"Braveheart" Film Review

In the movie Braveheart, William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, leads a revolt against the English. He wants Scotland to be free of English control. He leads many attacks against the English and Edward the Longshanks.

William begins his fight after his wife is killed by a English lord. He fights back inspiring others to join him and they overthrow the lord. William and his clan then must defend themselves against a group of soldiers sent to stop their uprising.

William's small group is next joined by another group of rebels who want their freedom. The newly joined forces defeat the much larger army sent to prevent them from continuing. William will never settle for some area of land to be under his control only wanting all of Scotland to be freed. The nobles of Scotland do not believe what Wallace wants is possible, and because of these opinions they lead their armies away from the next battle at which they were supposed to help support Wallace's troops. Despite the nobles lack of support William leads his troop to sack York, one of the best cities in England.

After all of his advances William is finally led into a trap where he is beaten and taken prisoner. He is told that if he swears allegiance to the king of England he will be quickly killed and not have to suffer. Knowing that if he betrays his cause the revolt he started will end, William does not accept the English king. After making that choice he is hung until he is about to die and then dropped down, next he is stretched by his arms and legs, this is followed by him being strapped onto a table and cut. After each torture he is again given the option of ending the torture by accepting the English king, but he refuses. After being asked the last time he uses all his strength to yell out one word: FREEDOM, as loud as he can. After this display of courage he is killed for treason. At the end of the movie you see Wallace's friend continuing the revolt and leading another attack.

This movie seems like it is probably very close to being historical. There are definitely fictional parts but the main storyline is probably factual. Overall the movie had a good storyline and provided historical information in a interesting way. I would recommend this movie, it is a great way to spend some time.