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"They may take our lives, but they cannot
take our freedom"
The film benefits from strong casting, including
Mel Gibson,
Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Brendan Gleeson, David O' Hara,
and Ian Bannen.
The basic story chronicles the life and battles of William Wallace,
a 13th century Scottish rebel warrior. After losing a loved one,
to the cruel policies of the English monarchy, Wallace wages a
very personal, and very bloody rebellion against King Edward The
First of England.
While there was no love between the Scots and
the ruling English, at the beginning of this film, King Edward
makes things intolerable for many when he gives the English nobility,
the cruel right of "Prima Nocta," that allows them to
sleep with all new brides on their first wedding night. Wallace's
wife, Murron, (Catherine McCormack) is taken by Lord Bottoms,
( Rupert Vansittart) and winds up getting executed by the magistrate,
when she fights off a rape by a British soldier. The birth of
a rebellion is the result. Tired of a "hundred years of murder,
theft and rape," William Wallace transforms from peaceful
farmer to a brutal leader of the fight for independence, with
Robert the Bruce there to help him. Wallace: "It's all for
nothing if you don't have freedom."
In addition to Gibson, there's great support,
particularly from Patrick McGoohan, Sophie Marceau as Princess
Isabelle, and Brendan Gleeson, as Hamish.
Patrick McGoohan gives a fine performance as
the dastardly cruel, King Edward The First.
The film won Oscars for Best Picture, Cinematography, Makeup,
and Sound Effects Editing. Gibson, with only his second directing
effort "The Man Without A Face" (1993). In addition,
Marvelous Mel gives one of his best, most passionate acting performances
ever.
The film was shot on location at European locations. These harsh,
wind swept sites really help sell the period setting.
Naturally, the battle scenes are exciting and memorable but so
are many of the other, more personal scenes. A touching moment
is when young Murron gives a flower to the boy William Wallace,
after his father is buried, after being killed fighting the British.
The majestic musical score stirs the emotions. James Horner is
the responsible party.
If you enjoyed BRAVEHEART you may like "Lawrence
of Arabia,", "The Patriot,"
"The Mask of Zorro," "Gladiator," and/or "The Adventures of Robin Hood.
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