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 film for 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 William Wallace is in part fictional, this is not surprising given that so little is actually known of the real William Wallace. Still, critics have found much to criticize regarding the historical inaccuracies in the film.
William Wallace is a true hero to the Scots, and he was a real historical figure whose life was similar in certain respects to the depiction in the film. As noted, though, details of that life are sketchy. He was born at Eldersl...