Review of Braveheart (1995) by Xgary X — 27 Aug 2013

Braveheart is the (exceedingly tall) story of William Wallace, a man who united the common people of Scotland to rise up against their English oppressors in the 13th century. Of course the historical "facts" vary between the dubious and the ludicrous, particularly those involving the princess of Wales but I for one am not complaining about having to look at Sophie Marceau.

It's easy to pick holes in it's accuracy, but if it were true to real events it probably would be a hell of a lot duller. This film is about rooting for the underdog; cheering on the good guys and booing the bad guys with some fantastically bloody action along the way.

Gibson's accent is more Crocodile than Dundee, but he plays the part with just the right mix of charm and humour and has a great supporting cast to back him up, Patrick McGoohan being the best of the bunch as the deliciously malevolent Edward Longshanks (Boo! Hiss!) Often ridiculous, but a hugely entertaining old school swashbuckler.

And where else can you see a story where a dirty hankie changes history...?!