When the film Brave Heart was screened, I was attracted by the beautiful scene at the first sight. The mountains, forests and villages in Scotland impressed me a lot. With the background music played by bagpipe, I believe most people who finish watching the movie will be moved by Wallace. I myself am sympathetic towards him. At the same time, I have been motivated by his experience.
At the beginning, Wallace just wanted to live as a farmer. Although his father and brother were killed by Edward 1 when he was very young, he did not mean to involve himself into the vengeance. He married his childhood friend Murron. Days later, a group of English soldiers attempted to rape Murron. Wallace attacked the soldiers, trying to save her. However, the village sheriff cut her throat, which made Wallace angry. He killed the sheriff, using the same lethal weapon which killed Murron. At this time, Wallace had no choice but to revolt against England's cruel laws.
Thousands of Scottish volunteered to joined his militia. He was a talented general. They succeeded through a series of battles. The Scottish nobility Bruce desired to become the lord of Scotland. He pretended to unit with Wallace as his father told him to. But later he began to appreciate Wallace's bravery. Edward 1 sent his son's wife princess Isabelle to meet with Wallace for cease-fire. The negotiation failed because of Edward's dishonesty. After returning to England, Isabelle found that the meeting was just a conspiracy. It aimed at Edward's sparing more time for Irish and French armies to surround Wallace. The princess sent her maid to take the message to Wallace. Without enough time to prepare, Wallace tried his best to fight off the united army. During the battle, he found that Bruce betrayed him. He was so shocked and sad.
Isabelle and Wallace fell in love with each other. Later Edward raised that they should have a another meeting. Although Wallace knew it was a snare, he decided to go for the sake of peace. Old Bruce caught Wallace and handed him over to England. Bruce felt guilty for his father's behavior, disowning him forever.
Wallace was tortured, being hanged, racked, and disemboweled. Before he died, he used up all his strength, crying "Freedom!".
At the point of Edward's death, Isabelle told him that the baby she was paginated with was Wallace's. The child was going to become the new king of England. At the same time, Bruce charged the stunned English lines and won their freedom.
Although there is criticism of the film's plot, for it is different from the history, lots of people like it. The whole movie is full of romance. For a story of hero and beauty, I suppose the most attractive is the spirit. When pursuing our dream, we are likely to be hurt, betrayed and so on. Should we give up? The film gives the answer. Thanks to people's dedicating their time and even lives to the world, we lead a better life. Do not care the result. Do not mind what others think and do to us. Be brave, without pity.
Much of the impact in the movie has to do with Mel Gibson's acting. Personally, I think he's a very good actor and I imagine you felt drawn to his down to earth portrayal of the protagonist. Mel Gibson impresses one as someone who can make the audience feel he is a real life character and it does not matter if he's a comic or tragic hero. There is a certain fearlessness on his face which makes his persona on screen convincing. It is this quality that makes his movies enjoyable to watch. As to what message is being conveyed by the director, it often depends on your own frame of mind. I would regard it as entertainment when I am bored and need to find some way to spend a couple of hours.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen the film before. After your introduction, I think I will spare some time to watch it, of course, when I am in good mood.I have seen some films about heros and heroines in ancient Eruope,and they are all tragedies.Their thoughts and behaviors were above the normal standard, and I think that is how tragedy is resulted. However, I think the thoughts or behaviors are quite common these days, so they can not give me much shock. By the way, if you have any good books or movies,please let me have a look. Thank you.
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