Mel Gibson starred ‘Braveheart‘ is a movie that is based on the long epic poem of 12,000 lines about the story of Scottish legend William Wallace. The movie came out in 1995 and dominated the Academy Awards winning best picture, best director, and three more awards adding to it.
This masterpiece of a movie was directed and starred by actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson. However, is this story that is inspired by an epic, based on true events? Are the historical facts that are included in the movie factually correct? Let’s find out.
Is ‘Braveheart’ Based On A True Story?
‘Braveheart’ follows the story of its protagonist William Wallace, who leads the people of Scotland against its invaders, that were the English. It depicts the battle of Stirling Bridge, which was a true event in history. The plot of the movie revolves around Wallace’s life, until his death, and his sacrifice for his country.
The question of if this film is based on a true story or not is a little complicated to answer. The protagonist and the main plot of the movie are indeed based on a Scottish hero William Wallace. The film is based on the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I. However, some key aspects in the movie are only loosely based on true events.
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Is The Movie Historically Accurate?
Historians have on many occasions pointed out that, ‘Braveheart’ is one of the most historically inaccurate films ever. Starting with the protagonist, Wallace is shown in the film as a highland farmer. However, as mentioned in Slash Film Wallace was a Scottish gentry. Also, even though they did win the first war, but factually didn’t reach as far as York.
The people in the film were all shown wearing kilts to encounter the brazen winter. Although, Kilts didn’t reach that part of the globe much until 300 years later. Lastly, Wallace is shown to have been captured by his men and captured in Edinburgh. In reality, Wallace was captured in Glasgow and was turned in by a Scottish knight.
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