Braveheart is a 1995 historical action-drama movie produced and directed by Mel Gibson, who also starred in the title role. The film was written for screen and then novelized by Randall Wallace. Gibson portrays a legendary Scot, William Wallace, who gained recognition when he came to the forefront of the First War of Scottish Independence by opposing Edward I of England (portrayed by Patrick McGoohan) and subsequently abetted by Edward’s daughter-in-law Princess Isabelle (played by Sophie Marceau) and a claimant to the Scottish throne, Robert the Bruce (played by Angus Macfadyen). The film won five Academy Awards at the 68th Academy Awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director, and had been nominated for an additional five. Produced by Icon Productions for Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, the film’s success may have helped to revive the historical epic genre, with subsequent films such as Gladiator, The Patriot, Alexander, Troy, Kingdom of Heaven and 300.
Plot
In A.D. 1280 Edward I of England, known as “Longshanks,” has occupied much of Scotland, and his oppressive rule there leads to the deaths of William Wallace’s father and brother. Years later, after Wallace has been raised abroad by his uncle, the Scots continue to live under the harsh thumb of Longshanks’ cruel laws. Wallace returns, intent on living as a farmer and avoiding involvement in the ongoing “Troubles.” Wallace rekindles a romance with his childhood friend Murron after showing her the carefully preserved thistle she gave him as a child, and the two marry in secret to avoid the primae noctis decree the King has set forth. But after Wallace beats up a group of English soldiers attempting to rape her, the village Sheriff publicly cuts Murron’s throat before Wallace is able to save her. An enraged Wallace, with the assistance of his fellow villagers, slaughters the English garrison. He then cuts the sheriff’s throat with the same dagger that killed Murron. Knowing that the local English lord will retaliate, Wallace and his men enter his castle dressed in English uniforms and burn it down. In response to Wallace’s exploits, the commoners of Scotland rise in revolt against England. As his legend spreads, hundreds of Scots from the surrounding clans volunteer to join Wallace’s militia. Wallace leads his army through a series of successful battles against the English, including the Battle of Stirling and sacking the city of York. However, he is betrayed by the Scottish nobility and defeated at the Battle of Falkirk. He goes into hiding, fighting a guerrilla war against English forces, and personally murders the two Scottish nobles who betrayed him at Falkirk. Meanwhile, Princess Isabelle, whose homosexual husband Prince Edward (Longshanks’s son and heir) ignores her, meets with Wallace as the English King’s emissary. She and Wallace share a tryst, during which she conceives Wallace’s child. Still believing there is some good in the nobility of his country, Wallace eventually agrees to meet with the Bruce. He is caught in a trap set by the elder Bruce and the other nobles, beaten unconscious, and handed over to the English Crown. Robert the Bruce is enraged by his father’s treachery, and disowns him forever. In London, Wallace is brought before the English magistrates and tried for high treason. He denies the charges, declaring that he had never accepted Edward as his King. The court responds by sentencing him to be “purified by pain.” Later, in a London square, William Wallace is tortured to death, being hanged, racked, and disemboweled. He signals to the magistrate that he wishes to speak. Using the last strength in his body, he cries, “Freedom!”. He turns his head and sees Murron in the crowd smiling at him, and smiles lovingly back at her as he is beheaded. Some time later, Robert the Bruce takes control of the remaining Scottish army and faces a ceremonial line of English troops at the fields of Bannockburn. Cheering Wallace’s name, Robert Bruce and the Scots charge the stunned English lines and win their freedom.
Cast
- Mel Gibson as William Wallace. After his wife is killed by the English, he starts an uprising demanding justice that leads to a war for independence.
- Patrick McGoohan as King Edward I. Nicknamed “Longshanks”, the King of England is determined to ruthlessly put down the Scottish threat and ensure his kingdom’s sovereignty.
- Peter Hanly as Edward, Prince of Wales. The effeminate son of King Edward and husband of Princess Isabelle through arranged marriage.
- Ian Bannen as Robert the Bruce, Sr.. Unable to seek the throne personally due to his disfiguring leprosy, he pragmatically schemes to put his son on the throne of Scotland.
- Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce. Son of the elder Bruce and claimant to the throne of Scotland, he is inspired by Wallace’s dedication and bravery.
- Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle. Unhappily married to the effete Edward, Prince of Wales, she finds herself deeply attracted to Wallace’s passion and bravery.
- Brendan Gleeson as Hamish Campbell. Wallace’s childhood friend and lieutenant in Wallace’s army, he is often short-sighted and thinks with his fists.
- James Cosmo as Campbell the Elder. The father of Hamish Campbell and lieutenant in Wallace’s army.
- Catherine McCormack as Murron MacClannough, the executed wife of Wallace. Her name was changed from Marion Braidfute in the script so as to not be confused with the Maid Marian of Robin Hood note.
- David O’Hara as Mad Stephen. An Irish recruit into Wallace’s army, he endears himself to Wallace with his humor, which may or may not be insanity. He professes to be the most wanted man on “his” island, and claims to speak to God personally. He becomes Wallace’s protector, saving his life several times.
- Brian Cox as Uncle Argyle. After the death of Wallace’s father and brother, Argyle takes Wallace as a child into his care, promising to teach the boy how to use a sword after he learns to use his head. Cox also had a role in another period Scottish film, Rob Roy, which was released the same year.
- James Robinson II as Young William. The 10-year old actor reportedly spent weeks trying to copy Gibson’s mannerisms for the film
Awards
The film won numerous awards including the 1995 Academy Award for:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Mel Gibson)
- Best Cinematography
- Best Makeup
- Best Sound Editing
Nominated:
- Film Editing
- Costume Design
- Best Original Screenplay
- Sound
- Best Original Dramatic Score
Cultural effects
The film is credited by Lin Anderson, author of Braveheart: From Hollywood To Holyrood as having played a significant role in affecting the Scottish political landscape in the mid to late 1990s.[1]
Wallace Monument
In 1997 a statue of Gibson as “William Wallace” was placed outside the Wallace Monument near Stirling, Scotland. The statue, which includes the word “Braveheart” on Wallace’s shield, was the cause of much controversy and one local resident stated that it was wrong to “desecrate the main memorial to Wallace with a lump of crap”.[8] In 1998 the statue was vandalised by someone who smashed the face in with a hammer. After repairs were made, the statue was encased in a cage at night to prevent further vandalism. This has only incited more calls for the statue to be removed as it now appears that the Gibson/Wallace figure is imprisoned; an irony, considering that the statue bears the word “Freedom” on the plinth.
