Overview
Mel Gibson directs and stars in this Academy Award-winning epic based on the life of legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero William Wallace. Returning to his homeland following the death of an heirless king, Wallace (Mel Gibson) finds the political landscape precarious. Edward the Longshanks, King of England (Patrick McGoohan), has captured Scotland's throne and threatens the freedom of all Scottish people, as tyrannical policies instituted by the English plague the Scots. Initially, Wallace is content to stand by the wayside, yearning for the simple life of building a home and raising a family. However, when the woman he loves (Catherine McCormack) suffers a cruel fate at the hands of English soldiers, Wallace takes a stand against the new rule. With his fierce patriotism and determination, he gathers an amateur but passionately rebellious army. Although this makeshift force may be outnumbered by the English troops, their desperation and love for their land surpass any military maneuvers, as evidenced in the film's breathtaking battle sequences.
Awards:
1995 - Academy Awards - Best Picture - Winner
1995 - Academy Awards - Best Director - Winner
1995 - Academy Awards - Best Cinematography - Winner
Main Cast & Crew:
Mel Gibson - Director
Mel Gibson
Sophie Marceau
Patrick McGoohan
Catherine McCormack
Brendan Gleeson
James Cosmo
David O'Hara
Angus McFadyen
Peter Hanly
James Robinson
Details
- Format: DVD
- Run Time: 177
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 032429256430
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: R
- Release Date: August 2000
Movie Reviews
Synopsis:
This Academy Award-winning epic, directed by Mel Gibson, tells the saga of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero William Wallace, known to his countrymen as Braveheart. Gibson stars as Wallace, who rallies the Scots against the tyrannical English monarch Edward I after he suffers a personal tragedy at the hands of English soldiers. Willing to fight to the death for Scotland's freedom, Wallace assembles an amateur band of warriors whose faith in freedom is stronger than any English army.
Notes:
Theatrical release: May 24, 1995.
BRAVEHEART was shot on location in Ireland and Scotland, and at Ardmore Film Studios.
Mel Gibson's brother, Donal, played Stewart in the film.
Cinematographer John Toll won the Oscar for Best Cinematography two years in a row: in 1995 for LEGENDS OF THE FALL and in 1996 for BRAVEHEART.
"And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom?"--William Wallace (Mel Gibson), addressing his soldiers (often quoted as "They may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom.")
Reviews:
"...This rousing, romantic adventure is laced with sorrow and savagery....With breathtaking skill, Gibson captures the exhilaration and horror of combat in some of the most vivid battle scenes ever filmed..." - 06/15/1995 Rolling Stone, p.85-6
"...Uncommonly passionate....A storm-the-castle spectacle..." -- 4 out of 4 stars - 05/24/1995 USA Today, p.1D
"...A bracing, visceral war adventure..." -- 3 out of 5 stars - A Satisfying Rental - 12/01/2000 Premiere, p.97
"...A muscular and brutal medieval war movie....Marceau and McCormack both cut striking figures....Gibson's central performance is also strong..." - 05/22/1995 Variety
"...BRAVEHEART is a full throated, red-blooded battle epic....Gibson plays his role with flamboyance, and cuts it with sly humor..." - 05/24/1995 Chicago Sun-Times, p.55
5 stars out of 5 -- "[B]loody, stirring...still sending a shiver up the spine." - 04/01/2008 Ultimate DVD, p.93
