Mel Gibson's Braveheart

The film Braveheart (Mel Gibson, 1995) tells an epic story in traditional Hollywood epic fashion. The story is drawn from history, but the film is not a history but a fictionalized and romanticized account that some critics see as generally faithful to history while others see it as veering too far from the real story. Many of the characters portrayed in the film, among them William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Edward I, Princess Isabella, Prince Edward, and the Sheriff of Lanark, were historical figures. One critic noted of the film,

Although it may pretend to present a true depiction of the events of that time, it's really just Hollywood glamorizing the story again. This does not in any way detract from the main reason you should be watching this filmfor enjoyment (Hong).

Critic roger Ebert also points out the historical failings of the film while noting its power as entertainment:

Gibson is not filming history here, but myth. William Wallace may have been a real person, but Braveheart owes more to Prince Valiant, Rob Roy and Mad Max. Once we understand that this is not a solemn historical reconstruction (and that happens pretty fast), we accept dialogue that might otherwise have an uncannily modern tone, as when Braveheart issues his victory ultimatum to the English: "Scotland's terms are that your commander present himself in front of our army, put his head between his legs and kiss his ." Uh, huh (Ebert).

While Braveheart's version of the life of Wi

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partner in Murray. Still, Wallace did lead his men on a deadly raid all the way to County Durham, England, in October, but in November, he and his men had to return to Scotland to wait out the bitter winter, at which time he reconsolidated his forces ("The History Behind Braveheart"). In March of 1298, Wallace was knighted, possibly by Robert the Bruce himself, in Tor Wood. He was also appointed Guardian of Scotland at the same time: The fact that a man of his means was appointed to such a potentially powerful position indicates how revered he was by the nobles for his role in trying to free Scotland, and how dear to the Scots nobles freedom was ("The History Behind Braveheart"). History shows no evidence that Wallace ever misused the power given to him by the nobles, and instead, he used it to the best of his ability to rally the commoners and the nobles around him to fight the English. Indeed, Wallace remained steadfast and did not waiver from his goal of freedom for Scotland ("The History Behind Braveheart"). Edward I and his men finally headed for Scotland in July of 1298, seeking to end the rebellion, and Wallace prepared for this in his own way: One of Wallace's tactics was to move all livestock and people fr

Category: Film - M