Fantastic story line, great scenary, memorable music
Disadvantages:
The battle scenes are a bit graphic and definitely not for children to see
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Prior to seeing the movie Braveheart I have to admit I never even heard of one of Scotland's greatest fighters for freedom, that is, William Wallace and I like to think I'm a history buff. But what can I say? Being a fan of Mel Gibson I wanted to see this movie. And believe me I wasn't disappointed.
William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) born ca.1272 was to become a pivotal leader and renegade against the oppressive dominating British rule headed by Edward the first, also known as Longshanks (Patrick McGoohan). When William Wallace is just a boy, his brother and father are killed during an ambush, of what was supposed to be negotiations between several peasant Scotsmen, and members of Longshanks' army. He is taken away by his only remaining family, his uncle.
Years pass and we see a grown William Wallace return to his homeland, where at the time a joyous festival of a wedding is taking place. An army of the King's soldiers takes away the newly married bride under the enforced law of primae noctis. To go against this decree is to go against the law.
Wallace reunites with Murron, who as a little girl had given him a thistle at the funeral of his brother and father are killed. A romantic union occurs and they decide to marry in secret to avoid the primae noctis decree. However, their union is discovered and Murron is tied to a stake and her throat slashed by a member of the King's army. In revenge, Wallace comes back into town and with the help of the townsfolk, manages to kill several members of the army, and the soldier who had killed Murron by enacting the same cruel killing...that is tying him to the stake and slashing the throat.
His rebelness begins in earnest and is backed by the townsfolk, and later more and more men join up with him as news of his populartity spreads as the leader who wishes to overthrow British rule.
There is a love interest in the movie, besides Murron. After her death, the King's daughter in law, Princess Isabelle (played by Sophie Marceau) is sent to negotiate with Wallace. She is impressed by him and later on is instrumental is foiling a lot of the King's plans and even saves his life by warning him of a trap by the King's army to trap him
The storyline is magnificent, filled with a lot of action, betrayal amongst Wallace's one people which consequently eventualy leads to the capture of Wallace and his execution.
The location of the movie (Scotland of course) is breathtaking, the music scored by one of the best composers, James Horner is magnificent.
If you love historical movies this is a must see movie. Not only did Mel Gibson star in this movie but he also directed, and the movie won numerous Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
More details
Story
Excellent
Characters/Performances
Excellent
Special Effects
Very impressive
Soundtrack
Excellent
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DVD - Action/Adventure - 1953 - Starring: Brian Aherne, Bobby Breen, Audrey Dalton, Thelma Ritter, Richard Basehart, Robert Wagner, Barbara Stanwyck, Clifton Webb - Director: Jean Negulesco
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