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Braveheart
Mel Gibson
(1995)
179min
15 Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
Tom Hutchinson
Mel Gibson directs this 13th-century saga of Scottish revolt against English tyranny with a claymore-like flourish, defying the criticism that there are moments as bogus as plastic haggis. He also stars, portraying William Wallace as a medieval, woad-smeared
Mad Max
-like hero, a rebel leader and rabble rouser, an intrepid champion from the mould of Hollywood heroes, made believable by the grace of the star. However, if he's a wartime resistance leader in the style of Robin Hood with a comely Maid Marion in the shape of Sophie Marceau then Patrick McGoohan as the villainous King Edward "Longshanks" is a jeering, sneering cliché too far - the Sheriff of Nottingham with his own portable torture chamber. As director, Gibson's control over thousands of extras, in the swift succession of gruesome hand-to-hand battles, is as effective as anything in Laurence Olivier's
Henry V
. But when the action moves in for the emotional kill, the film loses credibility - Wallace's disdain at his own disembowelment being a prime example. Yet, for all its stereotypes and disparities, there is a nicely judged air of political cynicism, as noblemen switch allegiances as easily as horses. It succeeds in bringing to life the reality of Scottish patriotism and brilliantly captures the spirit of revolution. Little wonder it won an Oscar for best picture.
Summary
Account of the life of medieval Scottish hero William Wallace. After the slaughter of his father and brother, young Wallace is taken in by his uncle, who teaches him how to use not only his brawn but his brain - which he employs to great effect years later when he resolves to drive the English out of Scotland. Oscar-winning historical epic, directed by and starring Mel Gibson. With Patrick McGoohan, Sophie Marceau and Catherine McCormack.
Cast & Crew
William Wallace
Mel Gibson
Princess Isabelle
Sophie Marceau
"Longshanks", King Edward I
Patrick McGoohan
Murron
Catherine McCormack
Hamish
Brendan Gleeson
Campbell
James Cosmo
Stephen
David O'Hara
Robert the Bruce
Angus MacFadyen
Leper
Ian Bannen
Prince Edward
Peter Hanly
Malcolm Wallace
Sean Lawlor
Argyle Wallace
Brian Cox (1)
Mornay
Alun Armstrong
Director
Mel Gibson
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
20th Century Fox Film Co. Ltd
Guidance:
Violence, swearing, a sex scene and brief nudity.
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
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