A top-hole film - Braveheart is medieval epic film-making at its best!

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2006)

Braveheart is a truly cracking film - easily the best of 1995. Toy Story may have done better and earn more fame, but this shall always come before it in my mind as the better film - it was actually made for a purpose, and wanted to tell the story of Scotland's greatest medieval hero. Yes, the film does look a bit dated now, and offers no fancy sword-fighting moves or excessive blood, but this helps it stay more realistic, and brings us closer to the action. The two big battle scenes during the film were brilliantly done, and define the word "epic" - they were perfectly realistic, yet obviously done on a high budget. There was also some great acting - despite a disappointing, slow start, and it remains to this day as one of the most realistic non-WWII epic movies to this day - no magic dragons or glorious pre-battle speeches - just character and honesty. Braveheart didn't fear about being hated by the English - it tackled the rough subject with honesty and brutality, and made its point perfectly well. Braveheart shall not be forgotten - it was the best thing that happened in Mel Gibson's career (he isn't at his best now), and was the first great sword-and-sandal epic - Jason and the Argonauts was just pathetic. The fact that it looks old now only makes it more realistic - I doubt that there was blood flying like it was out of buckets (Kingdom of Heaven) or hugely melodramatic sound and visual effects (Lord of the Rings) in medieval battle. A truly cracking watch - Braveheart is a film that shall not be forgotten for its character, strong script and originality. A stunning job! 9/10