Aaaaaaargh!!!

Rating: Null/10 (6 July 2000)

Braveheart was amazing on the big screen. Right from the start, this movie grabbed me and just didnt let go. I know some people have faulted the length of the film and the level of violence, but I couldnt get enough of it - I saw it with a friend several times in the theater and wish it was re-released.
Why do some people love this movie so much? It isnt just the simple fact that it is a good story masterfully told. Mel Gibson's performance is also great, but I think there is another reason. I think it lies in the honor and integrity portrayed by William Wallace. Here is a guy fighting on just one thing - principle. And what's more is that he is willing to die for it without any compromise. It's a movie about sacrifice, commitment, patriotism, loyalty and faithfulness to a cause bigger than yourself. And that message resonated. By the end of the movie you personally respect and admire this character, and that emotional commitment only makes the movie more compelling.
That being said, the battle scenes are astounding. Literally thousands of people on the field...The strategy employed in the movie is interesting, the different alliances that develop further the plot and keep the movie from becoming dull. And, of course, Longshanks, the King, is convincingly portrayed as a cold, ruthless tyrant you want to hate.
A 9 outof 10.