fascinating historical document

Rating: Null/10 (7 March 2002)

Powerful, sweeping epic of freedom and oppression from actor/director Mel Gibson. In the late 13th century, Scotland is unjustly ruled by the tyranny of a cruel and ruthless English king (McGoohan). Gibson is a fierce and relentlessly passionate warrior who unites his countrymen and fights with all his heart and soul to try and gain freedom from the corruption and lawlessness of English rule, resulting in a series of big, grand, not to mention extremely bloody and brutal battle scenes. Not for the squeamish the film is long and extremely violent, but the dramatic aspect of the story is powerful and riveting, the battle scenes gripping and breathtaking, and Gibson's moving performance (with the aid of a superb supporting cast), is simply remarkable. Without a doubt, one of the most stirring and impressive historical dramas ever made. ****