The film is about the Scottish folk hero William Wallace, who in the late thirteenth century led a rebellion of highlanders against King Edward I. The movie follows Wallace’s victory over 50,000 English soldiers at the battle of Sterling Bridge in 1297 to his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk and his eventual death by hanging in London. Although he was defeated, Wallace’s example led to the more lasting triumph of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314.

Much of the film was made in Ireland during the summer of 1994, using locations in the Curragh, Ballymore Eustace and Trim Castle and with the help of the Irish Defence Forces. It is best remembered for its carefully choreographed battle scenes, and won 5 Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director for Gibson.

U.S.A., 1995.
Colour.
Panavision anamorphic.
Dolby digital stereo.
177 min.