It was one of the biggest motion pictures produced in the 1990s, which saw it gross approximately $209 million worldwide and earn five Academy Award nods. The movie Braveheart saw Mel Gibson star as Scottish renegade William Wallace in a film that also had Gibson, who was aged 39 at the time, direct and produce the project.
The 1995 historical drama was a highly fictionalised account of legendary 13th-century Scottish warrior William Wallace. It chronicled the tale of the rebel who went up against the superior military might of King Edward I of England, known as “Longshanks” because of his height. Despite being accused of historical inaccuracies such as the Primae Noctis myth — which, while highlighted in folklore, was not believed to be codified in law — the movie has resonated with audiences and is seen as a cult classic among its passionate fanbase.
The film is renowned for its large-scale and violent battle sequences, created with the help of Irish Army reserve forces acting as infantry and cavalry. Its catch-phrase has become a part of pop culture — “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!” The emotional call has resonated throughout cinematic history and is still well-known three decades after the film was first brought to screen.
It’s romantic storyline and powerful depiction of the Scottish struggle for independence gave the movie a wide appeal for audiences. After the English King Edward I brutally conquers Scotland, William Wallace returns home longing only for a peaceful life with his childhood love, Murron. But, when English soldiers murder Murron in retaliation for Wallace defending her, his grief and fury ignite a widespread rebellion against the English occupation.
The Scottish protagionist becomes a charasmatic leader and highly compentent strategist who inspires the common folk to battle for their freedom. His armies surprise the English with emphatic victories, including the historically inaccurate depiction of the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
Awards received by the film
The film received 10 Academy Award nominations and won in five categories at the 68th Academy Awards ceremony:
- Best Picture: Mel Gibson, Alan Ladd Jr., and Bruce Davey
- Best Director: Mel Gibson
- Best Cinematography: John Toll
- Best Sound Effects Editing: Lon Bender and Per Hallberg
- Best Makeup: Peter Frampton, Paul Pattison, and Lois Burwel
Mel Gibson also received a Golden Globe for Best Director in a Motion Picture for the film.
From eight nominations in the BAFTA awards, Braveheart won three:
- Best Cinematography: John Toll
- Best Costume Design: Charles Knode
- Best Sound: Per Hallberg, Lon Bender, Brian Simmons, Andy Nelson, Scott Millan, and Anna Behlmer
Braveheart has a strong 76% review rating on site Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences commented positively about Gibson’s direction and his input into the film, with the battle scenes particularly appreciated.
One critic said: “I can see why this film won Oscars. Its messages and final scene in particular resonate greatly. And it is pretty epic, too, though I don’t know if it should’ve won best picture.”
Another wrote that the movie was one of the “Greatest films of all time.”
Marshall Fine from Journal News said the production was: “An ambitious and satisfying endeavor that establishes Mel Gibson as a director of strength and vision. Though his reach ultimately exceeds his grasp, it’s a film that’s worth the effort.”
But not all the reviews were complimentary with L.A. Weekly’s Ella Taylor being particularly scathing.
She wrote: “Epic in length only and peppered with sniggering homophobia. The homage to himself [Gibson] drags on for three hours going on for three years.”