Timeless, well structured and needed

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2002)

There is nothing in terms of epic filming that Braveheart does not deliver. It has all the important elements of a story rolled into one, and delivers them with scenes that make us care about the characters we see. The movie has passion, loyalty, betrayal, love, anger, patriotism and revenge, among many other traits, and each combines beautifully into the other. Gibson's performance is well worthy of higher acclaim, and proves his acting ability as well as his dedication to tell a good story with stirring scenes of notable quality, and superb direction. The story needed time and effort to be turned into a watchable movie, but there is never a dull moment for someone who wants to see a well made, well acted film. Each character has individualism equal to none, from the amusing, fiery Stephen, to Longshanks....who comes across as being a genuinely evil character. The sweeping score from Horner gives extra life to the majestic hills of Scotland and takes the viewer back, as though they are really there. The battle of Stirling Bridge is probably the finest in movie history for realism, and although Ridley Scott tried hard to match it in Gladiator, he fell well short of Gibson's mark. We care enough for Wallace to be sad as the movie closes, but his heroism wins the viewers over, and seeing his compatriates fight on at Bannockburn is a sign of the passion he had on his friends. If you have time alone to watch an epic, I advise you to watch this one.....you may be suprised at the emotions you go through yourself as the film develops!