Braveheart - opis i recenzja

BRAVEHEART


Directed by Mel Gibson
Written by Randall Wallace
Cinematography by John Toll
Music by James Horner
Production Design by Tom Sanders
Costume Design by Charles Knode
Film Editing by Steven Rosenblum
Produced by Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Alan Ladd Jr., Dean Lopata, Stephen McEveety, Elizabeth Robinson

Braveheart is a film that seems to have been bursting to come out of the Scottish film industry for sometime. Strange then, that it took an Australian director, American writer, and Japanese and American money to make it come true.

Part romance, part action, it tells the story of the life of William Wallace, sworn protector of Scotland, from childhood to death, creating a highly emotional, yet immense enjoyable, rollercoaster ride through this part of Scottish history (artistic license respected). From the brutal slaying of his father, through the events which subsequently lead to his fight with his English, and his victories on the battlefield, up to his defeat and sacrifice Gibson excels, both as director and as star, though his accent falters, he manages to inject passions and humour into a character who could have turned into a medieval Rocky.

Braveheart is definitely NOT historically accurate. Although it may pretend to present a true depiction of the events of that time, it's really just Hollywood glamorising the story again. This does not in any way detract from the main reason you should be watching this film - for enjoyment. It is not anti-English, as reported in the media, in fact it actually portrays all 'races' concerned in both good and bad light, acknowledging that there can be evil and jealously lurking anywhere.

The title character is William Wallace (Mel Gibson), a hero of Scottish history, whose legend has surely outstripped fact (in it's own unique way, the film acknowledges this). Wallace fought for Scotland's freedom in the late 13th century, wielding his broadsword and influence to defeat the forces of King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan), the British monarch who had declared himself king of Scotland upon the former ruler's demise.

Braveheart builds slowly to its first gritty climax. Much of the early film concentrates on Wallace's love for Murron (Catherine McCormack). Their courtship is unhurried, yet this is all preparation. The real meat of the story, which includes political machinations, betrayal, and dramatic battles, is yet to come. The nobles of Scotland fight for land and riches, but Wallace stands for the individual, and earns respect and fame throughout England and Scotland as a result of his rebellious actions. Wallace and other townsmen first kill the local English magistrate, and quickly gather volunteers and strength as stories of his fierce fighting spread. Wallace helps lead Scotland to a military victory over England at the battle of Stirling, and is knighted for his bravery and leadership. He was able to use his charming and determined demeanour to create a secret alliance with the Princess of Wales, who on many occasions provided the Scots with crucial information that often lead to their successes.

Bulked up and wearing a longhaired wig, Gibson brings his usual wealth of charisma to the title role. Patrick McGoohan, best known from The Prisoner, is almost unrecognizable beneath a snowy beard. His Edward the Longshanks exudes an aura of cold menace. He is a worthy foe for Wallace because his intelligence matches his ruthlessness. Sophie Marceau, the French actress who plays Princess Izabelle, and Catherine McCormark are both immensely appealing.

Braveheart is a brutal, bloody motion picture, but the violence is not gratuitous. The maiming, decapitations, and other assorted gruesome details make Wallace's world seem real and immediate. In addition, few theatrical moments make a more eloquent statement against war than when Gibson shows women and children weeping over the dead on a body-littered battlefield. War is a two-headed beast, and both faces - the glorious and the tragic - are depicted.

Braveheart was the movie that won Mel Gibson two Oscars for himself and it should have won James Horner an Oscar for his score as well. His soundtrack was a step back into the traditional instruments of the Scots and Celts. And Horner interlaced them with a full orchestra in a way that can only be described as mesmerizing. From the opening titles, where mysterious and haunting bagpipes take us back through time, to the fury of the battlefields at Stirling and Falkirk, Horner keeps up the same basic theme but introduces it to us in different manners to reflect the mood of the scene. His use of choir and strings has been heard before, but if one chooses to ignore that fact, it is easy to enjoy the piece that Horner has composed. Some of the stand-out pieces on the soundtrack are "Sons of Scotland" (which is just as inspiring with or without Mel Gibson's speech), "The Battle of Stirling" and "Freedom"/The Execution/Bannock burn. And one thing which I appreciated was the fact that the love theme was not always played by one instrument, but presented to the listener by a variety of different instruments (such as flute or even the bag pipes). Such things can make a particular piece of music more appealing to listeners. I hope that James Horner takes some satisfaction in the fact that such fans as myself appreciate the efforts he put in and hope he continues to produce such finely crafted music.

I highly recommend this film. If nothing else, it will make you value your freedom. But, if you are anything like me, you will put this movie at the top of your Favourite List. Freedom has been given to us, but we must never forget the heroes who fought for it, for us. For freedom!...