The movie 'Braveheart' was directed by Mel Gibson. The screenplay for this film was written by Randall Wallace. The wonderful music was composed by James Horner and the costumes were designed by Charles Knode. The main producers of the movie were Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey, Dean Lopata, Elizabeth Robinson and Alan Ladd Jr.
The movie tells a very important part of the history of Scotland. It may seem strange that it was not made by the Scots, but by people from different parts of the world. The director of the film is Australian and it was financed by American and Japanese film industry.
The whole movie shows us the life story of William Wallace. He was one of the greatest Scottish heroes, who eagerly wanted to protect his country against the abusive power of England. The Movie gives us a good review of the history of this country. Already as a child, William is dedicated to his ideas and very tough. He murders his father, and soon becomes one of the most powerful and influential protectors of Scotland. He has to suffer much, but at the same time he gains power and respect among people. Wallace is ready to sacrifice his life for his land and its people. He fights many battles before he gets captured by the English. He is tortured and dies for his ideals. However, his fame is never to be forgotten.
Although the authors of the movie claim that it tells the true story of William Wallace, it is not really true. In fact, history is presented in a Hollywood-like style in this film, so as to attract greater audience. However, watching this movie may be really great fun. In some media it was said that 'Braveheart' is an anti-English film, but in my opinion, it really shows many different characters and traits of different people. Both English and Scottish people have their rights and both do some things wrong. The viewer may judge them on his own.
The main character of the story is William Wallace- played by Mel Gibson- the great Scottish hero. He lived in the second part of the 13th century and he spent his life fighting for the independence and freedom of Scotland. He organized his own group of 'soldiers' (mostly farmers) and they fought against the army of King Edward I- played by Patrick McGoohan. This British King made himself the king of Scotland and wanted to rule the country in his own way.
At the beginning of the movie, we get to know young Wallace, who falls in love with Murron. Unfortunately, she gets killed by the English people. There appear many political plots in this film. There are rich people pf Scotland, the landowners, who fight against the English only to protect their wealth. William Wallace becomes the protector of the poor. He organizes many rebellions all around Scotland and England. He becomes widely known as a hero or as a slayer. Together with his people, he murders the English magistrate. Wallace is powerful enough to organize and prepare his own 'army' to the great battle of Stirling, where he attains the victory over English army. He becomes a knight for being such brave and dedicated leader. As he is not only a great leader, but a charming man as well, he gets the trust of the Welsh Princess. The princess becomes very helpful for the Scots and she informs them abut English plans, which helps the Scots win several battles.
I must admit that I was really amazed by the play of the actors in this movie. Mel Gibson created a truly charming and charismatic character. Patrick McGoohan as King Edward is really terrifying- when he appears on the screen, you can feel the cold shiver. He is ruthless and very intelligent. Princess Izabelle, played by Sophie Marceau, is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
It is true that this movie is full of bloody and very violent scenes. But all what happens there has its own sense. All details of the fights and of real life of Scottish people make the movie more realistic and reliable. There are some scenes, which I find totally theatrical. For example, when we see the women and children crying over their husbands and fathers, who died in a battle. Gibson wants to show us that all wars have two sides- one may be glorious, but the other is always tragic.
Mel Gibson won two Oscars for this movie (as the director and as the main actor). In my opinion the music composed by James Horner should have be awarded the Oscar as well. This soundtrack is truly amazing. Horner used all kinds of old traditional Scottish instruments. Together with an orchestra, they sound really wonderful and mesmerizing. The music made me as w viewer completely charmed. Its role in this film is even more significant than some of the characters. The main musical theme is repeated several times, but in many different versions and styles. At one moment it is cheerful, at the other- terrifying. The best known parts of the soundtrack are 'The Battle of Stirling', 'Freedom' (the Execution) and 'Sons of Scotland'. In my opinion, James Horner proved to be a really gifted composer. His way of illustrating different themes and emotions by music makes the whole movie really worth seeing.
I would recommend seeing this film to everyone. I am almost sure that many people may find something interesting for themselves in it. Some will like the music, the others will admire the deeds of the main hero. For me the most important thing in this movie is underlying the importance of freedom. 'Braveheart' is definitely one of the best movies I have ever seen.
