Braveheart (DVD, 2000, Sensormatic - Widescreen)

While Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning 1995 Braveheart may take its story from legendary Scot rebel William Wallace, it's far from historical drama. But then again, very little historical information exists about Wallace, except that he mounted an army of defiant Scots and ran roughshod over the English during the Scottish uprising of 1296-1305 before being captured by the brutal King Edward I (a.k.a. Edward the Longshanks) and executed for his seditious crimes. But even if the majority of Wallace's history largely comes from oral traditions, that's certainly no reason not to mount an epic film, and in Braveheart Gibson decides on a very contemporary theme — individual freedom, what it's worth, and the price some people pay for it (certainly a more poetic concept than such commonplace political notions as home rule or local control, which Wallace probably was demanding from the English in the first place, and which Scotland and Wales still bemoan today). Scenarist Randall Wallace buoys his three-hour tale from one emotionally charged scene to the next, as the young Wallace must deal with the violent death of his father, the loss of his wife to brutal English soldiers, and the mounting of a rag-tag but effective army, which forces him to negotiate not only with the English monarchy but also with various Scottish gentry, including Robert the Bruce (Angus MacFadyen), who counsels Wallace that a political solution is the only way Scotland can move towards a more autonomous future. And while there is an element of political skullduggery towards the latter half of the film, Gibson's Wallace remains free of it — fighting the good fight is his raison de etre, and ultimately more important than his own personal survival. There are only a few weak parts of Braveheart, and while many critics have commented that it lags in moments, some of that simply is because the marvelous battle scenes are so effective that the remainder of the film can barely compete. The reliable Patrick McGoohan portrays Longshanks, but there is something almost cartoonish about his villainy, as if he rules not to fortify his power but merely to inflict suffering on others for his own personal amusement (in fact, while ruthless, Edward I is regarded as a pious man committed as much to the Holy Crusades as his native land, and he probably was no more bloodthirsty than any other effective king). The delicate Prince of Wales (Peter Hanly), who would become Edward II, is given the proper historical context (yep, he was gay), but again his simpering manner and hysterical rejection of his wife does nothing to flesh out the milieu of these early Plantagenet kings any more than Gibson and scenarist Wallace grant their protagonist any real depth of character. But Braveheart isn't The Godfather, it's a rousing, inspiriational story and marvelous entertainment. There are few films made anymore that boast scores of extras, all of which are apparent in Gibson's bloody, magnificent battle sequences. In fact, there probably never has been better battle scenes committed to film with the amount of horses seen here — the way Gibson has countless steeds fly to the ground under assault, nearly crushing men underfoot as they let out cries of pain, is terrifying and a testament to the director's devotion to his craft.

I bought this movie because I am a history buff, and I am in love with anything containing Scottish heritage and culture. I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it. It has breathtaking scenes of the Scottish countryside, heartfelt music, combatitive action, romantic love, and sorrowful death.
The struggle of the Scottish people for their right to freedom is portrayed in this epic story of life, love, and loss. William Wallace looses his father and brother in a tragic betrayal and is then taken with his uncle and raised in a land not his own. Only to one day return to his beloved Scotland and its people.
He is well educated and liked by some while others are wary. Wallace just wishes to live his life in peace yet the turmoil of his country will not allow it to be so. Wallace's love is brutally murdered and he is dragged into a political war against the English king for his homeland.
Wallace makes many new friends and countless enemies and ultimately his demise is at the betrayal of a newfound friend, Robert the Bruce. Wallace dies at the hands of English torturers with the word 'freedom' on his lips.
Empowered by the brave William Wallace, the Scottish people rose up again, and led by Robert the Bruce they took victory.
Mel Gibson is an outstanding actor. He brought to life the character of William Wallace. You felt his happiness, his victory, his sorrow, and his pain. For any Mel Gibson fan, this movie is a must see. If you liked "The Patriot" and all of the "Lethal Weapon" movies, you will definitely like Braveheart.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time, definitely in my top 3. There are all lot of life lessons here, some that are just under the surface, others that are right in your face. This is my definition of a guy movie! This is Rated “R” for nudity, adult situations and graphic violence. It is a classic, and at 3 hours long. There is a great mix of romance and battle scenes, to keep you interested. It will someday, probably be sliced and diced for a “PG” TV audience.
This is directed by Mel Gibson who plays Scottish hero William Wallace, a man with simple roots who finds himself, leading the Scottish revolt against England in the late 13th century against the despicable King Edward the Longshanks (Edward I).
Braveheart defines honor and nobility in a way we all accept, reinforcing what we've always felt, that true nobility is not the result of your birthright, but that it comes from the way you live your life. It's an excellent “rule to live by” that stays with you long after the film is over, and that is all too rare these days. There is a lot of people who take issue with the films Historical inaccuracies but it is not meant to be a historical text book, it is a drama, and a dam good one. Buy the dvd and watch it numerous times, it’s that good!

This was a very good movie --- Wallace takes a stand against the new rule. With his great determination, he gathers his army. Although this makeshift force may be outnumbered by the English troops, their desperation and love for their land surpass any military maneuvers. This is so true in this story of patriotism!! I really got into this one!!

William Wallace (Gibson) is born a common highlander, the son of a lowly farmer, but he soon finds himself at the very eye of the storm. For Scotland suffers under the rule of the ruthless English king, Edward the Longshanks, and any attempt to resist his cruelty is met with the harshest punishment. When young Wallace's father and older brother are killed in a failed bid for freedom, Wallace is taken away by his uncle Argyle, who raises and educates him. Years later, Wallace returns home seeking a peaceful life as a farmer. He finds his childhood sweetheart, Murron (Catherine McCormack), and secretly marries her, hoping to start a family. But in so doing, he's already broken the law. Longshanks, in a bid to strengthen his control in Scotland, has given his lords there the right of "Prima Nocta" - the right to sleep with any new bride on their wedding night. Wallace's defiance leads the local English lord to last out. In a rage, Wallace responds by leading a revolt that wipes out the English presence in his village entirely. When Longshanks attempts to crush this uprising, the situation quickly escalates. Soon, Wallace finds himself the leader of a massive rebellion determined to free Scotland from the English forever or die trying.