A film that will inspire for generations to come!

Rating: Null/10 (16 April 1999)

I was totally oblivious to what this movie was about because it came out at a time in my life where I did not see many films. When I rented it from my neighborhood video store I had no idea what to expect other than the fact that it was a multiple Oscar winner (which doesn't mean a thing sometimes) and I was completely ignorant about the history behind the Scottish legend. After the opening 10 minutes which includes the young William Wallace stumbling upon a collection of innocent men, women, and children hanging by their necks and losing his father in a valiant fight against the oppressors, I felt emotions that I hadn't felt in years after watching a motion picture, but I did not feel manipulated or insulted in the process.
I was simply dazzled for almost three hours as I viewed the beautiful cinematography, the brutal battle scenes, the tragic scenes of oppression bestowed upon the Scottish people, the amazing chemistry of the cast, and the interwoven love story between Wallace and Murron. The score was as appropriate and compelling as any that I've ever heard (I still hear both the triumphant and sad/soul-stirring music in my head at times). The performances by each actor/actress are all outstanding especially Angus McFayden who played Robert the Bruce, Patrick McGoohan as (the purely evil) King Edward I, and David O'Hara as Stephen.
Braveheart is an authentic film that captures the spirit of a man that fought to free his people from oppression. Mel Gibson provides wit, courage, audacity, and a slight taste for revenge as William Wallace and does a fantastic job behind the camera too. Braveheart has the power to inspire the least of us to fight for what we believe is right and demonstrates the power one person's zeal can have on those around them. It is a tale that should be told for many generations to come and I am sure that there will be more versions of William Wallace's life depicted on screen as the years progress.
The only scene which I did not like and thought was too '90's was the scene where the Scottish army led by Wallace mocked the English army by lifting up their kilts and mooning them. Other than this, Braveheart is perfect. If you only saw it on television when it aired on NBC then do yourself a favor a get a copy of a more complete version on VHS or DVD. You'll be glad you did!