Film critique: braveheart - Essay Example

Your full November 28, Film Critique- Braveheart The film, Braveheart, is known more as a work of fantasy rather than a piece of history. It is an action-adventure and an ecstatic journey of human survival and death, festooned with groundbreaking cinematography and heart-throbbing dynamic effects. It is an epic adventure of a 13th century Scottish warrior. This paper describes three main film elements with regard to this movie: theme, location (site), and costumes. Thesis statement is that: With the use of string thematic background, beautiful site, and special costumes, the director, Mel Gibson, has been able to produce an astounding piece of art.

The theme of Braveheart has beautifully adorned the film through the expression of strength and valor. The main character is William Wallace, who is the Scottish warrior, fighting against the Englishmen. The theme of want independence and revenge is very clear in his character, which becomes obvious when he loses his father, brother, and wife. He is fond of strength, and the character shows great power and struggle for the achievement of objectives. Another character of strength was Murron, whose courage inspired William to marry her, and whose death evoked a new strength in him.

The character of Princess Isabella is also strong, since William liked her due to her strength of character. Sir Robert Bruce’s character takes the theme further when he disobeys his father to take William’s side, because he liked William’s valour and courage. Hence, the characters portray the independence of will, and strength of character, throughout the film. Braveheart has been shot in the Scottish highlands, Glencoe and Loch Levan, beautiful landscapes of which gave life to the film.

There was a controversy initially as to whether the film was to be shot in Ireland or Scotland. But due to filmmaking taxes, the film was finally shot in Scotland. The far-reaching and rocky landmarks of Scottish highlands, Glencoe and Loch Levan, give the film a wild, rock-strewn feel, which was absolutely necessary in order to show the lands where Scottish Wars were being fought. The Glen Nevis Valley, located at the foot of Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain peak in Britain, was shown as the village of Lanark, which was the place William grew up and married Murron.

Hence, the filming site is a true depiction of the 13th century rocky, mountainous region, giving the Wars a true picture. Special costumes were used in the film, which were extremely appropriate for warriors of that time. The typical Braveheart costume included a belted plaid, or a tartan kilt made of tartan material, wrapped around the chest and upper legs and tied at the waist using a belt. It was worn by people who had blue paint on their faces. The people shown had long hair with braids, and had arm bracers.

They carried two handed swords called Claymore, and back scabbard. The costumes were very easy to assemble and manage. Hence, the costumes suited the characterization and the era the film portrayed. To conclude, Mel Gibson produced a wonderful piece of art by putting together highly skilled cast which acted out the theme beautifully, beautiful landscapes of Scottish highlands, and special costumes. These film elements gave life to the film by making it stand out from other films. The film has been able to enthrall the viewers since it got released, who find themselves relating to the story of William when it comes to strength and valor.