Braveheart (1995)

My Review

The Best Picture of 1995 is…..”Braveheart.” Producer-director Mel Gibson (“The Man Without a Face” 1993) casts himself in the starring role as William Wallace, the 13th century warrior who leads Scotland on its First War of Independence against King Edward I of England. The three hour film moves rapidly, as it is choc full of sweeping drama, exciting battle scenes, romance, and more, from the excellent screenplay by Randall Wallace. He got the idea for this film while on holiday in Scotland to investigate his family tree.

The cast includes Mel Gibson, Patrick McGoohan (as King Edward I), Sophie Marceau, Angus Macfadyen, Catherine McCormack, Brendan Gleeson, Brian Cox, Peter Hanley, James Cosmo, David O’Hara, Ian Bannen, Stephen Billington, John Kavanaugh, Tommy Flanagan, Richard Leaf. It was filmed primarily in Ireland.

“Braveheart” was nominated for ten Oscars, winning five including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography (John Toll), Best Makeup, and Best Sound Effects Editing. Non-winners include Best Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Musical Score (James Horner). The very watchable “Braveheart” was a big hit at the box office for producers Mel Gibson and Alan Ladd Jr., Icon Productions, The Ladd Company, Paramount Pictures, and 20th Century Fox.