Emotional, Stunning, Brilliant Masterpiece!

Rating: 10/10 (7 September 2009)

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this, my co-favorite (with Dances with Wolves), No. 1 film that I've ever seen. I just couldn't pick between the two. Both films move me emotionally in similar ways. Mel Gibson's masterpiece actually affected/inspired the vote for Scotland's devolution. It gave the Scottish people a strong sense of pride in their heritage, something they seemed to lack when it came to voting for independence. Anyone who knows a bit of Scottish history knows that the film contains many inaccuracies, but this story is based on a poem by Blind Harry and little is known of William Wallace outside of that. The basic story plot is true. The murder of his wife definitely drove him to act against the English tyranny of Edward the 1st (Longshanks). Certain details are off, as the Battle of Stirling was fought on a bridge over marshlands, the romance between Wallace and the princess never happened as she was a mere child when Wallace died. Kilts are also questionable as they were not worn commonly at that time. Yet the story of William Wallace is legend. He beat the English against incredible odds, as he had much fewer men. He united a divided Scotland to fight for Freedom. He inspired Robert the Bruce to act for Scotland and not the throne. Gibson tells the story brilliantly with the help of cinematographer John Toll, who brilliantly captures Scotland's rugged, rustic beauty, and a fine cast of actors led by himself, Angus Macfadyen, Patrick McGoohan, Brendan Gleeson, James Cosmo, Brian Cox, Ian Bannen, Tommy Flannagan and the gorgeous ladies, Catherine McCormack and Sophie Marceau. His use of symbolism is excellent. I especially liked his use of the thistle, which is the Flower of Scotland, its main symbol along with the Saltire or St. Andrew's Cross which is on Scotland's flag. In the film, Wallace has saved the thistle Murron gave him as a child and he gives it to her as a gift of love. She in turn embroiders a thistle on a cloth which she gives to him at their wedding and this gift becomes even more of a symbol. Also, the blue warpaint that early Celtic warriors used was symbolic. James Horner's music score is magnificent and moving, Randall Wallace's script is exceptional and stirring in spite of its inaccuracies. The Sons of Scotland speech always moves me to tears as it reminds me of the sadness of Scotland's history. God, I love this movie!
Post Script: To fully enjoy this film I highly recommend the blu-ray DVD which has crystal sharp clarity in picture and sound, new Extra Features which explain the history and also inaccuracies, plus new interviews with the cast and crew.