Quick Review: Braveheart (1995)

January 14, 2014 / Leave a Comment

BRAVEHEART

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
JANUARY 14, 2014

Mel Gibson not only proves he’s an amazing actor in “Braveheart,” but he also proves to be a high caliber director, versatile enough to star as the lead in an epic film while directing what will remain a cinematic classic. Extremely dark, the story continuously surprises, catching the viewer off guard on multiple occasions. Hooking me within the first few minutes when young William Wallace sees his father and townspeople slain in gruesome detail, not only does the story reach levels of darkness beyond my expectations but the cinematography holds so well that the rich, vivid details of the film echo long after the film is over and will help preserve this film from becoming outdated or washed out. The quality of the film remains as strong as films coming out today, which have much better equipment than was available in 1995. Following the older William Wallace (Mel Gibson) as his love is ripped away from him by the English, he forms a Scottish rebellion and fights across the English countryside in attempts to reach the King. With large scale battles that rival any cinematic fight scenes since, there’s a reason “Braveheart” made such a strong impression at the Academy Awards, bringing home many of its biggest honors including Best Picture. Gibson gives one of the best performances of his life, surrounded by an impressive supporting cast including the recognizable Brendan Gleeson and the lovely Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle. There will never be another film like “Braveheart”, which fires on all cylinders and brings the best out of every aspect involved, a true feat of film-making and one of the best films of all-time.