Every man dies. Not every man truly lives.|May. 24, 1995|United States|178 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Drama;History;War
Description: Set in 1280, the film *Braveheart* (1995) begins with King Edward I, known as “Longshanks,” invading and conquering Scotland after the death of Alexander III, who left no heir. Witnessing Longshanks’ betrayal and the execution of Scottish nobles, young William Wallace endures the loss of his father and brother in the fight against the English. He is later taken on a pilgrimage across Europe by his uncle Argyle, who ensures Wallace receives an education.
Years later, Longshanks grants his noblemen land and rights in Scotland, including the controversial “Prima Nocte.” Meanwhile, Wallace returns to Scotland, falls in love with his childhood friend Murron MacClannough, and marries her in secret. When Wallace saves Murron from English soldiers attempting to assault her, she is captured and executed. Seeking revenge, Wallace leads his clan to slaughter the English garrison in his hometown and sends a defiant message of rebellion to Longshanks.
As Wallace’s rebellion gains momentum, Longshanks orders his son, Prince Edward, to stop him by any means. Wallace, alongside his friend Hamish, fights against the English, and his growing legend inspires hundreds of Scots to join his cause. Wallace achieves a significant victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge and captures York, killing Longshanks’ nephew and sending his severed head to the king.
Wallace seeks support from Robert the Bruce, a contender for the Scottish throne, but Robert is influenced by his leper father, who seeks to secure the throne by submitting to English rule. Concerned by the rebellion’s threat, Longshanks sends his son’s wife, Isabella of France, to negotiate with Wallace as a diversion for another English invasion force. The story follows Wallace’s relentless fight for Scottish freedom and his enduring legacy.
Cast director: Mel Gibson
Cast actor: Mel Gibson, Catherine McCormack, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Brendan Gleeson, James Robinson, James Cosmo, Sean McGinley, Gerda Stevenson
Original name: Braveheart