Name: _________________________________________ Date: _________History through Film (Braveheart 1995) Ms. Buffalino

Braveheart

Historical BackgroundThe period from about 1150 to 1350 is often called the High Middle Ages because it was in this era when medieval civilization took its fullest form. In 1066 William the Conqueror brought feudalism to England. The most famous wars of the Middle Ages, the Crusades, began in 1095. From about 1189 the Crusades were in retreat and the last Christian outpost in the Holy Land fell in 1291, just a few years before the events in Braveheart. The Europe of William Wallace and King Edward I (Longshanks) was still quite a backward part of the world. In Italy the Renaissance was only just beginning to appear; the Muslim civilization of the Middle East was still much wealthier and more sophisticated than the West’s. China, under Kublai Khan, was even wealthier and more sophisticated. The Middle Ages is often regarded as a period of darkness, superstition and ignorance. The 13th century is referred to as the age of chivalry, of tournaments and castles, of minstrels singing ballads and brave knights.

Who Was William WallacePatriot, Thief, Guardian, Traitor: William Wallace has been many things to many people. However, to most he is a freedom fighter and icon of Scottish independence. Few records remain, and what information we do have comes, in the main, from biographers written over two hundred years after Wallace died. What is known about Wallace's early years is that, unlike the other potential leaders of the Scots at the time, he was not of nobility. Wallace was a mere knight and his opinion of the English was one of hatred after his father was killed

Directed by Mel Gibson

Produced by Mel Gibson

Alan Ladd, Jr.

Bruce Davey

Stephen McEveety

Written by Randall Wallace

in a battle with English troops in 1291. When Edward I ascended to the throne and became the lord of Scotland, he quickly taxed the Scots which led to a growing sense of rebellion. Wallace's first act of note was a strike against the imposed English authorities and he killed the English Sheriff of Lanark. Wallace's greatest victory came at the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297). The battle of Falkirk, the next year, saw Wallace in sole control of the Scottish forces and tactics. His use of dense formations of troops, failed to repel the English cavalry and the Scots were defeated, taking heavy losses. Edward declared Wallace to be an outlaw and traitor. Legally, he could now be killed without guilt, and protecting him was also an act of treason. He was captured near Glasgow, and handed over to the English. Wallace was taken to London and executed. As a traitor he was dragged to the execution place, hung, drawn and quartered.

http://www.filmeducation.org/pdf/film/Braveheart.pdfhttp://dramatica.com/analysis/braveheart

Name: _________________________________________ Date: _________History through Film Ms. Buffalino

Additional Major Characters:The Leper Robert’s fatherRobert the Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329.Hamish is William Wallace’s most trusted and loyal friendArgyle Wallace uncle of William WallaceMurron William Wallace’s wifePrincess Isabelle Princess of France, has romantic relationship with William WallaceKing Edward I “Longshanks”

the King of England. Portrayed as the main antagonist in the film. His nickname was longshanks because he was tall for his era (6 ft 2 inches).

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. Mel Gibson wanted to show the Braveheart battle sequences to an audience as if they were at the center of the action. Why do you think the director wanted the audience to “experience” the battle sequences? How do you feel about the battle scenes? Did you feel like you were experiencing them? Explain.

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2. What details of medieval life are depicted in this film? Explain.

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3. Explain the significance of “freedom” in the film. How does the costumes and make-up contribute to this? Explain.

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4. How are light and darkness are used in the film? What are they used to depict? Explain.

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Top Historical Inaccuracies in BraveheartHistorical Inaccuracy #1: Wallace was never nicknamed “the brave heart”.  That title was reserved for his peer, Robert the Bruce, whom Wallace is credited with influencing.  So, technically, the movie title infers that it is really all about Robert the Bruce, not Wallace. 

Historical Inaccuracy #2: Wallace, in the film, has an affair with Isabella of France, who is married to Edward the Longshanks’ son, Edward II.  In reality, if it had actually happened, it would have been totally sick, because Isabella was only 2 at the time of Wallace’s rebellion. And if she'd really had Wallace's child, as is hinted at in the film, she would win the world record for longest gestation followed by live birth, as her son was born 7 years after Wallace was tortured and killed.

Historical Inaccuracy #3: Robert the Bruce wasn’t even present at Falkirk, and never directly betrayed Wallace, although he was very sneaky at playing the political field and working both sides.

Historical Inaccuracy #4: The Scottish warriors in the movie wore kilts with chunky belts and sashes - a design not introduced to the Scottish highlands until the 16thcentury.  

5. How can a filmmaker attempt to excite and satisfy filmgoers and still remain historically accurate? How is the ending of Braveheart constructed in order to satisfy the audience and convey historical truth? Explain.

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http://downthewrabbithole.blogspot.com/2012/07/historical-inaccuracies-in-braveheart.html