Braveheart looks like a true epic -- even if it is both bloody and bloody long.
Braveheart (1995)
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Reviews Counted:15
Fresh:11
Rotten:4
Average Rating:6.8/10
Consensus: Simplistic Braveheart makes for a spirited, entertaining epic.
Runtime: 2 hrs 57 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: Mel Gibson directs and stars in this Academy Award-winning epic based on the life of legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero William Wallace. Returning to his homeland following the death of an... Mel Gibson directs and stars in this Academy Award-winning epic based on the life of legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero William Wallace. Returning to his homeland following the death of an heirless king, Wallace (Mel Gibson) finds the political landscape precarious. Edward the Longshanks, King of England (Patrick McGoohan), has captured Scotland's throne and threatens the freedom of all Scottish people, as tyrannical policies instituted by the English plague the Scots. Initially, Wallace is content to stand by the wayside, yearning for the simple life of building a home and raising a family. However, when the woman he loves (Catherine McCormack) suffers a cruel fate at the hands of English soldiers, Wallace takes a stand against the new rule. With his fierce patriotism and determination, he gathers an amateur but passionately rebellious army. Although this makeshift force may be outnumbered by the English troops, their desperation and love for their land surpass any military maneuvers, as evidenced in the film's breathtaking battle sequences. [More]
Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack
Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack, Brendan Gleeson, Sean Lawlor
Director: Mel Gibson
Director: Mel Gibson
Producer: Alan Ladd
Composer: James Horner
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Reviews for Braveheart
A huge, bloody and sprawling epic, Braveheart is the sort of massive vanity piece that would be easy to disparage if it didn't essentially deliver.
Though the film dawdles a bit with the shimmery, dappled love stuff involving Wallace with a Scottish peasant and a French princess, the action will pin you to your seat.
As a filmmaker, [Gibson] lacks the epic gift, but the movie, scripted by Randall (no relation) Wallace, works on a fairly basic level as a hiss-the-English medieval Western.
[Gibson] has created a completely adequate modern facsimile of the classic romantic epic.
With its clashing armies, heartstopping action, and grand sense of romance, this is the sort of film it's a pleasure to see and review.
There's a matter-of-fact grittiness about Braveheart that infects even its occasional touches of mysticism and photogenic romance.
Braveheart opts to turn cowardly, settling for the magnification of Gibson's idol status, forfeiting the complex, more nebulous magnificence of the real Sir William Wallace and virtually excising the strategic brilliance of Robert The Bruce.
Everybody knows that a non-blubbering clause is standard in all movie stars' contracts. Too bad there isn't one banning self-indulgence when they direct.
An action epic with the spirit of the Hollywood swordplay classics and the grungy ferocity of The Road Warrior.
Gibson's raw energy and storytelling power in Braveheart are undeniable. If the film doesn't meet his ambitions, it's because he set the bar so high.
Latest News for Braveheart
December 07, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Apocalypto" Is Bloody Good; "Blood Diamond" Needs Polish; "Unaccompanied" Is Minor; "Holiday" Is So-So
This week at the movies, we've got declining civilizations ("Apocalypto," directed by Mel Gibson), conflict diamonds ("Blood Diamond," starring Leonardo... More...
December 21, 2005:
Trailer Bulletin: Apocalypto
That unpredictable ol' Mel Gibson has some a new movie brewin'. It's called "Apocalypto," and it looks like it hopes to be a big player in next summer's movie wars.... More...
July 22, 2005:
Mel Gibson to Direct "Apocalypto" Now
Variety reports on the next project from director Mel Gibson, and it's some sort of ancient civilization action epic entitled "Apocalypto". Disney will distribute the... More...
December 06, 2004:
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