Braveheart

Rating:
Summary: Pretty simple stuff.
Review: *Braveheart* must be an influential, if not exactly good, movie: witness its many imitators (*Gladiator*, even Gibson's own *Patriot*). For the handful who haven't seen it, it chronicles the mythic tale of William Wallace, a Scottish commoner who in the early 14th century successfully engineered a movement for independence from England. (Well, it was really Robert I who engineered it, but in this movie the Bruce is ineffectual, to put it kindly. You see, Gibson is portraying WALLACE.) I'm not going to sit here and bash the film; there are so many others that are more worthy of my disdain. Let it be said that *Braveheart* will remind you of those old Hollywood epics featuring a cast of thousands. The point being, the script and characterization are just as hackneyed as any DeMille movie. (Or any movie from the 1930's starring Errol Flynn.) There's a Milady in the form of a French Princess of Wales. There's a wicked King. The characters are either all Bad or all Good, and never mind the attempt at ambiguousness e.g. Robert the Bruce. (He's all Good.) There's the time-honored tradition, old as Seneca, of our hero's blending of personal revenge and patriotism as motivation to fight the injustices of the wicked King. And there's Wallace himself, who seems to be a conflation of several cliched types (Robin Hood, The Man With No Name, Charles Bronson in those *Death Wish* movies, etc. etc.). Your toleration of this movie will depend on how willing you are to tread very, very familiar paths.

As for Mr. Gibson's direction, it's no big deal. Static compositions; close-ups intended to convey Meaning (my favorite was the one where he's atop some mountain, the aerial camera delicately swooping around his tragic face); wistful scenery shots; and an excessive use of slow-motion. In his defense, it must be stated that his battle scenes are really rather well done, inviting unsuccessful imitation (think *Gladiator* -- pee-yew!). Mr. Gibson provides us three hours of all this -- his sophomoric direction, as well as his apparently sado-masochistic tendencies (Wallace is constantly beat up throughout). Some will find it worthwhile; some not. I guess I'm with the latter group.

Rating:
Summary: Top 10 of all times
Review: Since so many people have already written so many great comments, I would just like to say this movie is one of my top 10 movies of all times and everyone should see it! This DVD version is excellent. I especially like the special feature - making of Braveheart.

Rating:
Summary: BY FAR ONE OF THE GREATEST FILMS EVER MADE
Review: This movie was very gory. But I think all that blood tought me that people were crazy back in that time. It was sad at the end but the whole movie was excellent. I have always been interested in that time and Braveheart showed every thing there was to know about that time.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing but bloody...too bloody
Review: For all the excessive violence, this is a compelling film. Not really for the acting but the inspiring story in itself. Sometimes unbearably sad.

Rating:
Summary: A Call To Arms
Review: A man's dream of living free of English rule, inspires hundreds of loyal Scots to fight by William Wallace's side; to take up arms and fight for their one chance of freedom. Beautiful scenery, frighteningly realistic melees, and a wonderful storyline make this movie by far, one of the greatest modern day productions.

Rating:
Summary: Braveheart will endure
Review: "There were times when I tried to be a fair historian, but life is not all about balance, it's about passion, and this story raised my passions."
-Randall Wallace, screenwriter

Passion. That's Braveheart. Few films in recent times have endured anger from historians to the degree Braveheart has. With its flagrant disregard for historical reality, Braveheart is, in a way, a typical Hollywood history lesson. But when the smoke finally clears, there is more to this film than that: Braveheart may be the finest piece of nationalist propaganda in recent film history, as anyone who takes pride in their cultural heritage, and is willing to defend it, will find something in Braveheart to respond to. Granted, there is a danger in placing modern attitudes within an historical setting, as it rarely works and is often insulting. But Braveheart is an exception. And that's because it's just so well made. Indeed, the record of Wallace's life and achievements owes a great deal to the epic poem of Blind Harry the Minstrel, a source more akin to Homer or Euripides than the Encyclopedia Britannica. The entire plot could have been cribbed wholesale from Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces. It grips the viewer on a primal, patriotic level and does not let go. The success of the film depends in no small measure to outstanding performances from the entire cast. Gibson's William Wallace is utterly convincing as a man of peace driven to unimaginable violence by the loss of his love and the cause of his country. McGoohan gives a performance as Longshanks that transcends even Machiavelli and revels in a whole new level of ruthless cunning. O'Hara as Stephen and Gleeson as Hamish bring exactly the right mix of humor and strength to their roles as Wallace's stout supporters and close friends. O'Hara in particular is given some wonderful opportunities by Randall Wallace's Oscar-nominated script. He takes full advantage, able to wring roaring laughter from even the tense moments before a bloody battle. Angus McFayden's portrayal of Robert the Bruce, future King of Scotland is very moving as he shows us a man torn between his conscience and political necessity. In the end, put aside the history book and be prepared to wage war for your freedom.

Rating:
Summary: Storytelling at Its Best.
Review: Braveheart is the story of Scotland's fight for freedom from the English crown. The King, Edward, is cruel, vicious, and clever. Meeting leading men at a peace parley, he murders them. One man, late, finds their bodies hanging from the shafts of a barn. He young son, William Wallace, is there.

The surviving Scotsmen are split. Most, including Wallace's father, die in battle against Edwards army. Afterwards, Wallace is taken away to live with his Uncle Arglye in Europe.

When William returns years later, his home is much like he left it. Edward is King. The Nobles are still divided. Some want to work with Edward and serve him. Some want to fight him, when a chance arises. Wallace just wants to marry and farm. Life isn't always what we plan. William Wallace does marry, but he still finds himself drawn into the war where he becomes a leader of the rebellion. He wins, and loses, many battles. His army grows, and nobles fight with him and scheme against him.

This movie is graphic in detail, especially the battle scenes. War is not glorified. War is a horror. No one watching this film will want to go out and be hacked by a sword. But most people watching will understand why some men will choose to fight and die, rather then live under a king like Edward.

In between the battle scenes, the movie is filled with a story about friendship and love. It has good humor, where appropriate, and twists, turns and surprises which are both shocking, but believable. Mel Gibson did a great job. The man playing King Edward was one of the best villians I have seen. The Princess, the prince; also portrayed wonderfully. In fact, everything about this film is wonderful. It is the best film I have seen in twenty years. My highest recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: A must have for your DVD library
Review: Most people already know this is an outstanding movie and a MUST have for your DVD library. The main reason I did not give it 5 stars was because it focused to much on the battlefield. This is what most people are looking for, including myself. However as I watched the movie (first time 12/23/00) I found myself quite fascinated by the history of Scotland, England, Ireland and France. The movie left me with more questions as to the relationships of those 4 regions back in the 13th century, and how they came to be where they are now. Of course this movie could not go into all of those areas or it would be a 10 hour movie. However the 28 minute making of Braveheart clip, as well as Mel Gibsons commentary throughtout the movie (second time I watched), cleared up many of my questions. Still I find myself scouring the internet looking for more information on William Wallace. For a movie to have peaked my interest that much in a subject surely accomplished what it tried to do and then some....

Rating:
Summary: the best
Review: you have got to get this movie it is the best movie i have ever watched. the fight scenes are great. music is awsome. this is a must have for anyone who likes action movies or mel gipson.

Rating:
Summary: Every man dies, but not every man really lives
Review: Undeniably Mel Gibson's best movie acting-wise and directing-wise. Simply a magical experience set in 13th century Scotland where the natives are fighting for their freedom from England. One man; whose wife was murdered by English soldiers, rised above the crowd and leads his rude band of guerrilla patriots to victory on the battlefield. He is betrayed by the nobles of Scotland who hungered for land and quiet instead of freedom at the cost of lives. William Wallace challenged England like no other man did. The brutality of the two major battles never glorify killing or slaughter, they are simple truths presented. Wallace was executed by the English after being captured. His head was set on London bridge and his legs and arms sent to all four corners of England, but it did not have the effect Edward Longshanks desired. The Scots fought and won their freedom, inspired by one man and motivated by one sword.