Braveheart: Fact Or Fiction?

This year the distinct lack of decent television on over the Christmas period highlighted even more the importance of streaming sites. It is near impossible to watch the dross provided by regular channels when sites have endless libraries of classic movies. This year’s greatest blast from the past, Braveheart.

The cult classic is over 25 years old now. If you didn’t feel old enough already. It is the glorious tale of William Wallace and his triumph versus the tyrannical English. Everyone has seen the film at least once. Though it may have only been during a history lesson in which the teacher couldn’t be bothered.

The film won countless awards and is a fantastic watch but it begs the question. How much of it is true?

Wallace achieved great heights in his lifetime but his feats have been exaggerated over the years. None more so than by the English hating director of Braveheart, Mel Gibson.

You are about to learn just how true the legend of William Wallace is. Scottish readers, please don’t be offended.

The first flaw in the film and perhaps the best known, is the way in which the title character looks. How most people perceive the image of William Wallace is incorrect.

The iconic costume created by the film is known around the world. The blue face paint, the long scruffy hair and tartan clothing. It is an image that has become associated with Wallace and is one of the most frequented fancy dress ideas.

It is disheartening to learn that it was completely fictional. In reality, Wallace appeared similar to the English knights he was fighting against.

The myth surrounding the way Wallace looked is not helped by artists creating statues based upon the Braveheart character. The most famous piece by Tom Church is dedicated entirely to the film. It is an awful piece of art that does not help people’s perceptions of William Wallace.