After being invited to participate in The Final Oscar’s Smackdown I had the chance to revisit a film that for a very long time I had considered a special favourite of mine. The point of the Smackdown was essentially to take a swing at rewriting history, so it gave me the chance to discuss some of my darker feelings towards Braveheart. That’s really not what The Vault is all about though, we’re all about heaping on praise on overlooked movies here. So perhaps it’s time I remind myself and everyone else why I love this movie so much.
Say what you want about Mel Gibson personally or professionally, but there’s one thing that everybody can agree on, the man does revenge flicks like nobody’s business. Ransom, Edge of Darkness, Payback, Lethal Weapon 2, even The freakin’ Patriot. Seriously, the man needs to do a film called RE-VENGE! while he can still pull off the action thing… (Perhaps it’s already too late.) In Braveheart, Mel Gibson plays legendary Scottish rabble rouser William Wallace, who in addition to trying to achieve freedom for his people, is out to avenge the untimely death of his wife. His quest for blood starts small with the English garrison in his village and leads all the way up to King Edward I and his entire royal army. It’s an expanding scenario that offers bigger and bigger opportunities for carnage and mayhem.
While the scale of these confrontations might not have been at the level of Lord of the Rings or Gladiator, the sweping battle scenes were done with real people and not the help of CGI which gives it a dirtier, more authentic look, even if some of these guys are doing more chatting than fighting. Fortunately, no wristwatches in this one, at least as far as the 20 or so times I’ve seen this movie have revealed.
And while this might be the Mel Gibson show, this was the best way to introduce the wider world to Brendan Gleeson as Wallace’s best friend and comrade at arms Hamish. Hidden behind that giant beard, I didn’t even realise I was fan of Gleeson’s until years later. While Gibson’s accent might have been pretty spot on, especially compared to his contemporary Kevin Costner in Robin Hood, it was Gleeson that really gave this film its Scottish heart (even if Brendan Gleeson is Irish).
Stephen the Irishman (David O’Hara) was probably my favourite thing about this movie, and I think I can still base that on what I based it on when I was 20, that his name is Stephen and he’s Irish. What else is there to like? What would have put it over the top? Ray Winstone as someone in the cast, anyone.
A superb movie from beginning to end and one of my favorite of all-time. You forgot to add that Sophie Marceau was HOT!
She really had it going on in this film, and totally blew it in The World is Not Enough – her hair just got too big.
Such a great movie what really showed us how talented Gibson really is. We used to watch this all the time in high school…I think I need to pick up the Blu Ray Sapphire Series edition of this.
Yeah, this could make it into my “All Time Classic” section of my collection, if I had such a thing. I don’t have a spot just for Mel Gibson movies – I just can’t bring myself to buy either Apocalypto or Passion of the Christ, but a Sapphire series Braveheart could find a home in my “Epic” section – which I actually do have.
I actually enjoyed Apocolypto quite a bit but like you, don’t think I’ll buy it. However if I got it as a gift, I’d put it on my shelves:)
Also, I really liked Edge of Darkness. I didn’t expect much but was very impressed (maybe because Martin Campbell directed it. Was it me is Mel Gibson about as short as Mel Brooks?
It’s easy to look big and burly when you’re no taller than James Brown! (5’6″!) But apparently Mel is only like an inch shorter than I am. Canadian rocker Sam Roberts would have to climb a ladder just to tie my shoes!
Yeah, there’s directors whose work I’ll buy no matter how cruddy just to have all of it, but Mel Gibson is not one of them.
Great avatar, BTW. Billy Campbell represent!
It is such a brilliant and timeless movie, and as long as it is you never feel the length and yet it still feels epic. A nearly perfect creation, it is with good reason the favorite film of many people, and well loved by me.
Perfect…if not for the stuffed horse flying out the window. Come on, there had to be a better way to do that circa 1995. I love this movie, that’s why I can pick at it without fear of reprisal, old friends can do that. I used to go to the local independent theatre every couple of months to see it – you got in free if you wore a kilt… Which I did.
That is possibly the most awesome thing I’ve ever heard.
Man, I totally miss the Mayfair Theatre. It just got heritage status in my hometown though, so it’ll be there whenever I go back.
Love the film. My favourite “period drama” blooper is a scene from a movie – I can’t remember which – where there is very clearly a lorry driving by in the background as two people stroll through the fields in perfect period attire.
I think I have a vague recollection of what youre talking about. But maybe I’m thinking about a scene from Notting Hill…
Lazy background talent like they have in Braveheart ran themselves out of business with their wristwatches and casual conversations in the midst of swordplay. The half-assing of battlefield extras are what made the decision to go to all CGI with the battle scenes way too easy. Why’d they have to make it so easy for Peter Jackson and Ridley Scott?
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Glad to read this. Not sure why so many bloggers poo-poo this film. It is gorgeous from beginning to end a remarkable cinematic achievement. Just did a posting on Mel this week. Love his work and could care less about his personal life. Wish i could have taken part in that Best Picture 1995 showdown…..
My Smackdown review and my Vault review review different pictures of this movie – for the Smackdown I was feeling the pressure to dethrone the king, but in actuality when Braveheart won best picture, it was one of the few times I felt that the Academy actually knew what it was doing. I still have issues with the fake horse and the half-assing by extras and continuity blips in the fight scenes, but it’s an emotional film and always leaves me feeling pumped.