7th October, 2000 |
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7th October, 2000 |
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aindy09, Ingrid Alfonso, Romina Ameijenda, Andrade21, Josep Andreu Amoros, Ronald Armstrong, Jeanie Beal, Rodney Alan Bowman, Lord British, Robert Bruce, Fred Clarke, Kathleen Covi, Dalton5196, Eran, Laura Hughes, Jeangid, Karlo, Laurene, Leonard Lawson, Steven J Lewis, LissaM3, Nathan Lorentz (Obiwan), Galadriel Lothlorien, mbland7689, Leticia Mezl, Northwest Graphics, Barbara Panak, Paul A. Pearson, Bianca Procopio, PM7200120, Hilda Powell,Bob Reece, Stephanie A. Roche, Judy Ross, Jamie Scott, SILLYBALES, Lorrie Smith, username@popalex1.linknet.net, username@uottawa.ca, Debra White, Willco, Jason Williams, Sara Wirjodiardjo
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Romina Ameijenda ... I think that Braveheart is more than a movie, it changed my life. Thank MEL GIBSON for showing us that great story.
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| Bianca Procopio ... For the first time in a long time, a movie has lit a fire in a lot of people of Scottish blood, not to mention my husband and myself. My husband is a McLean. By watching this movie, it has caused us to dig deeper into the McLean history. This movie brought out a pride that has been too long held in check. Not anymore, the wearing of the tartan, highland games, and Scottish culture been given CPR. More people are searching for their roots, and who those people were. We own a debt to Mel Gibson for bringing the story of William Wallace to the rest of the world. Regards, Bianca Procopio
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| Robert Bruce ... Greetings, I am bewildered. It's been quite a while now that I've seen Braveheart, I'm not quite sure how long....maybe 6 months. Tonight I was all alone at home and I suddenly had the urge to see this awe-inspiring work of art again. I got all set for the film, put in the tape, got a beer, pizza was nice and hot, then I pressed "play" on my vcr......it's hard to explain this feeling that came over me......"I shall tell you of William Wallace...", but all you Wallace/Braveheart fans know what I'm talking about... I was like mesmerized throughout the entire film, although I knew nearly every line, each frame, I've heard Horner's soundtrack countless times ever since the Summer of '95...... there's some kind of undefinable magic in this film (I wish I could use another word than just "film" or "movie", I find these terms not appropriate). Of course, needless to say, no other picture ever moved me to such an extent as Braveheart did and still does......and it doesn't seem to let go......before Braveheart I had various so called favorite movies, like Star Wars, ET, Raider of the Lost Ark.... they were all indeed very nice, very entertaining, humorous, and warm movies, but in no way can they live up to Braveheart, 177minutes of love, hate, passion, anguish, despair, humor, hope, pride........ you name it. Maybe this is the secret magic of Braveheart: it grips you by the heart, doesn't let go, takes you on a 3-hour emotional rollercoaster ride, never giving you a break, taking you to extreme highs and in the next minute you simply feel you're going to die of sorrow. Of all the times I've seen Braveheart, tonight, I think was the first time I saw it in complete privacy, the phone didn't even ring! It's amazing, I'm a 32 year old guy, not the macho type, but it does take quite a bit for me to cry... but in specific scenes tears did escape my eyes: Hamish's dad passing away........ the part where the Princess tries to persuade William to beg for mercy.......... the realization that strikes William like a hammer when he sees Robert the Bruce when he tears of his helmet after the Falkirk battle............ when the Bruce feels like pure shit (forgive me) wandering along the corpses at the blood-soaked Falkirk field, realizing what he had just done........... and , of course, William's FREEEEEEDOM....... what more can I say, I'm happy I could share my thoughts with you and I feel when so many different people react to a film in a such similar way, well, it makes me feel good, I mean, it's just a good thing to know that people react so positively, it's kind of a binding experience in a cyber sort of way :-)
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| Paul A. Pearson ... Greetings, Being new to the web (new, but learning pretty quick!), I came across your website whilst browsing and thought I'd give it a glance. I was most suprised ther had been a Braveheart Convention - I wish I'd known about it. My name, by the way, is Paul Pearson. I live in Brighton, East Sussex, and Braveheart is a very special movie to me on several different levels. As a film, it is excellent - epic in scale but personal enough to reach the raw emotions. Beautiful, tragic, dramatic and, in many ways, uplifting. I first enountered the film when I heard that Mel Gibson was filming it on location. I've always been a lover of historical adventure (TV has never been the same without Robin Of Sherwood) and so I watched its progress.(I recall that Sean Connery and Richard Gere were also shooting FIRST KNIGHT around the same time, but there is absolutely NO comparison). When the film was finally released, I went to see it at my local Odeon (largest screen available) despite Barry Norman's reservations about the film. I left that cinema shaken. Shortly after, I won a copy of the rental video in a contest, and can say that I've watched the film countless times - and each time the effect is the same. I would be most interested to receive any news letters you produce and would enjoy being in contact with others of similar interest, so please, include me on any mailing lists you have. Just a trivial observation, recently, I was watching a video which included a trailer for the cinema release of TITANIC and was quite puzzled as the music on the TITANIC trailer was music from BRAVEHEART. I rate James Horner as one of the best film composers aound, and I can see similarities between the two soundtracks, I just wondered why use BRAVEHEART rather than the proper music. After all, it is the same composer. Well, I shall return to your website now and continue my browse. Thank you
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| Bob Reece ... I was so happy to find your web site. I've sent email to order stuff from the '97 convention. I really appreciate what you have done in bringing people together on the 700 anniversary. I'm very sorry that I missed it. I've been a movie buff for most of my life as well as fascinated with Scotland. I'm also a history buff as well. When I saw the movie Braveheart in May of 1996, I knew I had seen a magnificent film. I knew then that it would win the academy award for best film. I had never heard of William Wallace; I was taken by his story so started reading what I could find about him in the States. I had always wanted to go to Scotland, but now I knew I had to and what I wanted to see. I couldn't believe it when I found I would be sent to London on business in July '96. I arranged after I finished my business to take a week off. I took the four hour train ride from London to Edinburgh, got in a taxi to the bed and breakfast, unpacked then jumped on a bus to Princess Av. It had been my dream to find pipers playing in Scotland (I own dozens of piping cd's). I got off the bus and what do I find...a piper playing with Edinburgh Castle behind him up on the hill. I get goose bumps thinking about it even today. Anyway, I made it to Stirling and visited the Wallace Monument (I'm still trying to find how I can order merchandise directly from the monument...I still want to get a "Braveheart" sweat shirt), Isle of Skye, Inverness. Much of my history study is of military (American Plains Indian Wars), and battles in general. My visit to Scotland surpassed what I thought I would see: Stirling Bridge, Bannockburn, and CULLODEN. Culloden really moved me. It reminded me so much of the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana, USA where Lt. Col George A. Custer and 268 of his men of the 7th U.S. Cavalry met their deaths on June 25, 1876 at the hands of the mighty Sioux and Cheyenne Indian Nations. It reminded me of this because you walk amongst the mass graves of the clansmen. I visited Culloden just 30 minutes before the visitor center closed. After it was closed down I walked around the battlefield. I was only there with a few other people spread out about, so it was like I was by myself. The place really moved me. I've had the opportunity to work at the Bighorn Battlefield as an interpreter (explaining the causes leading up to the Bighorn fight as well as the fight itself) and with this opportunity, I've been able to spend many hours by myself at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. The feelings were the same. At Bighorn, headstones marking where soldiers fell are spread all over the battlefield. At the top of Last Stand Hill, where Custer fell, is a 10 foot granite monument with a mass grave at its base holding what soldiers' remains could be found in 1881. I wish I could have been at your conference. Maybe some day I can get back and if so I'll try to plan it if you do it again.
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| Steven J Lewis ... Saw Braveheart for the first time last week and was truly moved. I love your site but have not had a chance to view it all yet. I can't help making constant analogies to our society today. What a disgrace it is how many people who take our freedom for granted. I see a society that in large part does not even know the definition of freedom in the sense that it applies here. I couldn't help but think, what if a year or two after they gained their freedom, their new leader lead a movement to ban citizens of their right to bear their weapons. The current movement to ban our 2nd amendment rights ignores the whole concept of freedom that Braveheart portrays. I could go on and on ...... I loved the movie and intend to watch it again..... Keep it going!!
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| Leonard Lawson ... I'm glad to see that you are continuing the perspective and appeal of the motion picture while the other web sites are dropping out. I have lost track of the number of times I have watched the movie. I now have three vcr films and two soundtrack cd's, with a cd usually playing constantly. By the way I do believe that James Horner should have got the 1995 Academy Award for the soundtrack. Keep up the good work !! Leonard Lawson (Lawson's from 17th C. Dumfriesshire) May, 1998 |
| Karlo ... Hi there.. my name's Karlo and I live in Glendale, California and I'm 18 years of age, I just wanted to say that it's really cool that you've seen the movie BRAVEHEART 42 times... now when u asked me that question I asked myself hmm Karlo how many times have u seen BRAVEHEART? and the answer was .. well I lost count, but all I can say is since march of 1996 I fell in love with BRAVEHEART and watched it so many times that I can recite the movie for you from the beginning to the end word by word.I am a huge BRAVEHEART fan and William Wallace is my hero and will always be. It's really good to know that there are many people besides me that have been inspired by William Wallace and the sons of Scotland and will love BRAVEHEART forever.. I would like to meet good fans like you one of these days if it's possible.. thanks for your time. bye bye
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| Eran ... Hi. My name is Eran,and I'm from Israel. I can say easily,that I agree with everything you declare regarding the film "BraveHeart".I feel the same. Definitely,it's the best. I shall be very pleased and grateful if you should send me the newsletter you have mentioned in the preview of the page. Keep up with the great work.
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| Jamie Scott ... You have an incredible website!! This is my favorite movie of all times - there's something about the idea of fighting for love - well not actually love but because of love - even though that's not why he really got started fighting the English. Your site is just awesome- no other word for it - I love it more and more!! Thank you. Jamie Scott
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| Fred Clarke ... Just thought I'd add a note to tell some of the people that come to this page, Yes, definitely go to Stirling, go to the Wallace Monument, see the battlefield from atop the monument. I could go on and on. My point is that going to Scotland and being in Stirling has not only enhanced my feeling for the movie but also has brought history leaping from the past and makes it a real experience. Now when I watch the movie, I've been there, I see what
they saw, I hear what they heard. The past and my heritage is alive within me.
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| SILLYBALES ... I think BraveHeart is the BEST MOVIE I SEEN. I think Mel Gibson should direct more often.
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| Laurene ... My name is Laurene and I really don't know how to begin expressing myself on this movie or the Scottish Heritage.... so pick and choose as you may. I myself don't have any Scottish blood in me but my friend does and he was the first to watch this movie with me. It is one of those movies that should be viewed more than once, and even in classrooms. Students don't want to learn about history, and movies as brilliant as this one prove to provoke interest in all ages. I have only seen it a few times, and bought the soundtrack for the beautiful music of the bagpipes. As I'm writing this I'm listening to it, and it brings tears to my eyes. After seeing Braveheart I wish I was Scottish just to have the pride and honor that they have in my blood. I have just started to look intensely for any information on this movie and your page has been one of the best so far, and I am going to go get some books about Sir William Wallace... by far this movie has provoked me to have interest in the history of people around me, whether I am Scottish or not. Mel Gibson did a wonderful job with this movie. Intriguing, moving, heart-tearing are words I can use towards this movie.... thank everyone for getting so involved in this and letting the world know about the honor of the Scottish blood.
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| Rodney Alan Bowman ... It's one man fighting for his love, his nation and his beliefs.
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| Jeanie Beal ... I cannot count the number of times that I have seen Braveheart. It re-established the Scottish pride with which I was raised, and has proved to be a valuable history lesson in teaching my son about his heritage. My husband has wholeheartedly embraced the Scottish traditions in my family. By the way, I raised a rousing cheer when the news came across the Scotland finally has its own parliament. It has been too long in coming.
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| Barbara Panak ... Loved the movie, love the heritage. My ex-mother-in-law was from Scotland, her name was Scales. My daughter and her future husband are planning a trip to there for their honeymoon. I spent most of the summer reading books about the 12th,13th,14th&15th century. Most of them romance novels but I am presently reading the Lymond chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett. I find the history of the clans fascinating but the bloody battles that were fought to preserve independence heart breaking. The English were a nasty lot during those times. Good luck in your election year. May you be granted your independence from England. I am enjoying your web page, keep up the great works..Sincerely, Barbara from the USA.
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| Andrade21 ... Braveheart is the grandest movie I have ever see!!!! HeHe. One of my friends introduced me to it and I've been obsessed ever since!!! HeHe. Well, what can I say, Robert the Bruce makes the movie. Yeah., Mel is good too, but isn't Robert just so darn cute? Yeah Mel has got those Baby blues but Robert has those Iced Emerald Eyes. No comparison, Robert is just the grandest!!! HeHe. Well, besides the finetastic Robert, I loved other things about the movie too. The script was fantastic! Who ever wrote those lines is a god or goddess. Well, don't let me put down Mel at all. He is a god is his own rite. He just has the best personality, but there are only two that are cuter than he: Angus MacFadyen and another not in Braveheart (Matthew Porretta). Don't you just love the scene where Robert the Bruce is walking on the table? HeHe. Hmmm... well, I have nothing else to say, but Robert is my pagan god!!!! By the way, the decaying guy get on my nerves too!!!!!! HeHe. And Lochlin is a spaz!!!!! -Andrade21 (my aol buddylist screenname)
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| Galadriel Lothlorien ... The appeal of Braveheart is that it depicts the history with such passion. I feel for the people who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom. Although I live in the US, I still feel that we all have to win our freedom. Being born with so called freedom does not make one's soul free. You can only be truely free if you win the battle for it! Sincerely; Galadriel Lothlorien Live well and love much.
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Hilda Powell ...
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| aindy09 ... braveheart rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Kathleen Covi ... Dear John and Linda, I just learned how to get on the internet yesterday, so today I thought I'd look up anything on my favourite movie of all time, which is, without any question, Braveheart. I was totally blown away by this movie's widespread fame. I had no idea so many people were as in love with it as I. Seeing Braveheart for the first time was a huge milestone in my life (although it was about two or three years ago and I'm only fifteen). I left the movie theatre weeping. Literally, I was a wreck. It started a huge infactuation (my brother calls it an obsession) with Scotland. My mother told me that if we trace her side of the family back five or six generations, we'd find the Campbell clan. I was so proud that my ancestors were portrayed in such a wonderful film. I have Braveheart posters all over in my room, making it a kind of William Wallace shrine, and I keep and cherish anything I can find that has any ties with Scotland. I listen to the soundtrack constantly. Well, I just wanted to congratulate you guys on a wonderful page. I'll be honored if you even read this, although I've barely started to express my deep love and awe of the very idea of Braveheart. This is one of the few things in my life that I feel incredibly strong about, and I thank you for the opportunity to share my feelings with those who feel the same. Thanks again! Kathleen Covi Neenah, Wisconsin
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| Ronald Armstrong ... Recently I had a job working for a ruthless, power mad doctor, much like the father of Robert the Bruce, not listening to her heart when making decisions. She was dishonest, evil, sadistic, etc. My work day was so horrific, that I found myself watching Braveheart over and over, every night. I needed it and I didn't know why. I think it represents all the basic instincts, contrasting those that come from the heart and those that come from people who have lost touch with their heart. If life is not all about the things and people that were the best of Braveheart, I don't think you can call it life. The movie balanced out the heartlessness of my days and I think this is its appeal. It is unique and probably the best of its kind in this genre. I think a lot of us are like Robert the Bruce, having people tell us all of our lives what we should do, but some of us know that if your heart is not in it, it will be worthless in the end. Finally, we know we have no other choice but to listen to our hearts, and the people that make this choice are a breed apart from the other. This movie is like a balm for the soul. I adore it.
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| Sara Wirjodiardjo ... Hi! My name's Sara Wirjodiardjo from Indonesia. You know, Braveheart made me fell madly in love with Scotland. The story about William Wallace is so tragic but it makes us reflect about the courage of people whom we are considering heroes. How they have fought that fiercly was beyond our ability. But the most important part is how I realize that one inspiring person can make a magnificent difference to other people. And I also want to confess that Braveheart made me fell in love with Scottish burr (it too inspired me to find a boyfriend who speaks in that accent!!!!!) Thank you.
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| Dalton5196 ... This movie is very moving. I have not single scotsman in my family history, and yet this movie is pulling me to scotland??? I can not figure it out??? I have to come to Scotland. I have been doing research on Scotland all that I read only draws me in more. I wish that I could attend the Convention but I only just found about this web page reading about Scotland on aol. I am really upset about this!!!
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| Judy Ross ... Hi, I'm so glad I found your website. I consider myself a "Scottish-American" and I'm doing a paper on MY ethnic group. I fell in love with Scotland as a child when I found out that most of my ancestors from both sides of my family came from Scotland. My love deepened when I got to go there. And then I saw Braveheart--LOVE IT!! I can't remenber how many times I've seen it--I've lost track--but one day, I watched it 3 times! So I'm using it as an example of how a dominant group, the English, can surpress history. Do you know how the London Times reviewed it? Unbelievably, unabasedly negative. I love to get a hold of some reviews from Scottish newspapers or magazines. Please pass any and all information on. Your American dispora loves you! I will make sure that the Scottish view is known here--not the English. As you must know, it got the Academy Award for best picture. Thanks.
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| Debra White ... Enjoyed your web page. I admit the movie was the best I had ever seen. I was truly touched and inspired by it also. I have seen it so often and every time I cry. My three favorite parts are: The love in his eyes for his wife at the beginning and the joy they share in their love for one another. The second part is the look of betray in Williams eyes on the battle field when he unmasked Robert. The third is at the end when he yells freedom. What a movie.
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| Lorrie Smith ... I would be very interested in receiving your newsletter. I too felt deeply moved when I watched the best movie ever Braveheart. My grandparents were born and raised in Scotland, my grandfather in Stevenson and my grandmother in Paisley. My Mom was also born in Stevenson and came to the United States with her family as a baby. I grew up listening to the wonderful Scottish language and didn't realize until I saw the movie Braveheart how much I missed hearing it. I thought that Mel Gibson played the role of William Wallace so well that I believed he was William Wallace. We have relatives living in Scotland, all my grandfathers brothers and sisters remained in Scotland except one sister. I would love to find out about them. Thanks so much for a wonderful website, Lorrie Smith
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| Jason Williams ... I just had to write and testify that the movie Braveheart stunned my soul and capitiavted my senses. The movie truly lays out an unadulterated portrait of courage that is hard to ignore. I have been deeply touched and motivated by such signs of courage. Braveheart has stirred my soul. I only wish there were more Braveheart fans in Oregon. If there is anything I can do to help further this message or get more informed please let me know.
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| PM7200120 ... I could speak volumes on the merits of this work of art. Visually stunning, rich in period authenticity, stellar portrayals and an inspired musical score. From the first tear fall, from young Williams' eye, to the drop of the cloth, from adult Williams' lifeless hand, I disappeared into that dark age. When I awoke I thanked God for my modern problems, with some reservations. Although life today seems to be devoid of the strife, suffering and violence, so apparent, in films of that era, I can't help wondering if today's outrageous fortune is not just as damaging or more, and for the modernation of our woes- we gave up the magic, personal relationships once yielded. There was a time when family and friends were more important than possessions, money and position. It's a shame we can only witness it on the screen. As you can see, this film not only entertained but provoked thought and all for the price of a ticket. Well I have run my keyboard enough, thanks for reading, take care and DON'T DROP YER ROCK.
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| Willco ... I think the appeal of Braveheart was great on many people including myself was the lack of courage and passion that the twentieth century has. We have no legends, no loved heros' that give their lives for freedom and soul. Braveheart to me was a story of a brillant man that was couregous and struck at, what others of the time feared, the English. The movie gives the public someone to set one a pedestal, a legend born again on the big screen, and I for one love the fact. All I know is that when my children grow up, and the past is lost in the face of technology I'll sit them down and show them the true meaning of history, passion and the past fights of the the revolutionists that I admire and love, I'm sure Braveheart will be on the stack.......
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| Lord British ... Braveheart was the best movie ever.
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| Laura Hughes ... What has Braveheart meant to me...when I saw the movie for the first time I was more deeply touched than I had ever been nor have been since. I couldn't figure out why this movie brought out so many emotions in me so I have been searching. I have since discovered that I do have a Scottish background. (My father always told me Scottish, English & Irish.) My clan, Hughes, was one of the top clan names in early Scotland. There is some relationship to McCoy or MacCoy also. The first word that came to my mind to describe Braveheart was Passion! Mel Gibson portrayed William Wallace with such passion! William Wallace had such passion for his country and it's freedom! I immediately felt that what was missing in my life was passion. I did not have passion for anything in my life. Now I at least have passion for Braveheart, Scotland, William Wallace and Mel Gibson, not necessarily in that order. This can't even begin to describe what the movie has since come to mean to me, but all who love it can understand.
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| LissaM3 ... I just found your page as a link from Craigh Na Dun page. Although I have only seen Braveheart once I enjoyed it immensely. I would like to see it again, however, it isn't a movie my husband is interested in and thus makes it hard to find a time when I can curl up on the sofa and lose myself in the Scottish history and Mel Gibson (sigh). I have long been a fan of Scottish history (it must be my American heritage and therefore feeling kinship to anyone who wanted independence from the British crown {G}) But seriously, I gained an interest in your country's history after reading the Diana Gabaldon books that took us up to and though the second Jacobite uprising. I then saw Braveheart and was hooked completely. I hope someday to visit your beautiful country. Wow this got long. Sorry about that. Anyway I really enjoyed your page. Thanks a lot.
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| Leticia Mezl ... I have a thought about Braveheart that I would love you to include with others people appeals of Braveheart, so here it goes: After viewing Braveheart fo many, many times, I still do not have the right words to express my feelings..... This unique MASTERPIECE shakes me all over, drains me out, lifts my spirit and makes me feel like I want to be a better person. I live Braveheart like I am right there.... and when at the end William Wallace yells FREEDOM!!!!! my already broken heart lets my eyes burst into a torrent of tears......... Thank you so much MEL for letting our imaginations discover a bit of your beautiful soul with this GRANDIOSE movie !!!!! Many Thanks to everyone who collaborated so marvellously with you.
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| mbland7689 ... "Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled.."
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| Ingrid Alfonso ... In my opinion "Braveheart" has been the best movie I've ever seen. I have seen hundreds of movies but, none can compare to the everlasting "Braveheart." I know this will be an epic. It is the sort of movie one can watch over and over and still find it interesting, not a bit of boredom does this movie contain. Even the music is beautiful. I recommend everyone to see this movie and if you haven't already then you are missing one grand movie! Watch it and you'll get hooked just like I did.
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| Stephanie A. Roche ... Best movie in recent memory!
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| username@uottawa.ca ... Braveheart was a movie that celebrated the essence of love, honor, and freedom, and the strength and courage of character that is needed to possess and cherish these eternal virtues. It was an inspiration of spirit that transcended time and allowed us to hear William Wallace's battle cry.
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| Nathan Lorentz (Obiwan) ... What I liked about it: It's filmed in Scotland (and I think some in Ireland) and Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world to me. At least from what I've seen in movies.(You need to see the Family channel's "Kidnapped" if you haven't already. I'm not sure if its on video, but the cinematography is amazing as I recall. Better that average soundtrack. I love bagpipe music, and James Horner is a fair composer. Characters are cool. Amos or whatever( the red haired guy), and the irishman are great. The scottish accent is the coolest one. I felt Mel's was a wee bit shaky at times though. Wallace's lady loves. Sophie Marceau especially. And of course that friend of hers. Minuses Well there's my opinion. All in all a great film. I can't say the best ever made, but one of my favorites I think.
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| username@popalex1.linknet.net ... I am a member of the society for creative anachronisms. I am sure alot of the people who have read this page are. I read a book called "Mackie's Short History of Scotland" and was very interested in the Scot's war for independence. It also stuck a soft place within me being that I am of Scittish and Irish decent. But I have found through further research of the war that there were alot of falsities in the movie "Braveheart". However other than those few faults I find that the movie was exeptional and I feel that it caputred the who aspect and emotional intensity of the situation. I only wish that they would finish the story out. (When edward II was killed and his son edward III began to aggitate the Scots like his horrid grandfather had done before him. Freedom to Scotland and Northern Ireland!!!!
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| Josep Andreu Amoros ... Wonderful story and wonderful film, too. Is it exaggerated? Maybe. Is it not completely faithfull to history? Probably. But, WHO CARES, eh? By the way, although I'm not Scottish, I understand the feelings of a Scot who watches this film, for I am a Catalan, and we've had quite the same problem with Castillians that Scots have had with English.
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| Northwest Graphics ... the movie caused me to do a little reading. i'm afraid braveheart is more on legend than history. bunk! robert the bruce was no waverer. and i think james "the black" douglas (a contemperary of william) would make a great subject for a film. my complaint? too hollywood. but very entertaining, which is what the film is all about.
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| Jeangid ... I just stumbled upon your page and am glad to read about the Scottish reaction to the film. I have only seen the film about 7 or 8 times (minimal by many standards!), but have found that the more I watch it, the more involved I become. I think the film has an appeal on so many levels. First, I think most people, at least people who allow their passions out, connect with the idea of following your heart and fighting for something that will give your life value. Next, the film deals so with relationships; to me the most intriguing is that of William and Robert the Bruce. Though the film can be argued to be a pure love story, I see a strong connection in the relationships of father and son, and William and Robert both must deal with the loss of their fathers, on very different levels of course. They are both struggling against mighty demons and that makes their dynamic so interesting to me. Personally, the film affected me very deeply because I am the great-grand-daughter of very proud Scottish immigrants (to the U.S.) and have always felt an extremely strong tie to my Scottish roots. I often feel that I belong in Scotland instead of the U.S.; therefore, the film is a source of pride for me. I have made several of my "non-Scottish" friends watch it and I try to make them understand the depth of the power in the meaning of the story. The film validates so many of my feelings about my heritage, and continues to make me proud and to yearn for a return to my lost Highland home. Please feel free to contact me with any new information or ideas about the film. I love discussing it with those who feel as strongly about it as I do. Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion. |
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