Rage and Courage

Rating: 8/10 (30 April 2018)

Mel Gibson is an absolute madman, and this movie is an absolute masterpiece. A nearly perfect film. The script may not be historically accurate, but the medieval atmosphere is flawless, the acting is superb, and the score complements and sharpens the passion of the struggle portrayed.
The story revolves around three men that exemplify Hollywood archetypes William Wallace- an man of uncompromising principle, personally devastated and wholly devoted to his cause.
King Edward I- A pure villain in the context of this film, the whites of his eyes glow with evil. McGoohan is tasked with difficult soliloquy which he delivers without contrivance.
It is Robert the Bruce, however, that is the film's most compelling character. Whereas Wallace and Longshanks are one dimensional- their actions are guided by the rails of their existence, The Bruce grapples internally with acceptance of the seemingly inevitable- defying his father who attempts to steer him down the path of the cynic.
While Wallace is supported by his loyal friends, and Longshanks will is unchallenged by his constituents, The Bruce must find the strength to forego the safe path chosen by his nobles and family.
At no point during any of the film's epic battles does the suspension of disbelief wane, and the emotional crescendo would make any man proud to be Scottish, even if only to remember moments later that they are not, in fact, Scottish.