An epic film about an epic story

Rating: Null/10 (19 April 2001)

To begin with, perhaps the only thing that prevents the viewer from fully accepting this film at face value is the almost magical aura and mystique surrounding the Scottish hero. That apart, very films will ever come close to depicting the true anguish, pain, hatred and triumph that Mel Gibson portrays with such accuracy. Throughout the film, there is always a subplot under way, be it the plot to assassinate Wallace, the leper Scottish King or that of the Crowned Prince being homosexual, which only helps heighten the drama and tension. The battles are enormous, wonderfully staged and so realistically shown. And to top it all, there is the tyrannical king and the scheming queen-to-be, fighting against each other to establish what they think is right. The fact that this as a true story, makes one wonder what courage and strength of character William Wallace must've possessed. And to also, imagine the fact that this one man, led to freedom of Scotland after wanting to seek vengeance when the 'law of the land' caused his wife to be killed, inspiring stuff, this all is. 'Gladiator' is very similar to 'Braveheart' in a lot of aspects and since both movies explore the triumph of the human spirit over a evil and oppressive rule, it makes the movie that much more grand. Perhaps, one word embodies the spirit of this awesome movie to the fullest: 'Freedom'... 'Braveheart', arguably, is one of the best period dramas ever made, and definitely one of the best cast, written, and choreographed films. The music is quite stirring, and the cinematography comes close to capturing the vast beauty of the locales. All in all, for me, this film is a 10 out of 10.