On B List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Braveheart (1995)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
1/05, 4/08, 9/20
4/08:
Braveheart was the surprise Oscar winner for Best Picture of 1995.
I saw it at the theatre because of the thrilling trailer which looked like a must-see. When I finished the epic,
there hadn't been anything like it before. The impression I carried the most is Mel Gibson took the battle scenes to a new
level. How the horses were slaughtered is a sight to behold.
The reason why I'm skeptical about giving Braveheart a rating of '10' is it can be a bit silly at times,
not projecting the 100% look of Best Picture Winner on a consistent basis. Instead, it feels like a fun epic with a
great story to boot.
Nevertheless, I still love Braveheart. It's a fantastic moviegoing experience. The performances, especially by
Mel Gibson for being Mel, Patrick McGoohan for having the best lines, and Angus Macfadyen for showing emotions through his
eyes, are terrific. The realism is a can't-beat which includes how dirty the characters are through their teeth, clothes,
and hair
All in all, Braveheart is the best film Mel Gibson has ever done.
9/20:
Apart from Rocky, Braveheart is the most satisfying choice made by the Academy Awards for Best Picture.
I can tell Mel Gibson did his homework by watching old films, most especially Spartacus. Faces are used a great deal to
convey emotions. Characters...big, small, clean, dirty, and nameless...they all play a large role in scene after
scene with many of them being memorable. Passion is easily felt throughout the wonderful storytelling with a strong script
and some of the most brutal medieval battle scenes ever filmed.
Mel Gibson is perfect as William Wallace. Two powerful performances are given by Patrick McGoohan (who has the best lines of
anyone) as Edward Longshanks and Angus Macfayden as Robert the Bruce. There are also others which are numerous to list.
Twenty years ago, I visited Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, and there was a statue of William Wallace. The film was the only
way I would know which took a great deal of liberties with actual history. No matter, it's still an entertaining
show that shouldn't fail to please everybody of all ages.
All in all, Braveheart is the last great war epic motion picture.