Few historical epics have stirred audiences quite like Braveheart. Mel Gibson's 1995 film about the Scottish rebel William Wallace swept the Academy Awards, filled cinemas around the world and gave fans some of the most famous battle scenes in movie history.
Three decades on it remains a firm favourite on film nights from Stirling to Seattle, and its story even continued in the 2019 legacy sequel Robert the Bruce. Here is our fan guide to the story, the cast and the Oscars. Browse more classics in our movies collection.
Braveheart Fact File
| Released | 24 May 1995 (US); European premiere in Stirling, 3 September 1995 |
|---|---|
| Director | Mel Gibson |
| Writer | Randall Wallace |
| Producers | Mel Gibson, Alan Ladd Jr., Bruce Davey |
| Studios | Icon Productions, The Ladd Company |
| Distributors | Paramount Pictures (US), 20th Century Fox (international) |
| Running time | 177 minutes |
| Setting | Scotland in the late 13th and early 14th centuries |
| Filmed in | Scotland and Ireland, including Ardmore Studios |
| Box office | Around $209 million worldwide |
Cast and Characters
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Mel Gibson | William Wallace |
| Sophie Marceau | Princess Isabelle |
| Patrick McGoohan | King Edward I "Longshanks" |
| Catherine McCormack | Murron MacClannough |
| Angus Macfadyen | Robert the Bruce |
| Brendan Gleeson | Hamish |
| David O'Hara | Stephen |
The table lists the film's main cast. Angus Macfadyen later returned to the role of Robert the Bruce in the 2019 film of that name.
The Story
Set during the First War of Scottish Independence, Braveheart follows William Wallace, a commoner who rises up against the rule of King Edward I of England, known as Longshanks. After a personal tragedy, Wallace leads the Scots into battle, winning at Stirling before facing defeat at Falkirk, while the young Robert the Bruce wrestles with where his loyalties lie.
The film is a dramatised story rather than a history lesson, and historians have pointed out many liberties, but its themes of courage and freedom made it a worldwide hit.
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Making the Film
Randall Wallace's screenplay drew on the 15th-century poem The Wallace by Blind Harry. Mel Gibson both directed and starred, producing through his company Icon Productions. Filming took place in Scotland and Ireland, with members of the Irish Army Reserve appearing as extras in the large-scale battle scenes.
The rousing score by James Horner, with its sweeping pipes, became one of the best-loved film soundtracks of the 1990s.
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Oscar Glory
At the 68th Academy Awards Braveheart earned ten nominations and won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson. It also took home Best Cinematography for John Toll, Best Makeup and Best Sound Effects Editing, and Gibson won the Golden Globe for Best Director.
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Legacy
The film sparked a surge of interest in Scottish history and tourism, especially around Stirling and the National Wallace Monument. In 2019 Angus Macfadyen co-wrote and starred in Robert the Bruce, a legacy sequel that picks up the story of his character.
Awards
Academy Awards (won)
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Mel Gibson)
- Best Cinematography (John Toll)
- Best Makeup
- Best Sound Effects Editing
Academy Awards (nominated)
- Ten nominations in total
Golden Globes
- Best Director (Mel Gibson)
Behind the Scenes
The European premiere was held in Stirling in September 1995, close to the site of Wallace's famous victory at Stirling Bridge. The film's success helped Mel Gibson's Icon Productions grow into a major independent film company.
FAQs
When did Braveheart come out?
Braveheart was released in the US on 24 May 1995, with its European premiere in Stirling that September.
Who directed Braveheart?
Mel Gibson directed the film and also played William Wallace.
How many Oscars did Braveheart win?
It won five Oscars from ten nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Where was Braveheart filmed?
It was filmed in Scotland and Ireland, including at Ardmore Studios in Ireland.
Is Braveheart a true story?
It is based on the real William Wallace, but the film takes many historical liberties and is best enjoyed as drama.
How long is Braveheart?
The film runs for 177 minutes, almost three hours.
Shop the Braveheart Collection
Pay tribute to the epic with our fan designs, made to order in the UK.
Braveheart Men's T-Shirt
£29.99
Braveheart Men's Hoodie
£39.99
Explore more classics in our movies collection, or create your own custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Gladiator: The Story of the Film and The Godfather: The Trilogy.
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