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Visitors Review

Fission Atom 2013-05-17 03:48:56

An astonishing film

There are seldom films that really make an impression on me. I must sayI was expecting a lot from Braveheart as Mel Gibson directed it, lotsof good actors were involved, and the era it depicts is ratherinteresting (at least to me); when the final credits started I wasshocked (in a positive manner naturally). The acting, fight scenes and direction are excellent, pictures ofScotland's scenery beautiful and as if that weren't enough, there's themusic. It is literally breathtaking with every small part of the filmfitting with it.It is an astonishing movie, and I highly recommend it.Cheers, Fission

jago_turner 2013-05-16 12:39:13

Idiotic, two dimensional, anti historic claptrap

For a Scotsman watching this film there can only be the sense of some ofthemost vital legends of a country being raped and pillaged by Hollywood.Disgusting in its sentimental Mad Maxisation of a historical character ofgreat mythic importance to another nation this just goes to show how thefinancial weight of Hollywood has more influence over popular opinionthanthe entire sweep of history. Idiotic beyond belief. Two dimensionallyracistin its depiction of both Scots and English. Disregarding any truth ofwhatis known about WIlliam Wallace. Shame on everyone who helped put ittogether.

G-Man-21 2013-05-15 06:12:45

An emotional classic

This movie is one that I have seen several times. The real depth of thismovie is not only found in the story, it is found in the acting. Theactingin this movie, when combined with the magnificent score, provides anexperience that is rare in modern movies. Braveheart is at once moving andexciting. This movie is truly a must see. The graphic violence isprobablythe heaviest this side of Saving Private Ryan, so beware. But similar toSaving Private Ryan, the violence is used to tell the story, not to shock.I am always impressed by this movie and it is absolutely one of the mostemotional movies out there.

Jill Of All Trades 2013-05-14 10:10:08

Mel Gibson IS William Wallace

...in a film that continues to be an inspiration of all those vaguelyromantic adventures we all dream about. This film deserved every Oscar itnabbed.The score set the tone of the film perfectly, and the cast was superb -- thestandout of course being Mel himself, with those beautiful eyes of his thatare so blue they nearly glow in the dark. But his performance did not put toshame any of the others who worked just as hard to make this filmbelievable. It may not have been historically accurate, but Hollywoodhistory is oftentimes more fun to watch than actual events.It's a story that has everything: love, war, torn relationships, adventure,and is an epic-sized tale of the birth of a nation. I continue to be blownaway by this movie every single time I pop it in and watch it. It's justthat amazing.But my critique won't do the film enough justice. All I can say is that inevery way Braveheart is a winner. My score is a 4.8 out of 5...I had toscratch off a bit, since the movie was a bit depressing in more ways thanone...but its sadness was not unjustified. A definite must-have.

2013-05-12 19:26:49

Excellent movie, even if it lacks historical accuracy.

The story of William Wallace and his struggle to free Scotland is beautifully brought to the screen by Mr. Gibson and his excellent cast. Although not personally familiar with the history behind the man, I understand that Mr. Gibson took liberties with facts, but it is commonly understood that Hollywood will sacrifice accuracy for entertainment.The plot is simple: Scotland is under the yoke of Britain and its evil ruler. Wallace, brought brought up outside Scotland, returns upon reaching manhood to his village and his people where he falls in love. Although trying to live in peace, the English oppression on his people prove to be too much, and he takes up arms against the powerful enemy to the south.There are, of course, the requesite battle scenes, despicable actions by the king to show how truly evil he is, as well as the double-crossing and the romance. However, the scope and scale of the movie is truly breath-taking. The battles are long, arduous affairs, with decapitations, mutilations and lots of blood. Think "Saving Private Ryan" meets people with really big axes. But the battles are not merely graphic; they are beautifully choreographed, and extremely well shot. The spectator can follow the action and understand the tactics involved.Ms. Marceau brings fire and strength to the role of the English King's daughter-in-law. She is introduced as a pawn of the King, but she reveals to much more than that.My complaint of the movie is that the pacing is a bit off. Three quarters into the movie, it reaches a point where I thought the movie was over. All of a sudden, the plot resumes. The ending is also a bit too dramatic, but then again, we are dealing with larger-than-life characters.Overall, this is a highly recommendable movie, and definitely a must-see for all Mel Gibson fans.

Caledonia Twin #1 2013-05-12 09:53:21

The Best Film ever Made

I think I was about four years old the first time I climbed the tediouslytiring thousand steps to the top of Wallace's monument outside Stirling, 7miles from my Papa's house in Dunipace, Stirlingshire. So of course, I havealways heard the stories of William Wallace, heroic patriot of Scotland, butnever before had Wallace's story seemed so real, so tragic, so compellingand noble, as the first time I saw it realized in glorious color as it wasin Braveheart. Though since I first saw the film in May 1995, I have heardsome people criticize the historical inaccuracies of Braveheart, I can sayfor my part that this film brings to life the essence of Scottish spirit andScottish pride as many Scots understand it, and that is ever so much moreimportant than the force of any nit-picking negative criticism launchedtowards Braveheart. The power of what Braveheart conveys on an emotionallevel is reason enough for all Scots to value the film, but it also appealsto what is universal in all people and what all of us value, yearn for, andfight for: Braveheart appeals to our sense of justice and forces us to askourselves the question, "What price is any one man--am I--willing to pay forfreedom?" It shows us the unconquerable spirit of one man and one nation,and kindles in us all a new sense of our own fortitude, strength, andvalour. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed by this film, in myopinion, perhaps the best, or at least the most enjoyable, film ever made.

2013-05-08 19:16:39

The Best Movie Of All Time!

This movie needs to introduction, and needs only one word to describe it. "The Best Movie Of All Time" Mel Out did himself with an incredible plot, and the most realistic setting posible. It's 3 and 1/2 hours long, and you can't take your eyes off it for a second. If you haven't seen this movie. Your Crazy. Watch It!

raymondbiggers 2013-05-08 05:32:56

Greatest movie ever

had the DVD, i don't know where i got it from. so i said what the heck,i'll go ahead and watch it. so, it started and it was cool for a while.the more i watched it, the more i understood it. that movie is thegreatest movie that i have ever seen. it shows the loyalty and theheart of a man(william wallace) to fight for what he wants and it alsoshows the cowardly people that just want to get what they can. if theyhad stuck together they could have had it all or least what was theirs,because william wallace was not a greedy person, he just did not wantto be ruled by anyone anymore. that movie is real, it is how a lot ofsocieties are today, their are some fighters out there, but no one cando it alone. most people are afraid to lose what they have now, if theyonly understood if you fight for what is right, you will have whatbelongs to you. that is how many countries were born(including u.s.a)revolution is the answer to many questions. if you have nothing tofight for----you have nothing to live for. COWARD

denogla 2013-05-05 12:12:41

Emotional

This film mightn't mean much to Americans but for the Scots and Irish,Mel Gibson couldn't have done a better job in capturing and portrayingall the emotions of a proud nation - love, hate, revenge, betrayal toname but a few. The battle scenes are immense with the extras doing agreat job to portray the savagery of battle during this time period.Mel couldn't have asked for a better support cast in Brendan Gleeson,Sophie Marceau, David O' Hara and Patrick McGoohan is magnificent asLongshanks. This film will test all your emotions both good and bad,leave you on the edge of your seat and truly if your Scottish, give youa great sense of pride. Well done Mel

Jane 2013-05-04 17:16:52

Too brutal...

I watched the movie on video and I had to stop at the public torture part.I went back after I gathered enough courage and fast forwarded till Wallacedied. I am still very upset. This is too brutal. How could anyone bearthe scene? Why?

gandalfwiz10 2013-05-04 14:13:41

Brawling and Powerful

A magnificent movie. Mel Gibson sure deserves some credit. He directedand acted as the main character. He created a magnificent movie. Itstarts out in Scotland, with Edward the Longshanks ruling over it, acruel pagan leader as the Scots say. Finally the Scots rebel, led byWallace, his rebellion triggered by the death of someone close to him.His close confidantes are hilarious. The Irish man, his old best friendHamish and his fiery father, are the best supporting characters I'veseen in a long time. Funny and loyal. The performances of EdwardLongshanks and Robert the Bruce are great, as with the Princess ofWales. Their awe/love/hate of Wallace all leads to a climatic ending,that inspires a raw spirit within you to rise up. Its powerful andchock full of emotion. The brawling part comes from the explicitviolence. But in truth, that was how I would've imagined a movie likethis being. Its skimps on nothing, throughout everything else it showsScotland how it really was. Why should it skimp on the brutalities ofwar? Beheadings, slitting of throats, impaling, the list never ends.But it fits with what the movie is. Its a movie monument to the need offreedom. Stunning. 8/10

jpgburnett 2013-05-04 01:08:36

Wallace or Gibson? (possible light spoilers)

If anybody who reads this has ever read one of my other reviews, they willknow that they tend to be long and that I always have lots tosay.Not so with Braveheart. The film does not leave much to say. It's the hugelyhistorically inaccurate film of Scottish hero William Wallace's life: thedeath of his father, his life with his uncle, the tragedy that leads him tofight the English, his victory at Sterling and his eventual downfall. Allthis sadly directed by and starring the ever-awful Mel Gibson, boasting anabsolutely pathetic accent. I should know, my family'sScottish!It's a shame, because apart from Gibson, it's quite an enjoyable romp. It'sno Oscar-deserver (1995 should have gone to The Usual Suspects and The Cure,the latter didn't even get any nominations, a travesty!), but it's fun. ButGibson manages to cross time and become Gibson of the 13th century. Wallaceis just a Scottish Martin Riggs of Lethal Weapon or Porter from Payback. Andthey were suspending belief for the 1990s, he becomes ridiculoushere.The supporting cast, on the hand, is quite good. Ian Bannan gives a good,albeit unbelievable performance as Robert the Bruce's leper father, the kidwho plays his son is marvellously expressive (one to watch) and Robert theBruce is well-played by Aidan Quinn, I believe it is (forgot to check, I'mafraid). But Gibson is still just Gibson, and is lookingsilly.I would like to end by noting that it is historically inaccurate, all thatstuff with the Princess of Wales is laughable. The battles are inaccuratelyportrayed (there were no longbows at Sterling), Wallace did not dress likethat (he's a knight in every picture I've seen of him) and Robert theBruce's dad wasn't a leper. And those bits with the Princess really arestupid, just a chance for the public to see Mel kissing a girl, what poorcinema! And the portrayal of the evil English is exaggerated, they wereevil, but not that evil!It's a shame, with a bit of finesse and work and without Mel Gibson, thiscould have been a very entertaining historical drama, along the lines ofElizabeth. The locations are fantastic, the music is touching and it'spretty entertaining during the battle scenes. But with Gibson directing, itbecomes unbelievable and cheap. It feels less like a tribute to Wallace asone to Gibson himself, which takes away the point of a historical drama. Igive it 3/10.Uppers: 1)The cast (except Gibson); 2)The backgrounds; 3)The music; 4)Thebattle scenesDowners: 1)Mel Gibson's big-headed filming and attitude; 2)Totallyinaccurate historically; 3)Full of exaggerations; 4)Gibson's accent; 5)Howcan they make a Hollywood flick about British History?

bsquillo 2013-05-01 01:42:51

heart pounding action with a great story

The casting of this flick was incredible. Each character fit his or herrole perfectly. The music and the the scenic shots of the land of theScot's itself are worth renting this movie. The viewer of this movieshouldbe prepared for an emotional roller coaster of a ride, where he or shewillexperience the lowest of lows and highest of highs as the plot unfoldsthrough the movie.

bek-12 2013-04-30 17:39:36

The Best Movie I've Ever Seen

This movie was really, really incredible. I have no idea if the story ofWilliam Wallace is truthful, but it makes a helluva good movie. Thecinematography is wonderful... I loved the slow motion scenes (It's nothinglike John Woo's "slow-mo at weird times" scenes). There are a few scenesthat will actually make you want to weep, and I'm really not that kind ofguy. The scene where the young girl gives William a thistle is very, verymoving. Only one piece of dialogue I didn't like... the "every man lives"bit is an old cliche. Other than that, the movie was incredible. I gave ita rare score... a perfect 10.

gypsy63 2013-04-30 05:50:42

Braveheart has captured my soul . . .

I can't believe that I avoided this movie for nearly five years, worriedabout gruesome battle scenes! When I finally decided to watch this movieoncable one night, I immediately fell in love with it. I was on the edge ofmy seat for much of it, crying quite a bit throughout, and overwhelmed withemotion. I did not expect the vein of pure romance and love that runsthroughout....I did not expect to feel such pride in my own Scottishheritage revived by a movie....I did not realize Mel Gibson looks SOincredible with long hair!!!! ....I did not expect that "Braveheart" wouldsuddenly leap to the top of my favorite movies list, being one that I feelan intense urge to watch again every few weeks. It's one of those filmsthat I want to relive over and over, and I never fail to be completelymovedby it. "Braveheart" is film-making magic at its finest, combining all theelements necessary to run the complete gamut of emotions.

thatheo 2013-04-29 15:25:00

I don't see why everyone likes this movie so much

No really, I don't. Because it was not only incredibly stupid, half ofthe time it didn't make any sense at all. I don't mind violence at all,as long as it is done for a valid and proper reason. That Wallacekilled off half of England screaming FREEDOM! all the time because somejackass killed his wife. Pure nonsense, I'm telling you.Secondly, all the action scenes were filmed with this horrible shakyhandy-cam view to give you the feeling you are 'in the battle'. This isthe point were I really lose all my interest. Why would you makeblurred shots, that shake all the time, if it does not truly enhancethe visual style of the movie in any way at all? Of course you're notin the battle! And even if you were, you wouldn't shake like that allthe time! Honestly, get a clue.Then the acting. Good god, all the drama and nonsense. I really hatethe overacting they sometimes put in movies. It was okay in Lord of theRings, but here it was dramatic. Bland expressions and faces, peoplegetting angry for no proper reason, no person in the movie tried to saysomething a bit realistic like: let's try to think out a normalsolution instead of fighting in terrible greyly coloured landscapes.No,everyone was screaming, and/or looking as stupid as possible.This movie lacked so many things, was so gray and boring, overlong andwith a lot of irrational actions, I really disliked it. A lot. Possiblythe most overrated movie I have ever seen.

2013-04-27 03:27:21

BEST MOVIE MADE SO FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

This movie is the best movie i have ever seen. It will be a long time before I see a movie that is better. it is so realistic. I am very shure it will stay at the top of my list for years to come.

2013-04-26 18:07:44

Homophobic?

You might be interested to know that young Edward was eventually murdered by nobles on his wife's command. After leaving him for several months to die in a sewage pit they killed him by sticking a red hot poker up his backside. Because he was gay.. this might explain why the character in the film was gay too. And that Mel Gibson was not having a go at homosexuals the world over, merely being accurate. the only historical innacuracies are that Wallace never met the princess, Robert the Bruce never fought for the English and Stirling Bridge was fought on a bridge. Most of all though, the bit about the Irish joining up with the Scots at Falkirk was just put in to keep Americans who think they're Irish happy.

Menace 2013-04-25 07:52:47

Tie with Schindler's List for Best "Best Picture" of the '90s

It was awesome, even though it probably wasn't 100% historically accurate.It was definitely better than "The English Patient" and "Titanic" and"Forest Gump".

Sanjay Patole 2013-04-24 17:15:45

Outstanding movie

I went to see this movie without any expectations. I just didn't know Iwas watching a movie, I got so involved into it that I did not knowwhen it ended.I always liked Mel Gibson for his looks and acting skills. He hasproved that he is an outstanding director! The storyline was good. Manyargue about the historical correctness. But I disregard it. Come on, hewasn't making a documentary. Cinematography was top-notch. The battleswere stunning. Never was I so on the edge of my seat. I don't know fromwhere he got the methods of warfare but they seem so genuine. The fightscenes are so convincing.If you haven't seen this movie, please do it.