BRAVEHEART (1995) - R

A rousing historical epic about Scottish independence from the ruthless British King Edward "The Longshanks" who, in attempting to inherit the Scottish crown for himself, rapes and pillages many a Scottish town. When the young William Wallace sees his entire family killed off by the English, he is left under the care of his uncle. Raised to be a humble, hard working, albeit cultured man, Wallace reurns to his hometown, Elderslie, Scottland years later a grown man. Marrying his childhood sweetheart, upon her wrongful death, Wallace sets out on a bloody quest for vengeance. Along the way, he attracts and inspires bands of helpless Scots. Together, Wallace and his Scotsmen set out fighting against England for their freedom. Political complications involving the beautiful Queen of France, an allegedly homosexual heir to the English throne, and the Welsh sects of the British Isles ensue in this classic, historic epic based on the legend/ history of one man who dared to inspire a country to believe that, above all, there is no greater gift than that of freedom.

This blockbuster features an A-list cast, including Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Brendan Gleeson, David O' Hara, and Ian Bannen.

Ten Oscar nominations; 5 wins (1995's Best Picture, Director, Cinematography, Makeup, Sound Effects Editing)

Director Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" is a sweeping, stirring historical epic.

The Braveheart Review

"They may take our lives, but they cannot take our freedom"