Why its a good movie.

Rating: 10/10 (21 June 2016)

Some movies one can see over and over, and they feel as if they're just as enticing as the first time you've watched it. Braveheart remains one of these movies. The movie directed by Mel Gibson, Braveheart (1995), depicts a humble clansman, William Wallace, determined to free Scotland from the English rule. William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, lost his father and wife, Murron MacClannough, as a result of the harsh English ruler, King Edward, and his inhumane laws. In addition, William Wallace's tragic loss of his "hidden bride" remains the result of him trying to protect her from the English Law, Prima Nocte, which allows a lord the right to have sex with the "bride" before her wedding night. As Wallace rebels against the English, he becomes a very well-known figure among others. As many people stand behind the remarkable William Wallace, he and his people truly express "the heart of Scotland" as they defy against all odds, but of course there remains enemies. Braveheart exemplifies an excellent film based on the following aspects: acting, cinematography, plot, soundtrack, setting, and theme. The well-known actor, Mel Gibson, appears in many films, but much of his success comes from his ability to perform a serious, strong-willed part exceptionally; moreover, in this film he does not come short of successfully playing the role of William Wallace. Mel Gibson plays the part of a Scottish knight whom becomes one of the most influential figures in the battles leading up to obtaining Scotland's independence from English rule, and he appears more than natural as he acts the part. In the scene where William tracks down the men who sabotaged him, he takes off the one man's gear prepared to kill whomever is underneath it; however, he discovers Robert the Bruce, the man who gave him his word to stand behind Scotland. As a result, William's facial expressions portray surprise and betrayal. Mel Gibson acts proficiently in this scene because his reactions depict natural behavior since this type of disloyalty demonstrated a look any individual would also obtain. Although Mel Gibson stars as the main character in the film, other actors such as Angus Macfadyen also exemplified exceptional acting. Reverting back to the previous scene, Angus plays the character Robert the Bruce, and after he realized William discovered he sabotaged him, his reactions demonstrated shame, remorse, and guilt realistically. In addition, Braveheart exemplified outstanding cinematography. Often times, action movies neglect to focus the camera in the appropriate angles, and this takes away from the audience's ability to understand what's going on and why it's going on. In the scene where William's wife, Murron, fought the English lords whom were attempting to rape her, the camera was focused in all the correct places, so the audience knew the whereabouts of both William and Murron; furthermore, if the audience had not been provided with William's information as well, we would dread on the fact he was unable to save her the entire movie. Moreover, a still, focused camera is essential in action movies because it remains too difficult to follow the action in a movie when one can hardly follow the camera. That being said, this action-packed film maintained a steady camera in every scene, even on the battlefield. In order for a movie to leave an impression, the plot must be organized and unique. Braveheart remains a particularly unique movie because it illustrates a true historical event. The historical event in which this film follows portrays the time period between the late-1200's to mid-1300's where a devoted Scottish man, William Wallace, persisted in gaining Scotland's independence, and breaking free from England and it's tyrannical ruler, King Edward. In order to capture the audience's attention, the movie adds a twist by providing incentive to William's actions. Braveheart correctly exemplifies a well-organized plot by following the events, such as battles, true to history, and through cause-effect then chronological order; for example, the death of William's wife caused his rebellion, and battle by battle Scotland got closer and closer to gaining their freedom. Often times, people neglect to recognize the power a movie's soundtrack withholds. In Braveheart, the music does a remarkable job in enhancing each scene. First of all, when Murron's burial takes place, bagpipes begin to play, and the well-known Scottish music for death remains the only thing the audience hears; moreover, this music effectively evokes the audience's emotions by representing grief, loss, and gloom. In addition, the music in this movie mimics Scottish culture which enhances the historical significance of the movie; thus, Scottish folk music and Scottish funeral music not only stand as an imperative tune for the events that take place, but they also solidify Scotland's significance and heart. The setting of Braveheart suitably matches the context in which the story's told. Scotland and Ireland remain the region where the filming for this movie took place; likewise, the movie's historical significance and plot reflect that of Scotland's and Ireland's province. In addition, the costuming of the actors and actresses imitate visually how the people of Scotland, lords of England, and military gear one would have worn in the late-1200's to mid-1300's. Additionally, Braveheart depicts a theme. Without a film conveying a purpose and underlying message, the film essentially has no meaning; nevertheless, throughout Braveheart we repeatedly see the same idea reappearing, freedom. The theme seems quite obvious considering how the "heart of Scotland" and bravery of William Wallace stems from one motivation, gaining Scotland's independence. However, it's not until the end of the film when William Wallace receives unbearable pain, yet still manages to scream "FREEDOM. FREEDOM. FREEDOM" while his organs are being torn from his body in a gruesome punishment ritual known as purification. The movie, Braveheart, demonstrates an excellent film regarding every aspect a superb film obtains. The acting, cinematography, plot, soundtrack, setting, and theme go beyond what most films encompass, making it one of those movies that never get old. Needless to say, Braveheart deserved the felicitations it received.