Braveheart

1995 • 177 minutes

About this movie

A richly detailed saga of power, passion, and the fight for freedom with Mel Gibson as William Wallace, a bold Scotsman who rallies his countrymen to liberation from oppressive English rule. Winner of five Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, BRAVEHEART is “the most sumptuous and involving historical epic since Lawrence of Arabia” (Rod Lurie, Los Angeles Magazine).

Ratings and reviews

"Braveheart” is one of the best movies ever made in Hollywood history. The movie is about a Scotsman named William Wallace and his fight for the freedom of the Scottish people, from the oppression of King Edward I of England. The scenery of the filming locations in Scotland and Ireland are beautiful and breathtaking. The cinematography is spectacular. The movie sets, costumes, and the weapons are very well made. Every emotion of human existence, from suffering to courage to love is depicted. The acting is superb. Mel Gibson does a phenomenal job in his role as William Wallace. Mel Gibson perfectly captures the spirit of Wallace. Patrick McGoohan does an excellent job in portraying King Edward I as a very vicious and hateful villain. Brendan Gleeson brings strength and humor to his role as Hamish. Catherine McCormack is stunningly gorgeous and was simply wonderful as Murron. The rest of the cast are excellent. William Wallace's emotional speech at the Battle of Stirling still is inspirational and is still one of the best movie battle quotes ever. James Horner provides a sweeping and majestic music score that is incredibly powerful. The battles in the movie are truly impressive with swords hacking off limbs, lances thrusting into the cavalry’s horses, axes penetrating skulls, hammers pounding faces and arrows piercing armor and flesh. The battle scenes are groundbreaking and upfront, the senses of comradeship, love, patriotism, and courage. The plot is sprawling, the romances are passionate, and the emotions are let out with uninhibited fury. "Braveheart" is an epic masterpiece in every way.

Fantastic movie, I still remember when this came out in the theaters and hearing all the hype not caring about it as my teenage mind had other things. Then one day I saw it on cable and it blew my mind how wonderful of a story it was. I have seen this movie numerous times and the sound-score is absolutely amazing. Mel Gibson did a fantastic job with the characters and their particular roles. You hated the villains and felt the struggle of freedom from a people that just wanted to be free.

Historical inaccuracies aside, epic, sprawling dramatization of the Scots War for independence vs England. Edward I "Longshanks" (a GREAT king in actuality) King of England, wages war & William Wallace rises to become "Protector and Guardian of all Scotland", i.e Ruler in all but name. History is unsure of why Wallace rises up against the English, but here it's based on a secret marriage & rejection of "First Night"(was not enforced) leading to a wife soon murdered. Tragic story, tho uplifting!