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Charles Nowlin, Zheng Mian, Silvana Camillo Azzelli, Michelle Baker, Tom Barry, Craig Bailey, Bheart1314, Amy Butzlaff, Patti Lee Coil, Mary Cole, Alex Davila, Debbie, Arthur Dresdale, Heidi G Evans, Eric Frazier, Jeff, Linda, Kim Lodato, Kristen, Sheldon Martin, Tyler Rosenquist, Dustin Smith, Terry Wallace, Cathy Watson, Sara Wirjodiardjo |
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Charles Nowlin |
Although I am Asian, I am moved with this movie, this man, this story. I can't count the times that I have watched this movie, how many times I have read up on William Wallace, how many times I have listened to James Horner's soundtrack. It is sorta funny how I can listen to the same soundtrack, see the same movie, and understand the true history of this story and yet be moved. It is one, if not the best movies ever produced (of course in my humble opinion) along, not next, but along with Schindler's List. How many movies can do that for you, not many!!!!!!!!!!!!! Charley February, 1999 |
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Zheng Mian |
Hi everybody. My name is Zheng Mian, a Chinese girl. I enjoy watching good movies as the one like Braveheart. And I want to share my experience here with you. Only several years after the film was released did I get the chance to see (I missed it for several times) and explore this lovely and touching web page. What the people said here really moved me a lot, thanks. I saw Braveheart on campus. That night is wonderful and unforgettable. I'm very sensible that I seldom cry for a film easily but I did when young Murron presented a thistle to young William. I sat at the theater for more than 3 hours but didn't feel tired. At the last moment when the film was all over, I sat still silently in my seat paying my tribute to this historical epic film, with the long-drawn-out music flying over the whole theater and over the night. I stayed up that night walking around the campus alone, wondering - will I be fighting for something worthy all my life? And I think I will. The movie taught me what I should become. I'm impressed about the natural beauty in the film. I had read a quotation from a book, it says, the natural beauty is the most unforgettable one in the world, he who brings beauty to the world is called God's favored son. I guess nature gives people strength and power to develop themselves and build themselves a happy land on earth. Human beings, compared with nature, are just like a drop of water in the ocean. We are supposed to build a bright future for all of us, just like what Sir William Wallace did for his country, aren't we? Hope to see more good films like Braveheart from Mel Gibson. Could I ask you for a favor to add my email address to the BH experience pages? I would like to see what the other people think of my message so that we can exchange our ideas. Thank you very much. zheng@gz.col.com.cn See you. February, 1999 |
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Silvana |
My name is Silvana, I'm Brazilian, and I live in São Paulo. I have seen Braveheart about 10 times, because this movie use to help me to keep my strength and my ideals alive. The first time I saw the film I was very depressive because I was alone and had to fight every day to survive in a country where the injustice comands, and common people don't have any assistance from the government. Yes, the image of paradise we sell to the foreigners, such as the beautiful beaches and Carnival, don't reveal the global (and desperate) situation of Brasil. So, I feel a deep identification with Braveheart concerning the fight of poor people for a new life. Besides, I admire a lot the way Mel Gibson conducted the story, mixing heroism, romantism, political strategy, technological resources in a perfect combination. I would like to thank to Mr. Gibson, because his work affected me in such a way, that I can recover my strength to believe in something better. I love Braveheart!!! February, 1999 |
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Michelle Baker |
I saw Braveheart for the first time the other day. By the end I was literally speechless. An incredible story of bravery, loyalty and love. And of course, freedom. I also loved Rob Roy, but Braveheart is truly an incredible movie. I haven't seen it 10 times yet, but give me a couple of days! |
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Tom Barry |
I have lived in Massachusetts all my life. I am of Scottish descent and I have very strong ties to it. I've been to Scotland twice before, once in '90 and again in '92. I'm also going back this summer. I even fell in love for the first time in Scotland. Right when I saw the first ad on TV, I knew that I had to see this movie. So I finally went to the theater with my parents and waited an unbearable 15 minutes before showing. I was in no way prepared for the effect it would have on me. At the start of the film, I had goose-bumps for the first five minutes. I was hit hardest at the end, while Wallace was getting torn to pieces, I felt the tears well up and an enormous lump in my throat. But when he shouted that immortal quote "FFRRREEEEE-DDOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!" it just all came out, right there, right in the theater. And just when I thought I was calming down, there's that final scene at the end when the Bruce convinces the men to charge with him, the music builds up, Hamish throws the sword... all over again. In conclusion, I would just like to say that this was and is the best film ever made. |
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Craig Bailey |
Every man dies, but not every man really lives. |
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Bheart1314 |
I would just like to say this movie really changed my life for the better. I am a 16 year old male and if it were up to me everyone should be convinced to watch it. I realized that William Wallace fought for something we all took for granted. Can you please if possible send me more information on William Wallace. Thanks. |
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Amy Butzlaff |
Many of your members are right, Braveheart was one movie that caught me right from the first scene. I initially watched it because Mel was in it. But I soon got swept up in the history of it. I've only seen the movie about 30 times (far from the 108 times your top person has seen it). But, when I started my on research on the matter, I was caught up in the romance and the history and was forced to think about why the US was able to gain its freedom, where Scotland and Ireland have always been fighting to keep and secure theirs.
Braveheart forced me to think about what many Americans take for granted, making me cherish my birthright all the more. It was a great movie and touched a lot of people in different ways. With me, it made me think and inspired me to seek out as much information as I could on William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and others of that time. Thank you for keeping the spirit of Braveheart alive in your pages. |
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Patti Lee Coil |
Hi. My name is Patti Coil. I absolutely adore your web page. I feel a need to tell you about my own Braveheart experiences. First of all, I first saw Braveheart on opening day here in the states, mainly because I had heard, wrongly, that Mel Gibson exposed all. It was such a powerful movie that I remember leaving the theater believing that this was the best movie ever made. Then I read the review in Time Magazine, calling this movie unnecessary and inferior to "Rob Roy", and began a personal vendeta to make everyone I knew see the movie. My family was supportive in this quest; my father plays the bagpipes and named my brother after Irish freedom fighter Michael Collins, so his support as a Ph.D. candidate in British history was no surprise. Including the re-release, I saw Braveheart seven times in the theater. In March, I received a wonderful birthday present. It was Oscar week, and Braveheart swept away the competition. It was a wonderful night. I started collecting Braveheart merchandise, but was disappointed at the small selection available. During my calculus classes in high school, I would program my calculator with Braveheart-based games. They weren't very good, though. In May, it came to the local pay-per-view channel, and I "borrowed" it off the airwaves to show to my European History teacher. She loved it. The day that the video came out, I skipped the first half of the school day, and bought not only the Widescreen and re-formatted versions, but a TV-VCR for my room so that I could watch it any time I wanted. So far, I can remember having sat through the entire three hours 64 times. The real number is probably greater than this, but I can't remember. I sometimes just pop one tape into the VCR and then a while later watch the other. I used the Battle of Stirling as an alarm clock for about a month and a half. These are not included in the 64 figure I have come up with. I kept a recording of tick marks until number 30, when I realized it didn't really matter. When I had mononeucleosis, Braveheart was my constant companion. Now that I'm a Freshman at the University of Illinois, I am continuing my crusade. Tonight I am re-directing a lost soul and the number will be 65. I'm also planning a semester studying abroad at the University of Stirling for obviously Braveheart motivated reasons. I'm still not bored of the movie. It has every element that a "movie" needs: it is gorgeous (a credit to the director for the vision, and the editing staff for realizing it), a beautiful love story, spectacular fight scenes, believable characters, raw emotions, comedy, and the ability to make you forget that it is three hours long. But, what a worthwhile three hours it is. Even 64 times. |
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Mary Cole |
This film, and the legacy of William Wallace's quest for freedom, has had a profound effect on my own life. For some reason, his story stirred something in me that drove me to delve into Scotland's tumultuous history. I became drawn to things Scottish, and later found to my surprise that I had Scots blood in my own ancestry. I am compelled to come to Scotland now. I do not know why, but "Braveheart" has become the stepping-off point for my own Scotland odyssey. Perhaps the spirit of William Wallace still lives, and touches the hearts of certain people around the world for some inexplicable reason. His story is both wonderful and awful at the same time, and evokes such strong emotions that it cannot be forgotten. I will keep the memory of his life in my heart and soul forever. Thanks for giving us a place to come together with others who share our passion. |
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Alex Davila |
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Debbie |
Hi, I am in South Africa. My boyfriend's grandmother is Scottish, 85 years old. She is a wonderful lady. After we had been to see this movie, I went and asked her about William Wallace. You should have seen her face. It lit up, just like a child and she then told us the story she was told. He was definitely a legend in his own time. I would like to thank whoever it was, for making this movie because, to me it seemed to bring back her childhood memories. She left Scotland after World War II, with her husband and moved here to South Africa. She has never been back. Many thanks to Mel Gibson for making her memories come alive again. |
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Arthur Dresdale |
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Heidi G Evans |
I live in Estes Park, Colorado, in the good old USA. Every fall the town hosts the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Festival. Thousands of people attend from dozens of clans. I have attended this event for years wearing my great-grandmother's tartan. In our high winds, I quickly learned the use of good kilt pin.
Until I saw Braveheart, I thought the highlight of the festival was seeing all those men who looked surprisingly and delightfully handsome in their kilts. Now I have a greater appreciation of the numerous games, including throwing rocks and other strange sports. I also have a much greater appreciation of music, clothing and other Scottish traditions. Now I know I have a reason to be proud of my Scottish heritage. Braveheart is a wonderful movie and I hope there is always a theater that plays this beautiful, inspiring and dramatic film for everyone to view. |
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Eric Frazier |
I admit I've only seen Braveheart once. However, that once had an impact that few other films have ever done. It is only in the last couple of years that I have really been exploring my Celtic/Scottish roots, so something like this was like a drink of cold water to a thirsty man. I didn't even notice that 3 hours had passed until the end of the movie, and I'm not a person who sits still for long periods very well.
A couple of days before the Oscar Awards I was listening to a local radio station that was conducting a call-in program about the nominees. The guests on the program were a film instructor and a local film critic. They dismissed Braveheart as a 'male melodrama' and said it would be a 'tragedy' if it won the best movie oscar. The final indignity was when one of them misquoted Mel Gibson's final line in the movie (she thought he had cried out "liberty"). I'm not the type to call a call-in show, but I felt someone had to respond. I tried to explain that for someone of my heritage it was a sorely needed expression of cultural origins, and that it if they couldn't even get the final line of 'freedom' right, they may have missed the point. Later on in the show, as I kept listening, they dismissed my comments as coming purely from my celtic heritage, that I was seeing the movie from a personal point of view (isn't that what we're supposed to do?). When the Oscar was announced for best film, it was a great moment. |
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Jeff |
I saw the film for the first time with a couple of married friends of mine that were somewhat notorious for being prudes. I had heard that the movie was extremely "historically violent" and was a little nervous about what their reaction was going to be. I don't remember EVER looking at them during the screening as I was absolutely enthralled with every little bit of the movie. But, as we were leaving the theater, I realized that the usual banter about the flick that we had just seen was strangely absent. I then looked over to them to see that they were in what could realistically be called shock! I commented to them on this at which time they both said, and I quote, "Wow. That was awesome." We have since talked about the movie several times since and have yet to be able to put into words our EXACT feelings on it as a whole. Which, I believe is the ultimate testament to a director's vision of a story. Although I know Mel has been given every award and monetary evidence that is due him, I hope he knows what a profound effect he has had on people of the Clans and others who have accompanied them. I certainly hope that other film-makers have the insight and determination to make equally just films about Scottish history and heroes in the future. Granted, there are some HUGE shoes to fill, but one can dream. |
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Linda |
OK. Its wonderful entertainment. I have never been so moved by a film. The sheer spectacle, scope and exhiliration of this movie gave me goose bumps. As Mel said there is a William Wallace born every century who believes in courage and honour. How can you get complete historical accuracy so far back, and who cares. Its the spirit of the man that counts - what he stood for and how he felt. The film should have got 10 Oscars and one more for Mel Gibsons acting. Who else could have portrayed Wallace with such magnetism. Brilliant. |
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Kim Lodato |
I saw Braveheart twice within the first few days it came out. I didn't know if my boyfriend realized the impact the movie had on me, until the next day at work when a florist showed up with a huge bouquet of wildflowers, with a note that read, "I tried to locate a Scottish Thistle but had no luck. I hope these will do." I just lost it. I'm very proud of my Scottish heritage, this movie made me feel that I have a part of this history inside of me always. |
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Kirsten |
Hi, my name is Kristen and i'm 12 years old (soon to be 13). I saw Braveheart for the first 3 times when i was sorta young and didn't really care about much, then i saw it a while ago for my 4th time, and it really stuck. After i watched it, i went on the net and searched for it, then i ended up going to Scottish links, then to Gaelic links, then to my (very distant) clan links. So, just because of that one (very touching) movie, i have learned so much about my family history, and now i love Scotland with a passion!! I'm also learning Gaelic (if anyone wants to help me with that, please e-mail me: dobbin@pathcom.com) Thanks, *kristen* |
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Sheldon Martin |
My name is Sheldon Martin. I agree with you when you call "Braveheart" the best movie ever made. I have seen it 2 times and plan on seeing it more in the future. When you receive word on when the movie can be bought for my home library would you please contact me. I am very anxious too own the great movie and add it to my collection. I also think that the soundtrack to "Braveheart" is a great soundtrack. It was the first time I have ever heard bagpipes play on a C.D. and I though they were the high point of the soundtrack. [Update 18th April, 1996] It's me again. I seen the movie 4 times now and still love. I have heard that the video will not be for sale for six month. I think it stinks. A movie should be for sale as soon as it is released on video. It is available on laserdisc though. All movie have a particular phrase that makes it good or bad. The phrase: EVERY MAN DIES; NOT EVERY MAN REALLY LIVES really is truthful. If you like Mel Gibson movies I suggest HAMLET. [Update 5th May, 1996] My friend wishes to have his writeup on Braveheart posted on the net. My name is Darin Gibbs I have yet to see the movie but I have always loved movies about freedom Fighters. My favorite movies always include battles with swords and armour. I am part Scottish myself and I am planning to go to Scotland with my friend Sheldon in 1997 if funds allow. I can't wait to see the movie and I am sure I will enjoy it. I have heard part of the soundtrack and I loved it. We wish to know what kind of sword Wallace used in the movie. We have a idea for a subject at the convention. Why don't you have some old weapons and weapons used in the movie on display. We suggest that you have the Braveheart theme banquet in a castle hall. (King's Hall) Show us where the main battles took place. [Thanks for the ideas, hope the fund-raising goes well!] [Latest update] My friend Darin and I watched Braveheart lastnight. It was Darin's first time watching it. Here's what he thought: I thought it was the best movie I have ever seen. The battle scenes were great and the swords were beautiful. I would watch it 50 times over again if my current funding allowed it. Mel Gibson did a great job portraying the Scottish freedom fighter. P.S. Hope to see you at the convention |
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Tyler Rosenquist |
As a proud member of Clan MacPherson, I looked forward to seeing Braveheart as I did enjoy Rob Roy thoroughly (Its about time Hollywood has wised up about the sexiness of a man in a kilt!). As a historian of medieval times however, I was a little disappointed. The battle scenes were wonderful, but I wish that they had had more than one chain coif and since they went to all the trouble to recreate the women's clothing, couldn't they have used silk instead of that stretchy polyester velour garbage they had her in? Oh well, I'm sure no one else notices anyway but cheers to Agnus MacFayden!!! Surely the sexiest man in the world, as only a Scot can be! Thanks for the www page! |  |
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Dustin Smith |
My name is Dustin Smith and always knowing that I had Scottish decent, it hurt me very bad to know my family name was changed to Smith when they moved to America. Anyway a group of my friends and I rented Braveheart and not knowing the impact it would have on us, watched on the edge of our seats the whole time. Since we were watching on a big screen with stereo surround sound, it made the experience ten fold. After the movie it made me want to have a cause. It is a very inspiring movie, and the immortal quotes in it will echo in my mind as the voice of courage and followed dreams forever. |
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Christine |
I saw Braveheart on opening day here in San Jose, California (USA). After which, I ran to the bookstore to find any and all info I could on William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and to check for literary accuracy in the film. The next evening I went to see the film again. A week later I saw it a third time. I decided that if I wanted to continue to be employed and proceed with my wedding plans, I would have to NOT spend so much time in the theatre. I picked up Braveheart on Laserdisk (although I don't have a Laserdisk player), and have watched it again. I must say that this film has engulfed all of my senses. It is visually stimulating, oftentimes stunning. The story is absolutely gorgeous, and the added dramatic effect of the Princess's involvement is extremely romantic. The soundtrack (which I've purchased on CD) brings me to tears and sends my heart and mind racing. I could watch Mel Gibson in this role forever! At the end of the film, I keep hoping that the traditional "Robin Hood Rescue" will take place, but I know it won't. The actress playing the part of Murron is brilliantly gentle and is the Goddess incarnate. I believe Braveheart is one of the greatest films of all time. It has moved me emotionally in a way few other things have, equalling my strong feelings for U2 and their music, The Beatles and the loss of John Lennon, and the love of my husband. "Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace", AE |
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Terry Wallace |
In response, [I've seen Braveheart] only once. But it was unforgettable. My name is Wallace. My father often told me about Sir William, one of my few ancestors of fame (notoriety?). I'm more than curious now! |
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Cathy Watson |
Hi! I have to say that Braveheart was the best film yet made and I doubt any other film will every top it! I am only 15, and I was 13 when I first saw what was to become my favorite movie. In the theater I laughed, cried, rejoiced, and triumphed with the Scots when they finally won there freedom. I felt more for this film that you can possably feel in any situation. I am of the Buchanan clan and Robert the Bruce is one of my ancestors, so I was a bit disappointed on Robert the Bruce's character, for in real life, he was much more of a man. He was not the evil man that he was as portaryed! He was a bit wary at first to Wallace, but in the end, he felt for him and supported him as did Wallace's own people. Wallace himself wanted him to be king, and Wallace knew that he would be great. And in real life he was. But I'm getting off the subject, which is Braveheart, as I was saying this film is extraordinary! I have seen it no less than 100 times...I think ;-) This movie made me to believe I was there, I felt the exitement at the battle scenes (by the way, Mel did great making those! :-), I felt like rejoicing with them when the English were beaten, I felt like crying out at the execution of William Wallace, I felt the sorrow of Wallace when he was betrayed and captured, and the torment of Robert the Bruce when he betrayed Wallace. I definitely think this film deserved every one of those Oscars, plus more! The soundtrack was phonomenal! I cry when I hear it. This is truely the BEST FILM EVER MADE!!!!!! LONG LIVE SCOTLAND!!!!! |
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Sara Wirjodiardjo |
The first thing that came to my mind after I watched Braveheart was "This is the most unforgetable experience in my life!" What I mean by experience is, it's not just a movie, it's like you really have a part in in. The part that has got to do with your heart and your emotion. You know.... some say that I'm not a sentimental person, but when I watched Braveheart I couldn't help crying my head of. And after I saw the film, I began to develop a certain interest about Scotland, and I came to a conclusion that Scottish (especially Highlander) people have the most interesting culture and history (not to mention that I fell in love at the first sight of the kilt). And that conclusion was really correct ever since I came to a Highland Gathering in my town recently, Scots are an interesting lot! |
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