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Braveheart
Theatrical release: May 24, 1995
Starring:
Mel
Gibson
Actors: Sophie
Marceau Patrick
McGoohan Catherine
McCormack
Director: Mel
Gibson
Rated: R (MPAA) for brutal
medieval warfare
Run Length: 177 min
Writer: Randall Wallace
Reviewed by Peter Veugelaers Ó
2001:
- See it or die!
Although Mel
Gibson’s epic Braveheart is set in 12th century Scotland and director
Gibson’s retelling of the life of nationalist hero William Wallace is peppered with untruths
it is more akin to legend and myth than puritanical history. Based in history and actual
events, the persona of William Wallace as told in Braveheart as an unconquerable,
intelligent and heroic man, almost with a sense of unapproachableness, provides the kind of
character that fables and legends are wrought.
Gibson
provides authentic and salient characters, story telling finesse and unforgettable poignancy
- so creates something more powerful and visceral than any historical documentary could
conjure. The overtly gruesome and fabulously crafted battle sequences and dramatic finale
are expressive touchstones building the film’s muscle.
Braveheart
prods audiences to emphasise with the Scottish and their hero, Wallace. Film has a knack for
hammering the British psyche and a film like Gandhi, as in Braveheart, informs
the young and reminds the old of how pervasive the English were in occupying territories. As
Edward 1st, King of England and ruler of Scotland, Patrick McGoohan as the
villainous and calculating bully, provides an unfortunate reflection of all that this film
abhors about the English.
It is notable for outstanding and complex ensemble performances. McGoohan stands
out from the other performers with his icy and gravely demeanour mixed with a smug and
smouldering temperament. Angus MacFadyen as Robert the Bruce convincingly portrays the
ambiguities of his character, one sworn to allegiance with the Scottish nobles and the
English, and the other of the wakened conscience stirred by Wallace of uncompromised
Scottish sovereignty.
Brendan Gleeson as Wallace’s close friend heads brilliant acting by the band of
Scottish cronies, creating earthy highlander characterisations.
James Horner’s score and John Toll’s luminously grey and cobalt blue
cinematography add to well-structured and dense storytelling and plenty of emotional
ricochets.
Notes:
BRAVEHEART was shot on location in Ireland and Scotland, and at
Ardmore Film Studios.
Mel Gibson's brother, Donal, played Stewart in the film.
Cinematographer John Toll won the Oscar for Best Cinematography
two years in a row: in 1995 for LEGENDS OF THE FALL and in 1996
for BRAVEHEART.
"And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be
willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one
chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies
that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our
freedom?"--William Wallace (Mel Gibson), addressing his
soldiers (often quoted as "They may take our lives, but
they'll never take our freedom.")
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