Release: 1995-05-24
Runtime: 2h 57m (177 minutes)
Enraged at the slaughter of Murron, his new bride and childhood love, Scottish warrior William Wallace slays a platoon of the local English lord's soldiers. This leads the village to revolt and, eventually, the entire country to rise up against English rule.
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Genres: Drama, Action, History, War
Cast: Mel Gibson, Catherine McCormack, Sophie Marceau, more
Mel Gibson
as William Wallace
Catherine McCormack
as Murron MacClannough
Sophie Marceau
as Princess Isabelle
Brian Cox
as Argyle Wallace
Brendan Gleeson
as Hamish Campbell
Tommy Flanagan
as Morrison
James Cosmo
as Campbell
Angus Macfadyen
as Robert the Bruce
Peter Mullan
as Veteran
James Robinson
as Young William Wallace
David O'Hara
as Stephen, Irish Fighter
Alun Armstrong
as Mornay
Enraged at the slaughter of Murron, his new bride and childhood love, Scottish warrior William Wallace slays a platoon of the local English lord's soldiers. This leads the village to revolt and, eventually, the entire country to rise up against English rule.
Every man dies, not every man really lives.
Braveheart is a 1995 American historical drama directed and produced by Mel Gibson, who also stars as the Scottish hero William Wallace. The film tells the story of Wallace's fight for Scotland's independence from English rule during the late 13th century. The film also features Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, and Catherine McCormack. The screenplay was adapted by Randall Wallace from Blind Harry's 15th-century poem about Wallace.
The film's development began at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), where producer Alan Ladd Jr. acquired the rights to the script. After Ladd left MGM during a management change, he took the project with him. Initially hesitant, Gibson decided to direct and star in the film, which was shot in Scotland and Ireland from June to October 1994. The film was produced by Gibson's Icon Productions and The Ladd Company, with distribution handled by Paramount Pictures in North America and 20th Century Fox internationally.
Premiering on May 18, 1995, at the Seattle International Film Festival and releasing in cinemas across the U.S. on May 24, 1995, Braveheart received positive reviews for its action sequences and musical score, despite criticism for historical inaccuracies. The film was a financial success, grossing over $209 million against a budget of $53-$72 million, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.
Set in the year 1280, the film opens with Edward I of England, known as "Longshanks," asserting control over Scotland after the death of its king. Young William Wallace witnesses the English army execute Scottish nobles and loses his father and brother in the conflict. As he grows older, Wallace returns to Scotland and secretly marries his childhood love, Murron. Tragedy strikes when Murron is captured and killed by English soldiers, sparking Wallace's rebellion against English domination.
As Wallace leads his fellow Scots into battle, he defeats the English at the Battle of Stirling before facing challenges from traitorous nobles and the English Crown. The film culminates in Wallace's capture and brutal execution, during which he defiantly cries out for freedom. His legacy inspires the future Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, who ultimately leads Scotland to victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
The film features a talented cast, including:
While Braveheart has become a cultural touchstone, it is often noted for its many historical inaccuracies. Critics have pointed out that events portrayed in the film do not always align with actual history, particularly regarding Wallace's relationships and the portrayal of historical figures. Despite this, the film’s epic storytelling and rousing themes have left a lasting impact on audiences and popular culture.
Over the years, Braveheart has continued to influence films, literature, and discussions about Scottish history and identity, contributing to a resurgence of interest in Scotland's past. This legacy includes the 2019 sequel, Robert the Bruce, which follows the events of Wallace's story.
In conclusion, while Braveheart is celebrated for its grand visuals and powerful performances, it also raises important discussions about historical representation in film and the complexities of national identity.
