As a historian with a focus on medieval Scotland, I often get asked about the historical accuracy of the 1995 film "Braveheart," directed by and starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace. The movie is a cinematic masterpiece and has been lauded for its powerful storytelling and compelling performances. However, when it comes to historical accuracy, it's important to approach the film with a critical eye. Step 1: English Answer "Braveheart" is a film that has captivated audiences with its epic portrayal of the Scottish rebellion against English rule in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The movie tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish knight who becomes a hero of the Scottish resistance against King Edward I of England. While the film is an emotional and thrilling experience, it's also an extremely historically inaccurate film, but that doesn't devalue it as a cinematic achievement. Star and director Mel Gibson himself has noted that the film is a historical fantasy and shouldn't be taken as the accurate portrayal of Wallace's life. There are several key areas where the film deviates from historical facts: 1. Character Portrayals: Some characters are fictionalized or their roles are exaggerated. For instance, the character of Robert the Bruce is portrayed as initially being a coward and a traitor, which is not supported by historical accounts. In reality, Bruce was a complex figure who eventually became a key leader in the Scottish resistance. 2. Timeline Manipulation: The film compresses the timeline of events. The Battle of Stirling Bridge, depicted as a key early victory, actually took place several years after the events that precede it in the film. 3. Historical Events: Certain events are misrepresented or fabricated. The Battle of Falkirk, for example, is depicted as a defeat for the English, whereas in reality, it was a significant victory for King Edward I. 4. Cultural Inaccuracies: The film takes liberties with Scottish and English culture. The portrayal of the Scottish kilt and the blue face paint is anachronistic; kilts were not worn in battle during Wallace's time, and the use of woad for body paint was a practice more associated with ancient Britons than medieval Scots. 5. Language: The film uses modern English and Scottish accents, which are not historically accurate. Middle English and the language of the time would have been quite different. 6. William Wallace's Death: The depiction of Wallace's execution is overly dramatic and inaccurate. Historical records suggest a more mundane and less theatrical execution process. Despite these inaccuracies, "Braveheart" has had a significant impact on popular perceptions of Scottish history and has been credited with sparking renewed interest in the period. It's important to remember that while the film may not be a reliable source of historical information, it is a powerful piece of art that can inspire viewers to learn more about the real history behind the story. **read more >>

The 1995 movie, BraveHeart, is a cinematic master-piece. ... It's also an extremely historically inaccurate film, but that doesn't devalue it as a cinematic achievement. Star and director Mel Gibson himself notes that the film is a --historical fantasy-- and shouldn't be taken as the accurate portrayal of Wallace's life.Dec 5, 2011read more >>