Braveheart — It captured the imagination then and it still does now — 9*/10
- Overall: Epic medieval story by actor-director Mel Gibson that will easily transport you.
- Who is it for? Anyone wanting to watch a grandiose story. Short attention spans should abstain, because it is very long and develops slowly. It is also quite violent.
- Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/
- Known actors: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, John Kavanagh, Brendan Gleeson and Tommy Flanagan.
- Cameos: Brian Cox.
- Setting: Grubby, dirty medieval England and Scotland.
- Style: Gritty sometimes gory folk hero war story with a side of romance. Lots of different elements make for a complete tale.
- Pacing: There are multiple culmination points and multiple paces to the storytelling which gathered together build a great narration. It is quite long, almost three hours.
- Intro: Slowly sets the tone and immerses us in the story.
- Story: It has a lot to tell and it takes its time to do it. Full of action, battles, angry Scots and some romance, it is no wonder it was such a success and it is still now a cultural reference.
- Ending: Gripping. Gut wrenching.
- Epilogue: Could have done without it, although it is pretty moving.
- Dialogs: Well rendered.
- Characters: They all have very palpable personality. As you get to know each of them, you get to understand each of them without a doubt.
- Acting: Superb.
- Visuals: Beautiful in a gritty way. The film is getting old and you can see it, but you can still appreciate the quality.
- Special Effects: Only a few disappointing mishaps that you usually only see on subsequent watch.
- Costumes: Excellent designs, very realistic.
- Score: Gripping, grandiose.
