A Western in kilts. A beautifully shot epic, of the likes the world had not seen for some years.

Rating: 10/10 (3 December 1998)

A well, acted and well paced movie, such that you don't notice its near 3 hour length. The real strength, though, is its visual imagery. The blood and gore of the battlefield, the glorious Scottish highlands, the medievel castles and villages.
Gibson thoroughly desrved the Oscar for best director, the imagery and camera work is stunning. While the direction itself is not innovative it is far more than merely effective. The battles are well depicted, using thousands of extras. A personal highlight is the depiction of the battle of Stirling as for the first time in living memory cavalry is defeated by infantry.
The dialogue feels great to listen to, and the plot is cohesive and flows well. While the movie could quite easily down without the Princess sub-plot - it does add to the feel of the movie.
Mel Gibson takes the lead role with a fire that was absent in some of his other historical work, for me the pick of the acting is Angus McFadyen as Robert the Bruce, the young would be king torn between yearning to follow William Wallace into the teeth of hell, and the brutul common sense of his ailing father. A young man yearning to be a warrior while being forced to become a politician. Also veteran British actor Patrick McGoohan is a joy to watch as King Edward the Longshanks. A character to love to hate.
While filmed as an epic not all epics live up to the tag. This movie is an epic in every way.