"What Will You Do Without Freedom"by Medvegas

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September 02, 2009: To me, this gut-wrenching, emotionally-charged war epic has been the best film in that genre to have ever been produced in the history of film. This epic conveys the human need to be free, as essential as food, air, and water, and to that end, it conveys this need quite effectively. Although violent, as war certainly is, I think that anyone will enjoy it, if only by virtue of humanity's struggle for freedom, which countless people have fought, bled, and died for throughout the history of human existence. William Wallace did for Scotland what George Washington, the Early Colonists, and innumerable patriots did for America's freedom.

Freedom, as this film depicts, is not just limited to America, Europe, and the West, but equally important is the urgency for all the people of the world to be free, in all of its contexts. Romanticists will find a home in this film, history buffs certainly will, Europeans will (yes, even the British), and virtually anyone who even has a passing interest in history, freedom, tyranny, love, war, salvation, vengeance, justice, scenery, and the fundamental human longing to do as they wish, without fear of persecution, death, torture, or anything else that is imposed upon the will of citizens yearning to be free. Aside from the seriousness of freedom, is does have humorous parts, captures quite well the Scottish Highlands and countryside, is historically accurate to a degree, and is very entertaining that will keep the viewer on the edge of their proverbial seat, while also conveying an articulateness and emotion that is rarely seen in today's films, save for Gladiator, The Green Mile, and a few other wondrous epics.

Sophie Marceau lends her natural beauty and proclivity for the highest degree of femininity to an historical context, that is not seen much in that era, and even portends a romantic/sexual interest in Wallace (Mel Gibson) as she sees him as the very ideal of masculinity, fighting as much for the woman he lost at the hands of a brutal English nobleman, as he is for his nation's freedom from tyranny. Patrick McGoohan embodies the very essence of what most regard as the quintessential tyrannical English king, never ceasing in his pursuit to conquer the world, or at least his part of it, and brings a sense of cruelty to his role in the film, which all tells of his innate acting ability to make it all seem more real. Last, but by no means least, Mel Gibson as both director and star of the epic film, masters the ability to portray a sense of action, history, romance, loss, the fight for freedom, life and death as if they were all intertwined into one coherent entity. The viewer is left with a stunning sense of awe, the deepest appreciation for what it really takes to persevere over tyranny, and what the endless love of a good woman combined with a mission to triumph over adversity, can do to an otherwise common man, in his relentless pursuit to free his nation forever and avenge his beloved's death.

Michael Wade

Great Movieby Fofo

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April 28, 2009: I loved this movie I saw it many times before .. mel gibson did agreat performance in Brave Heart .. I just love it.. thanks BN.COM

This review was written about the DVD Special Edition / Wide Screen edition.