In retrospect, the popularity of "Braveheart" seems like a foregone conclusion.
The movie, which opened 20 years ago this week (on May 24, 1995), won five Oscars, two of them for star Mel Gibson (in his roles as producer and director). The Best Picture winner thrilled audiences as well as critics with its exciting battle scenes, stirring speeches, and sweeping historical narrative of 13th-century Scottish independence fighter William Wallace. At its center is a charismatic performance by the "Lethal Weapon" star, then at the height of his popularity as a box office draw and action hero. It grossed $210 million worldwide. Two decades later, it's still the most famous movie ever made about Scotland.
Still, even though the movie has been a staple for 20 years, there may be plenty you don't know about it, from its generous liberties with history to the R-rated pranks the director pulled on his leading lady.
1. "Braveheart" was Randall Wallace's first produced screenplay,...
The movie, which opened 20 years ago this week (on May 24, 1995), won five Oscars, two of them for star Mel Gibson (in his roles as producer and director). The Best Picture winner thrilled audiences as well as critics with its exciting battle scenes, stirring speeches, and sweeping historical narrative of 13th-century Scottish independence fighter William Wallace. At its center is a charismatic performance by the "Lethal Weapon" star, then at the height of his popularity as a box office draw and action hero. It grossed $210 million worldwide. Two decades later, it's still the most famous movie ever made about Scotland.
Still, even though the movie has been a staple for 20 years, there may be plenty you don't know about it, from its generous liberties with history to the R-rated pranks the director pulled on his leading lady.
1. "Braveheart" was Randall Wallace's first produced screenplay,...
- 5/24/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Braveheart (1995) Direction: Mel Gibson Cast: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, James Robinson, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Hanly, Ian Bannen, James Cosmo, Catherine McCormack, David O'Hara, Brian Cox Screenplay: Randall Wallace Oscar Movies Mel Gibson, Braveheart Synopsis: In the late 13th century, the twenty-something Scottish knight William Wallace (Mel Gibson), aka Braveheart, leads a group of Scottish rebels against the occupying English forces. Wallace's goal is to attain freedom for his fellow Scots, while also avenging the deaths of his father, brother, and wife. In-between battles and prior to his brutal demise at the hands of the English, Wallace has an affair with the French princess, Isabella (Sophie Marceau), wife of the effete Prince of Wales (Peter Hanly) and daughter-in-law of England's King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan). The Pros: Production values that an estimated $50-70+ million could buy in the mid-1990s. It ends. The Cons: After watching Ridley Scott's Gladiator,...
- 2/20/2011
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Although it may not be totally historically accurate, Mel Gibson.s Braveheart remains a great film and looks incredible on Blu-ray. The film is a perfect mixture of romance, historical drama, and gut-spilling action. Released to Blu-ray as part of a Paramount.s Sapphire Series, Braveheart comes to the format loaded with special features that take a look at the making of the film, the history of the story, and commentary from Gibson. New special features include three interactive timelines; new interviews with cast and crew discussing the impact of the film, and and a look at Smithfield: Medieval Killing Fields. Along with Gibson (who also handled directing duties), Braveheart stars Catherine McCormack, Patrick McGoohan, Sophie Marceau, Brian Cox, Peter Hanly,...
- 9/27/2009
- by Patrick Luce
- Monsters and Critics
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