that this movie is not completely factional, do NOT base your public oppinions on this movie!
Second: Study up on that period of Scottish History
Third: Come up with your own views of what happened
and
Fourth: Even though the movie has alot of non-needed material, ENJOY IT!
Rating:
Summary: Don't look too far into it!
Review: I am writing this short review after reading the one by Matt Ruby (wish I had the link...it was the third review I came across). You shouldn't disect this film for its historical accuracy. That was not the purpose of Mel Gibson's movie. The movie is based on history, but very loosly. The primary goal was to entertain...and so it did! Forget Gladiator and The Patriot (though they were entertaining films); this is the best epic of the last 20 years. If you can sit through this film and not be entertained you are either 1) dead or 2) an arrogant Brit (*cough* Matt Ruby *cough*) who is too self-endulged with fantasies of England being the greatest, most powerful country in the world to realize the truth.
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