Braveheart (1995)

***Braveheart*** is a 1995 American epic historical war drama film directed and co-produced by Mel Gibson, who portrays Sir William Wallace, a late-13th century Scottish warrior. The film depicts the life of Wallace leading the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The film also stars Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan and Catherine McCormack. The story is inspired by Blind Harry's 15th century epic poem *The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace* and was adapted for the screen by Randall Wallace.

Development on the film initially started at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) when producer Alan Ladd Jr. picked up the project from Wallace, but when MGM was going through new management, Ladd left the studio and took the project with him. Despite initially declining, Gibson eventually decided to direct the film, as well as star as Wallace. *Braveheart* was filmed in Scotland and Ireland from June to October 1994 with a budget around $65–70 million. The film, which was produced by Gibson's Icon Productions and The Ladd Company, was distributed by Paramount Pictures in North America and by 20th Century Fox internationally.

Released on May 24, 1995, *Braveheart* was both critically and commercially successful, grossing $75.6 million in the US and $210.4 million worldwide, but received criticism for its numerous historical deviations. A spin-off sequel, *Robert the Bruce*, was released in 2019, with Angus Macfadyen reprising his role.

## Shooting

* Filming was from June 6th, 1994 - October 28th, 1994.

## Cast

* James Robinson - Young William Wallace
* Sean Lawlor - Malcolm Wallace
* Sandy Nelson - John Wallace
* James Cosmo - Campbell
* Sean McGinley - MacClannough
* Alan Tall - Elder Stewart
* Andrew Weir - Young Hamish
* Gerda Stevenson - Mother MacClannough
* Ralph Riach - Priest No. 1
* Mhairi Calvey - Young Murron
* Brian Cox - Argyle Wallace
* Patrick McGoohan - King Edward I
* Peter Hanly - Prince Edward (future Edward II)
* Sophie Marceau - Princess Isabelle
* Stephen Billington - Phillip
* Barry McGovern - King's Advisor
* Angus Macfadyen - Robert the Bruce (as Angus McFadyen)
* John Kavanagh - Craig
* Alun Armstrong - Mornay
* Mel Gibson - William Wallace
* Catherine McCormack - Murron
* Brendan Gleeson - Hamish
* Tommy Flanagan - Morrison
* Julie Austin - Mrs. Morrison
* Alex Norton - Bride's Father
* Joanne Bett - Toothless Girl
* Rupert Vansittart - Lord Bottoms
* Michael Byrne - Smythe
* Robert Paterson - Priest No. 2
* Malcolm Tierney - Magistrate
* William Scott-Masson - Corporal (as William Masson)
* Dean Lopata - Madbaker / Flagman
* Tam White - MacGregor
* Donal Gibson - Stewart
* Jeanne Marine - Nicolette
* Martin Dunne - Lord Dolecroft
* Fred Chiverton - Leper's Caretaker
* Ian Bannen - Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale
* Jimmy Chisholm - Faudron
* David O'Hara - Stephen
* John Murtagh - Lochlan
* David McKay - Young Soldier
* Peter Mullan - Veteran
* Martin Murphy - Lord Talmadge
* Gerard McSorley - Cheltham
* Bernard Horsfall - Balliol
* Richard Leaf - Governor of York
* Daniel Coll - York Captain (as Daniel Coli)
* Niall O'Brien - English General
* Liam Carney - Sean
* Bill Murdoch - Villager
* Phil Kelly - Farmer
* Martin Dempsey - Drinker No. 1
* Jimmy Keogh - Drinker No. 2
* Joe Savino - Chief Assassin
* David Gant - Royal Magistrate
* Mal Whyte - Jailor
* Paul Tucker - English Commander

**Rest of cast listed alphabetically:**

* Stephen Austin-Skordiles - Wallace Warrior (uncredited)
* John Burns - Royal Steward (uncredited)
* Wayne Byrne - Kings Guard (uncredited)
* Paul Casson-Yardley - Irish Foot Soldier (uncredited)
* Jon Church-Fraser - Highland Clansman (uncredited)
* Trevor Fehin - Warrior (uncredited)
* Graeme Ford - Doogal (uncredited)
* John Micheal Foulger - Clan Warrior (uncredited)
* Declan Geraghty - Peasant (uncredited)
* Greg Jeloudov - Warrior #2 (uncredited)
* Jimmy Keegan - Irish Horde (uncredited)
* Andrew Kybett - Clans Man (uncredited)
* Alastair Thomson Mills - Scottish Warrior (uncredited)
* Arnold Montey - Royal Steward (uncredited)
* Rana Morrison - Lady at Wedding (uncredited)
* Jer O'Leary - English General (uncredited)
* Derek Pykett - Warrior (uncredited)
* Jaroslav Strba - Horse Rider (uncredited)