Wallace was truly "larger than life"

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 2007)

I've just returned from a long-planned trip to Scotland, and let me tell you, the legend of William Wallace is EVERYWHERE. Naturally, parts of this movie have received the Hollywood treatment, but that's to be expected. They were making a movie for entertainment, not a documentary. Still, it seems to be fairly accurate.
I spent 2 weeks hiking around Scotland, visiting castles, monuments, and talking to local historians. (The "Historic Scotland" employees are fantastic!) Everyone there LOVES this movie, and they have no problem with the bits that got the Hollywood treatment. I discussed the movie several times with locals, and they put certain things into perspective. If the historical accuracy is good enough for them, it should be good enough for the rest of us.
If you are ever in Scotland, be sure to visit the Wallace Monument near Stirling- it is visible on the crag near Stirling Castle. There are about 246 steps to the top of the monument, but on the 2nd level, you will see the sword of William Wallace. This is no museum replica- this is an old sword that has seen some action. It is quite impressive to think that this sword was used in battle.