Freedom!

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2013)

Mel Gibson both directed and starred as Scottish rebel and warrior William Wallace in this Academy Award winning (best picture and director) account of how Wallace led a revolt against the ruthless English King Edward the I(Longshanks) who oppressed the Scottish people in his attempt to wear both the crowns of England and Scotland. Wallace had lost a father & brother as a young man, now as an adult, his love was murdered by English soldiers after fighting rape, and an enraged Wallace vows revenge, though Edward I(played by Patrick McGoohan) is not so easily defeated, Wallace's valiant efforts in battle made him legend... Magnificent film is stirring and exciting, and at 3 hrs. is never tedious, but remarkably compelling, with superb performances, direction, and breathtaking battle scenes; a moving(though brutal) ending for Wallace. Some historical liberties are forgivable in modern-day classic.