7. Braveheart (Mel Gibson, 1995)
The Subject William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads many of his countrymen during the Scottish Wars For Independence.
The Story (According To The Film) Following the death of its King, Scotland is invaded by the English King Edward I. During the invasion, Wallace (Mel Gibson) witnesses the death of his father and brother. He marries a girl, but witnesses her being killed after he defends her from being raped by an English soldier. Wallace and several villagers then vengefully strike back at the English, before his rebellions against English rule grow larger and more effective, including a sacking of the city of York. He also attempts to solicit the support of Robert The Bruce, a contender for the Scottish crown, whose father wishes to submit to the English in favour of having his son become a puppet ruler. Edward sends Isabella of France, the wife of his son, to negotiate with Wallace and the two begin a tryst. Several noblemen then betray Wallace as the war continues, including Robert The Bruce, who is remorseful and later changes sides once more. His father and several other noblemen, however, arrange for the capture of Wallace, who is executed in London.
The Lies None of us were around in the 13th century, so its difficult to debate specific details about William Wallaces life. There are, however, a number of things included in the film that historians unanimously disagree with, including: The depiction of Scottish characters wearing kilts, a tradition they didnt begin until several hundred years after the timeline of the film. The inclusion of a relationship between Wallace and Isabella of France, who is shown as a grown woman. In reality, Isabella was just three at the time of Wallaces death. The betrayal of Wallace by Robert The Bruce, who despite changing sides at the beginning of the wars is remembered as fondly in Scotland as Wallace himself.