The Bloody History of Scotland

Rating: 9/10 (21 August 2009)

One thing which defines Scotland's history is that much blood was spilt in battles with the English over territory and power. Scotland's history seems to be a series of tragic mishaps and defeats in battle, and I think this film describes an important moment in Scotland's story when the country united against (what they saw was) a common enemy.
Braveheart is quite a long film but although I've seen it many times I never tire of watching the whole lot again and again. The film starts with Wallace as a youth and then moves to when he becomes a young adult and then onto a seasoned warrior. Mel Gibson does this whilst looking middle-aged throughout the whole film, however I have to say that Gibson, who won many Oscars for this film, certainly deserved more plaudits for his performance in this film as he is runs up and down mountains and then kills a few English in battle, invades England, and damn well unites a country (all in one fine performance). It must have been a gift of a role to play. Unfortunately much of the legend of William Wallace is actually legend, and not based on factual history. Another notable performance was that of Robert the Bruce. Torn between his family and his countrymen, the bloke who played 'The Bruce' turned in a moving performance. In fact the acting throughout the film was first rate.
The historical inaccuracy is a hot topic about this film, but I think the critics are exaggerating the flaws of the film. One real error is the relationship that Wallace has with the Princess of England. Even someone with no historical background can see that was a total fabrication of the truth.
The film really describes Scottish History in a 3 hour film. Some of the detail may be incorrect, but the battle of Bannockburn, where the Scots beat a much stronger English army is a major historical event in Scotland's history. I think that was the first time heavy horse cavalry was defeated by foot soldiers. This battle seems to have been moved in time so that Wallace could lead the battle. In fact Wallace was dead and gone by then, but it was his inspiration that led to that battle.