" The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots."

In this week, when we all stand quietly and anxiously, wondering what will happen in our lives, now forever changed with a single terrorist act, I needed some inspiration. I wanted something to make me believe, once again, that freedom is worth the fight. Or maybe I just needed to have an excuse to cry. Braveheart (1995)filled the bill.

Mel Gibson's movie about the legend of William Wallace, a commoner who rallied the people of Scotland in fighting against English tyranny, is on one hand one of the most violent and gory movies I have ever seen, and also one of the most beautifully filmed.

Filmed on location in Northern Scotland, Ireland, and in the studio, (in the rain), the project was ambitious and heroic, requiring thousands of extras, set building, and working hard in bad weather. (Is there any other kind?). Many of the scenes are achingly beautiful, with romantic mists, mountains and sea, in the fading distance. The opening scene plays like a travelog. ("Come to Scotland. Freeze to death." to quote Mel Gibson in his commentary)

ROMANCE and HEROES

This movie is a legend come to life. For the ladies there is the undying love of William Wallace for his one true love. For the guys (and I'm told it is a 'guy thing') there is war, friends fighting a common enemy, and lots of mind-numbing violence. There is bravery and honor and the fight is for freedom. The story itself is interesting and complex although a bit loose on historical accuracy, and is never boring despite its extraordinary length.

HISTORY AND THE TRUTH....

While I am not an expert, admittedly, on events that transpired in 1305, I can at least check a few things. To it's credit the movie feels, looks (usually) and almost smells authentic. The religious affiliations are probably right on the mark, as is England's feudal politics, including the wars between kingdoms (not nations) the role of the nobility and commoner, loose and easily broken affiliations based on land and title, and the set-ups for battle. The weapons certainly fit with what we know of history. William Wallace was indeed a real person.

But there are liberties taken....

William Wallace

Wallace did rally the Scots in fighting the tyranny of the British. But he was, although not a prestigious member of the class, a minor nobleman of the LOWLAND, and not the more romantic HIGHLANDS . He was killed in 1305. Longshanks, though, went on to live until 1307. Wallace's wife's name was Marion not Murron and she was killed when the British came to their home looking for Wallace. He had already had a history of rebellion. But this is the movies.

Princess Isabella

She was a true historical figure, but her 'relationship' with Wallace was purely fictional. She married the prince in 1309, 4 years after Wallace was executed, and the son was born to them 3 years later. As for the prince, Edward, I am not quite old enough to verify this personally, but he may have been given a bad rap. (Came to a bad end ..literally, when the English killed him badly).

Other Important.... and Trivial facts

One of the premises that justifies the story is the practice of prime nocte. This is a practice, whereby the local nobility could claim sexual favors of any new bride on her wedding night, if she were a commoner under his protection. (This SEEMS right). Remember that at the time, there really WAS no MIDDLE CLASS. While it is a device used to prove the evil of Longshanks, it has no basis in fact or in law . Gibson says it was Longshanks' idea of ethnic cleansing . I don't believe the nobility felt particularly restricted about exploitation of their commoners. I will give Gibson (and the writer) credit for not turning this into a class rebellion, although there is that underlying tension, that contributes strongly to the story line.

The language of English nobility until late in the fourteenth century, was French. So Longshanks would not have been speaking in English. The bagpipes, (and this was a more melodious type than shone) were not banned anywhere until 1746, and then only for 30 years. Of course, perhaps they SHOULD be banned. Robert Bruce, the narrator of the tale, was never referred to as Robert 'the Bruce'. Kilts, by the way, had not yet been introduced as fashionable men's wear in Scotland.

In several scenes the press of extras left the film slightly flawed. In one battle scene, there is the flash of watches and sunglasses. In other running segments there are unmistakable rubber soled sneakers. Gibson himself shows a flash of black briefs beneath his kilt. In the battle scenes, some of the action seems especially authentic. Some of these extras were recruited from rival performing companies, and they did indeed want to beat the snot out of each other. The Battle of Stirling Bridge was filmed on a plain. When asked about it, Gibson replied " The Bridge got in the way". And in the final battle scene, two actors are seen to be standing in the midst of all the action, laughing together at the rest of the show.

HUMOR

My mother can never watch this film without suppressing a loud giggle. And now, with her explanation, neither can I. At the start of the battle scenes, when Gibson as Wallace is running full charge into battle, she says the sight of those "little white legs" pumping just makes her laugh. In spite of his stage presence, Mel Gibson is but 5 ' 9". And his little white legs do indeed pump for all their worth, to propel him into battle. There is a little of the patented Gibson comic smart aleck in Wallace, and a little of the crazy LETHAL WEAPON character, but most of the humor is in Wallace rallying his friends and peers to stand together in battle, and the every day humor of life. Creating a personality of the legend was accomplished by a good piece of writing by Randall Wallace some solid performances, and directing by Mel Gibson.

The score , by James Horner, deserves a special note, and was hauntingly beautiful. Horner is a prolific and creative composer, and it is easy to recognize his style. Thematic sequences are used in the best way possible. It's similarity to the TITANIC score doesn't detract from it's excellence. And BRAVEHEART came first by two years.

THE PLOT

Childhood

The Wallace clan owns a small farm in Northern Scotland. William is a boy, when his father and brother go to confront the English, led by the English king Edward ("Longshanks")in an effort to protect their land and community. When they are killed, young William is taken to live with his uncle Argyle, who has a somewhat broader view of the world. He will be educated, and learn to fight. At his father's funeral, a lovely little girl gives him a flower, her eyes filled with sadness, and this he keeps.

"If I can live in peace, I will"

William returns to his home place as a young man, and courts the lovely Murron, who had given him the flower so many years ago. He wants nothing more than a family and his farm. But Edward Longshanks, in an effort to 'turn' the Scottish nobles to him, and to entice the British Lords to relocate to Scotland, reinstitutes the custom of 'prime nocte'. By this custom, nobility gets sexual rights with the bride of newly wedded commoners.

William marries Murron in secret. One day, she is accosted by a British soldier, with very bad intentions, and he pulls him off her, and fights to allow her to escape. She is captured, and killed by the English Lord. (Note the Ford Explorer in the background) Wallace comes back, and wreaks revenge on the offending English Nobility.

"They may take our lives but they'll never take our freedom"

This call to battle rallies Scots, noble and common to the fight against English domination. People gather,to follow William into battle, in awe of the now legendary Wallace, who speaks what they feel. The nobles of Scotland, however, are divided. The heir to succession of the Scots throne, is Robert Bruce. He is unable to rally support among other nobility, and lacks leadership skills.

"In order to find his equal, an Irishman is forced to converse with the Almighty".

Several key supporters of Wallace are introduced, including Haimish and his father, and Stephen, who hails from Ireland, and comes for the opportunity to kill the English. These become his aides de camp, when the nobles reluctantly knight Wallace as 'Sir William', and perform as advisors, bodyguards, and his friends.

Meanwhile, Wallace proves to be a daring, quick and innovative military leader. He drives out the British, and even goes across the water to sack York. The Nobles of Scotland remain divided, although Wallace states he would follow 'Robert the Bruce' if he would lead.

"The king desires peace"

Isabella, French wife of young Edward II, here shown as effeminate and weak, is sent as emissary for 'peace', although Longshanks is using her for a cover, while he brings troops around to flank Wallace's army, camping out at York. Isabella has fallen in love with the legend and is taken with him. He doesn't take the offer of peace or the money. And she warns him in time for him to escape certain capture.

"Lands, titles, men, power...nothing "

The nobles in a word, betray Wallace, retreating from a strategic battle, and even the rightful heir has turned to alliance with Longshanks. Robert Bruce redeems himself in part by helping Wallace escape. But he is clearly torn-up, confronting his scheming father, who is a leper living in seclusion in a tower, plotting with Machiavellian glee, the route to his son's succession. Robert has a hard time living with himself.

"I want to believe as he (Wallace) believes".

We all want to believe as Wallace believes. The ending requires first-hand viewing, so I won't ruin it for you.

THE CAST

Mel Gibson as William Wallace. This is an impressive performance for Gibson, whose best films are not always the popular ones (see Tim, Man Without a Face, or Payback ). Contrary to popular lore, Gibson was born in AMERICA, and his family moved to Australia when his Dad won on Jeopardy in 1964. Mel is one of eleven children, and Dad, they say was motivated partly by the need to get his sons away from the draft. William Wallace was an inspiration and a very real and human character. Gibson deserves full credit.

Patrick McGoohan As Edward, "Longshanks" , the king of England. A marvelous performance by an ex-soap opera star. A kingly presence, cruel and greedy, self-serving. A typical politician. He has no saving graces, except that he dresses well, and this is a very good performance indeed.

Catherine McCormack As Murron Wallace,the love of William's life. She is very believable, and remains pure and unattainable. Mel found her just graduating from school, and it would seem that she has a future, based on this film.

Brendon Gleeson as Haimish (Stewart) a boyhood friend of Wallace, whose friendship and humor remains unquestioned. He provides some necessary comic relief in the midst of the bloodshed and gore, and towers above Wallace (in height). He was a bright spot in this flick for me.

Alan Tall As the elder Stewart, father to Haimish. A staunch, loyal and brave supporter. His relationship with his son parallels what Wallace must have missed, when his father was killed so early in his life. Outstanding performance.

Brian Cox As Uncle Argyle. Another interesting but short performance, by the man who will always be the 'first Hannibal Lecter' in Manhunter. Brian is an amazingly versatile actor, and he keeps popping up, in movie after movie, in small but important parts.

Angus MacFadyen as Robert 'the Bruce'. He has a combination of sensitivity and good looks, but still keeps his macho leading-man-going-to-be-a-king thing, while his eyes betray his conflict. Also torn between honor and the duties of a son towards his father. He is the character with conflict, and whose character bears shaping. Well done.

Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabella. Porcelain like beauty, would have been about 5 at the time of Wallace. Very beautiful, very French, very romantic. A nice touch.

Ian Bannen as the leper (father of Bruce). I haven't a clue what he really looks like. The rich, in those days, could afford to be in seclusion and be cared for as their bodies eroded. The poor went to Leper colonies from the time of the Romans.

David O'Hara as Stephen, the Irish confidant of the Almighty, is a delightful bundle of wit and bundled energy. I loved the character, and I liked the actor. I believe he was my favorite character in the flick.



FINAL RECOMMENDATION

This is still a wonderful movie, in spite of some technical flaws. If you haven't seen it, you need to.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older