They may take our lives, but they may never take our FREEDOM!
Yes I know. How could I have lived 21 years without seeing the masterpiece that is Braveheart? Don't worry, as of October 15th, I have now watched the 89th film on the top 1000 films of all time.
Braveheart focuses on the historical figure of William Wallace (Mel Gibson) a 13th century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First Scottish War of Independence against King Edward "Longshanks" (Patrick Mcgoohan gave a great performance of the cruel ruler) of England, after Wallace's wife is executed by the English.
After I watch films, I tend to read about them on IMDB and it was on IMDB that I learnt that Braveheart is less than historically accurate, despite being based on a number of real-life events. Although, I don't think that this is a problem. Sure there were a number of historical inconsistencies, but there weren't any big enough to detract from the entertainment value of the film. It doesn't claim to be a documentary, but an epic war-drama and on that front I think it works well.
Firstly, I'd like to address the film's three hour long run-time. 3 hours is a long time for any film and rarely have I watched a three hour film and not gotten bored or been praying for it to end: with The Godfather being an exception. However, I think that Braveheart was paced very well. Unlike other three hour films, where I've watched them in two halves, I watched Braveheart in one sitting. I felt engaged throughout and the thought of turning it off and watching the rest in the morning never crossed my mind.
There's no doubt that Braveheart is a tragedy and if you know how things worked out for the real-life William Wallace (not well,) this makes it even more tragic. William Wallace was undoubtedly a tragic hero and his devotion to his cause still rings true today, especially with all of the modern-day wars of independence. Gibson portrays Wallace as an emblem of stoic masculinity going to war to avenge his murdered wife and then to gain freedom for his country. His journey is one that is chartered well with his motivations clearly established early and his development into a darker, more uncompromising character was great to watch. Wallace is an empathetic hero and the dedication he shows to his country is enough to instil patriotic feelings in anyone.
However, Wallace isn't alone in his journey. He is surrounded by a number of his lieutenants who all serve not only as comic relief but also to showcase the loyalty that these men show each other. His four lieutenants include his childhood best friend Hamish (Brendan Gleeson) Hamish's father Elder Campbell (James Cosmo) the mad Irishman Stephen (David O'Hara) and Morrison (Tommy Flanagan) whose wife was the first victim of Primae Noctis. Whilst Hamish's father and Morrison sadly, but rightly die in battle, Hamish and Stephen survive until the end. It was heart-breaking to watch them see Wallace's torture and execution and not be able to do anything about it.
As a war film, Braveheart works well. The battle sequences are brilliantly choreographed and are understandably brutal. War by its very nature is violent and for it to be portrayed in any other way would be insulting to those who fought in it. A criticism I had of the last film I reviewed: Taxi Driver was that there was too much tension-building and not enough pay-out. The same can't be said for Braveheart. I think that the battle sequences were entertaining and satisfactory payloads to all of the tension-building.
Filmed on location in Scotland, but also partially in Ireland, the cinematography is gorgeous with the rugged landscape adding in another element to the film. Finally, I have to discuss the great soundtrack. Composed by James Horner and the London Symphony Orchestra, the main theme tune is uplifting, sad, moving and patriotic all at the same time. It is used throughout during the film adding a great power to some of the film's most crucial sequences.
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