Braveheart

Rating: 8/10 (24 June 2005)

I think this was one of the first films I remember seeing that was directed by the star, and it is a fantastic one, from Oscar and Golden Globe winning, and BAFTA nominated director Mel Gibson. Set in 14th Century Scotland, William Wallace (Gibson) was living a peaceful life with new wife Murron (Catherine McCormack), until she is killed by the soldiers, so he leads a rebel army to fight for the freedom of his country. They may be slightly outnumbered against the armies of the sneering King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan), but they manage to win the battles they encounter. Wallace becomes a name to be reckoned with, and he also forms a bond with Princess Isabelle (Sophie Marceau). But Wallace is captured when he is betrayed by Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen), and he faces a slow and painful death when he refuses to beg for mercy, and before beheaded, his last noble word is "Freedom!" The army of Scotland, and Ireland, continue the fight in his honour, and they won their freedom. Also starring Brendan Gleeson as Hamish, James Cosmo as Campbell, David O'Hara as Stephen, Ian Bannen as Leper, Peter Hanly as Prince Edward, Sean Lawlor as Malcom Wallace, Brian Cox as Argyle Wallace and Alun Armstrong as Mornay. It won the Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Makeup and Best Picture, and it was nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music for James Horner, Best Sound and Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, it won the BAFTAs for Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design and Best Sound, and it was nominated for the Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music, Best Make Up/Hair and Best Production Design, and it was nominated the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Original Score and Best Screenplay. Mel Gibson was number 17 on The 100 Greatest Movie Stars, the film was number 21 on The 100 Greatest Tearjerkers for the ending, it was number 91 on 100 Years, 100 Thrills, it was number 13 on The 100 Greatest War Films, and it was number 62 on 100 Years, 100 Cheers. Very good!