Braveheart (1995) - Full Reaction

As historically inaccurate as it may be. Being a Wallace from the same line as Sir William himself this is my favorite movie. Mel Gibson did a fantastic job with this one.

Wesley Wallace

"Every man dies. Not every man really lives."

Clay F

I believe the princess was lying to the king to upset him

JT King

+1 for The Patriot.

ron young

Great movie, very emotional especially watching along with Cassie and Carly, but the moment Wallace slit the throat of the English lord that killed Murron and Carly exclaimed “I didn’t want to see that. I couldn’t cover my eyes fast enough” was pretty funny which is why I like watching along with these two.

ron young

As people as mentioned historically inaccurate but it’s a good movie regardless. Another one with Mel Gibson that is also historically inaccurate but could be a good movie to do a review on is “The Patriot”.

John Cohen

The Bruces father had leprosy in the movie.

ENC SW DV Rush

1) The picts (scots) would usually go into battle naked (kilts weren't used at the time of the story) and be painted in different colors. (instead of having hundreds of naked men they just had them flash the opponents, 2) The British united Britain, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland through force, and even today, among some British are still a little xenophobic with regard to the Scots, Irish, and Welsh, and that feeling is reciprocated by some from those countries (not nearly as much as back then however). 3) The punishment given to William Wallace at the end of the movie is known as Hanging, Drawing, and Quartering. When they showed him lying on his back after the hanging and drawing, they had opened his belly and pulled out his entrails/insides while he was still alive, Beheading takes place after that. The drawing is being pulled by the horses, the quartering meant they literally cut him into pieces. It was considered one of the worst tortures/(ways to die) that you do to a person. 4) Europe had many political marriages historically to try to keep the peace (the marriages were meant as hostage taking essentially as well. 5) Since JRR Tolkien was from England, the Shire actually came from English/Scandinavian culture, not the other way around. JRR Tolkien was an English professor at Oxford, but got some of what he wrote from the Beowulf/Scandinavian folklore. Another side note: Tolkien invented the written/spoken languages in LOTR.

ENC SW DV Rush

Ok a few things.

ENC SW DV Rush

There's a continuation to this story. Outlaw King on Netflix. Chris Pine plays Robert the Bruce, and the movie is about the fight after Wallace is executed.

Jwood488

After watching this again, I really hope you end up watching Kingdom of Heaven. But make sure you find the director's cut. A bit longer, but it elevates the movie from a standard epic historical war movie, to one of my favorite movies of all time.

Zachary Carter

Boy those blankets got a workout on this one. Cassie you are getting to be a pro at bloody stuff, Carly not so much yet, but if she hangs with you here she be up to snuff in no time.

softshoes

This movie is over 25 years old and still ranks in my top 5.

Obsolyeet

so robert the bruce daughter married a stewart after she was set free shortly after the last battle in movie. Her son would be king after his uncle and beginning the stewart/stuart dynasty. so he might be my ancestor.

Sean Stuart

For a Shakespearean love story, go watch Shakespeare in Love with Gwyneth Paltrow (if you haven't seen it already.

3dbadboy1

historically inaccurate or not, it's still an absolutely fantastic movie. I had a feeling Carly would be under the covers for all the battles lol

MetallicOpeth

Patrick Flanagan, I enjoy the reactions. I even like her sister in the reactions. I understand they don't like to see violence and may not be accustomed to it on TV. I was just pointing something out in the moment that was bothering me.

Michael Lynch

Here's a thought, if you don't like the reactions don't watch them?

Patrick Flanagan

Good idea.

Patrick Flanagan

IL POSTINO wasn't actually a romcom. It's a wonderful film, should be better remembered.

Patrick Flanagan

I was a stupid head and took my wife to see this movie when it was in theaters, and she was about 5 months pregnant. She did not take it very well, and to this day I am still trying to make up for it. But it was one of those watershed movies for me. I love movies that enlighten my thoughts and my ideas about life, and this one did that - I was forever changed by this movie. I haven't watched it in years, but it was great to see it again with you and Carly. You two make so many comments, and it's good you can't hear me because I would give everything away. -lol- Thanks for bringing this back to my memory. Keep up the great work.

Damon Corrigan

Another great reaction. But I must confess I had never seen this movie. And I usually don't like to watch a movie the first time as a reaction. My impression is that I might have loved this movie as much as every one else if I had seen it in theaters when it first came out, but as a new viewer after seeing a lifetime of movies I found the plot ludicrous, especially the love affair with the Princess. Much eye rolling on my part. I never expected Wallace to survive his experiences, after doing research I'm not surprised that the majority of the plot was a fictional creation. Still a good movie, its what the movies are for, pleasing fantasies.

MikeLL

No. SNP leanings likely would have happened anyway. But Braveheart gave a small nudge in that direction in the 90s. Some here were interpreting our grumbles as about trivial things like actor's accents, or wearing the wrong kilts. I was merely pointing out that falsehoods in movies can have an effect on real events.

Rich Campbell

I really enjoyed this reaction. One of my favorite movies. The acting, the writing, the score are all excellent.

Verteron

Rich Campbell.... Are you seriously going to blame the movie Braveheart for SNP leanings? Well then, I must remind you of the aftermath of a battle at Culloden.

Marina

Well I'm not really being mean. I'm just stating what I see. I can see why she covers up when things are about to get really brutal but she seems to do it when things aren't even that bad in certain movies. I guess it's just annoying because I know at times she'll miss things because she thinks she can't watch something.

Michael Lynch

Be nice!! Not everyone can handle death and gore. I mean I kinda laugh when she covers her eyes to. Especially at stuff that’s not even scary. But still everyone is different and it’s clear these girls have lived a very sheltered life. Cut her some slack.

brooke atkins

Your sister has to be the biggest wimp I've ever seen in my life. In the beginning when you said you don't think Mel Gibson's going to do it for you I thought to myself we'll just see about that. This was back in his heartthrob days. This and the lethal weapon movies had women going crazy for him. He was one of the biggest sex symbols in Hollywood. Every time Hamish's dad would get hit with an arrow or something you thought it was him. You were confusing him with his dad.

Michael Lynch

Freedom!

My_Cousin_Mose

His descendants work for UPS. ‘What Can Brown Do For You?’😉🤣

Mark M

Correction of one statement; Robert's son Duncan II offered the throne to Edward III in return for cancellation of a ransom but the Scottish Parliament rejected that, preferring to bankrupt the country.

Michael Labs

Fine story as far as it goes, enjoyed both it and the reaction... It did do a couple of people dirty though. One was Robert the Bruce; in my view he was a formidable individual as evidenced by both Scottish independence being won during his reign and also being lost again during his son's reign. He did ally with Edward I but pretty much ended before the Wallace Rebellion. The other person done a little dirty was Edward I. Some perspective on him... he began his reign on the way back from one of the Crusades (could be rightly considered a "veteran of a foreign war"); conquered Wales and to a certain point Scotland in a bid to unify the British Iles. Also; he actually died while on his way to the battle at Bannockburn (portrayed at the end of the movie). Interesting side-note, apparently he had a short-lived experiment in "Representative Democracy" with a Parliament he called (the Model Parliament). As to Edward II; he ruled for about 20 years and was deposed by his wife and her lover and eventually assassinated (rumors involve a particularly unkind use of a hot poker). Edward III ruled for 50 years and it was during his reign that the war with Robert the Bruce ended with Scotland having independence for awhile, until the failed reign of his son. I heartily recommend looking into the history of the British Iles. BTW; there is a reason "going medieval" is such threatening statement when uttered.

Michael Labs

The brown guy. Lol

nick bell

Its historical inaccuracy has caused problems for the UK. Nationalist movements grew after the film's release, and now threaten the Union. The SNP now hold most of the seats in the Scottish Parliament, and are pushing to leave the UK. Braveheart gave the impression of conquest forming the current union. In reality Scotland willingly joined the current, much later, Act of Union largely because they bankrupted themselves in a failed attempt to set up a colony in South America (The Darien Scheme). Many separation supporters would rather the current Union be framed by the much earlier Braveheart story as it helps their narrative. That is why it is a problem.

Rich Campbell

Wow, I get it. Braveheart is very inaccurate. And this would be a big problem if it were a documentary, but it's not (although reading this thread, some people seem think it was meant to be). It's historical FICTION. In the future with historical films just remember the the fiction part and you will probably enjoy these films more.

Richard Maurer

Carly nervously asking, "Now what?" after Wallace successfully courted and married Murron within the 40-minute mark of a three hour movie. Felt so bad knowing what was coming. Every time I watch it, I'll subconsciously think to myself, maybe Murron will be okay this time.

Alex Villarreal

A Biblical storyline. Amazing fight scenes, clever strategy and beautiful scenery. Tip of the cap to the sound artist. Thank you for an enjoyable evening.

Grinznmore

You know in case you hadn't considered it already, you should consider making this reaction a two parter like you did with LOTR. It's a long movie, and there's a lot of banter with Carly to get in there also. We don't want to leave any of the good stuff out, because there's a lot of good stuff in this reaction video especially towards the beginning when you hadn't caught what the movie was going to be like yet.

KTVindicare

Once this is edited it is going to be one of your best reaction videos ever. I watched the full thing with you here on Patreon because Braveheart is one of my favorite movies and I can genuinely say that watching it with your reactions is like watching it with a friend that has never seen it before next to me. You are emotional at all the right moments. Youtube is going to love this.

KTVindicare

Finally, a good one. . HEY CASSIE, Will you be uploading the shorter version on YouTube soon? I don't watch the full reactions

Marina

Finally a my kind of movie! After all those horror movies and equally horrible Star Wars prequels! :-) Love the movie, even though it's not historically accurate and heavily "Hollywoodized", it's still a very good film. Very good reaction as well. Particularly Cassie's little stab at a Scottish accent on 29.38! :-D

Tobias Eiken

Agreed!

Krusty “Topher”

A good follow up to Braveheart that I think you would like is Outlaw King from 2018 starring Chris Pine. He plays Robert the Bruce and it takes place after the events in Braveheart.

Mark M

I love when folk go on a ramble about how inaccurate this film is, which could lead to some believing that none of this is based on stuff that actually happened. It's basically Titanic, a fictional adventure set upon the backdrop of an actual event. Edward trying to take over Scotland because there was no natural successor, the battles in Stirling, Falkirk, Bannockburn and the raids into Northern England all happened. We are talking about a guy who lived 700 years ago! He was hung, drawn and quartered and his body torn apart. It's quite funny how the film opens saying people from England will disagree with this because it usually is them that want to pick holes in it. One man's terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Maybe watch "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" next, just to keep these folk wound up ;)

Fraser

Whatever the history, this is the movie the world needs to rewatch right now.

MAFAL

I'm sure its fabricated but I highly doubt it was to stir up anti-English prejudice. People just REALLY resonate with freedom and fighting for it.

My_Cousin_Mose

Rich Campbell

By their criteria (growing old together) it would sort of have to be The Notebook? Or at least that would be a top contender.

Planner

If you would like to watch an excellent movie that is very accurate (there are minor inconsistencies like the direction that armies charge from) I'd recommend "Glory" (1989)

Sean Novack

So I was wondering since you guys said at the end that it wasn't the greatest love story of all time (and I agree with you there), what movie/movies do you think are the greatest love stories? Interested to hear your thoughts.

Christian Yoder

Apocalypto is such a unique movie

TinCan Cosmanaut

Okay almost none of it actually happened that way, but when a movie is this incredible who cares? It's a movie and a great one. And I remember at the time no one thought a three hour movie would work lol, said the same about Dances With Wolves. This was a phenomenal reaction too, it's so funny that when you watch a movie with someone who's never seen it, somehow you see it in a new way too? I almost forgot how epic this movie was, there was even a techno club classic back then based on the theme music 😂

Joe D. MacGuffinstuff

Robert the Brown😉

Mark M

Pretty funny when Wallace cut that dudes head off in the battle of Sterling how they both look away in tandem.

My_Cousin_Mose

I agree with you. A movie is a movie. This movie, and the Patriot, as well as Gladiator, all take liberties with history, but all are great movies too.

Armchair Rizzard

I recommend The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon & Emily Blunt if you want a great love story (with a sci-fi background).

Alexis

Ah yes.... Costner's dodgy accent, Michael Kamen's amazing score, and Alan Rickman at his scene chewing best. :) As cheesy as that movie is, it's still absolutely amazing.

Brian Jones

While I understand the idea of disliking a movie for a lack of historical accuracy, I have never been a supporter of this idea. I remember when I first watched Braveheart, I was 14 at the time. My older brother took me when it returned to theaters in early 1996 for its Oscar promotional run. I had never seen a movie like it before, it floored me. When I got home I sorted through the large collection of history books my Dad owned until I found one that had chapters on the battles of Stirling and Falkirk, plus more on the war after Wallace’s death. I read book after book about European History, and then moved onto other continents and their peoples. So this movie based on myths and legends caused me to learn as much as I could about actual history, setting off a desire to keep learning that continues today.

JediLounger

Agreed. The Patriot is a must watch as well. In my personal opinion it's better than Braveheart.

Brian Jones

THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!! You two together just crack me up! "Do You think those two?" "I think perhaps." And all the cringing during battles, oh my word! Wonderful reaction, and so much fun to watch with the two of you. What an awesome way to spend my Saturday night!?! FWIW, I think this is one of the few movies where the gore is kind of necessary to the story. You have to see what Wallace and his fellow Scotsmen were willing to endure for their freedom. It's a strong reminder (and I say this as a retired combat pilot) that freedom is not free! That people paid for your freedom in blood!

Art of Free Speech

History Buffs does a pretty good documentary review of film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojBwASARAzo

ArsTropica

Great reaction! I am always excited to see Carly back and you two did a great job as usual! I understand it isn't historically accurate, I understand Mel didn't age well, I also understand it's just heart break after heart break(it still gets me every time even though I know what's going to happen). But, it still is a really fun movie. It has a great soundtrack, beautiful cinematography, and engaging story. Great job! And I really enjoyed watching with you!

MattN

Great reaction as usual. On a side note, this is the third or fourth time I've seen this film, and I'm well aware of how incredibly inaccurate it apparently is, but I've never gotten around to reading up on the true telling of this moment in history. So would anyone here have a good book to recommend to paint a more accurate picture of the story of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce? Or perhaps a documentary film?

Stephen

This was fantastic to watch with you guys. Thanks!

Hannah Mather

As a Scotsman I frequently catch myself saying, "The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots!" LOL. I saw this at the cinema during its initial release, I was 13 at the time. It's the only movie I've ever been to where there was a standing ovation at the end. Maybe not the greatest movie to get such treatment but that's what happened. But great reactions from Cassie and Carly, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing poor Phillip being tricked by the old getting-launched-out-of-an-open-window routine again.

Wes Stewart

I don't know why that should really make any sort of difference, Randall Wallace isn't actually related to William Wallace. The "blood in his veins" thing is purely figurative if even something Randall Wallace said (verbatim, I'm not doubting he said something to that effect but the wording is potentially significant).

Friendly Trumpet

Braveheart is definitely rough. Hollywood have a bad habit of "Americanizing" (exaggerating US involvement and accomplishments, minimizing or ignoring everyone else's) anything and everything the US was involved in, and even some things they weren't, but thankfully Braveheart isn't an example of that. Unfortunately it does still give them kilts despite those not being a thing for another few hundred years, having them wear woad (the blue paint) even though they had already stopped doing that hundreds of years earlier, painting the Scots as disorganized rabble when by the end of that war they had some of the best heavy infantry in Europe, Wallace having an affair with Princess Isabella whom he never met and was only nine years old at the time, and so on and so on. Some of it was at least taken from a 15th century work that historians largely consider fiction, so while not accurate still taken from a near-period source, but much of the inaccuracy in Braveheart was also basically made up by the writer. Basically no historical epic will be wholly accurate; even the ones trying to be are pretty far off in many respects because they're sympathizing characters or inventing new people to be the protagonist, or whatever. But Braveheart set a very low bar for even trying to be correct back in 1995 that even fairly inaccurate "Hollywood" films like Argo sailed over without issue.

Friendly Trumpet

When I grow up, I want to be the Irish Guy. What a FANTASTIC choice! You two are picking some great ones!! ;)

Uncle 'Traveling' Matt

I'm actually related to Robert the Bruce by marriage on my mother's side of the family. An ancestor of mine John of Islay married his great-granddaughter.

Phillip Ribbink

Love the duo reactions

matthew

The Times has it at No.2 in the "most historically inaccurate movies of all time" list. The no.4 spot is 'The Patriot'... and no.6 'Apocalypto'

Rich Campbell

GFY buddy.

BJ Stephens

I hated this movie when I saw it in the theater and I hated it even more when I watched it now.

Carol_White

This is one of my all time favorite movies. I'm thrilled I get to spend the evening watching it again with you.

KTVindicare

The man was the prince's lover and that was why he threw him out the window. He would want an heir. Longshanks did not believe in his son...maybe that was why he was so different from the king himself but I gotta say.. Patrick McGoohan could never be outdone in that role.

GamerGal8684

This is and still is a very great movie to watch it always gets me all the time.

FranciscoGios

Okay, I have to ask the community here, Cassie or Carly said, "That was his only friend!" When King longshanks threw the guy out the window to his death... Am I misinterpreting that that guy was the princes lover? Did the girls miss that? Did I misinterpret that?

Jon Johns

A great movie which I've seen countless times, even though I do not have it on DVD or DVR. Nevertheless, I so enjoy your reactions (along with those of Carly), that it was well worth renting it on demand to watch it with you! Another "based on fact" movie you might want to consider (also starring Mel Gibson) is "We Were Soldiers"; a factual account of the US first major battle in Vietnam.

Bill Poulter

Don't worry about the 'historical' issues. The writer was Randall Wallace who said he felt Williams blood in his veins. If it's good enough for him its good enough for the rest of us.

David

I would propose that most great love stories are tragic in some way. Loved this reaction that you both did. I'm officially out of hankies. lol Thanks

Andrew Rose

Ok?

Matt

Haven’t watched this is a long time, so made this my Saturday night movie. Wallace’s long sword exists to this day and is on display at the Wallace monument in Stirling, though it’s a been argued for years as to its true authenticity. But it’s a bloody big blade! I’m British and today I’ve somehow seen both of Mel Gibson’s movies about him kicking the English’s arses and now I definitely need to see something where we are the good guys!

Biggman83

So pleased you both loved it, a powerful epic, beautifully and memorably scripted, and for the people who say its inaccurate remember those opening lines...history is written by those who have hanged heroes...the battle sequences are still some of the best ever filmed, its deserving for its 5 Oscars, lovely to watch with you both x x

David Williams

Cassie, do you talk to your dad after watching these films he loves?

Jon Johns

UGH! It was difficult watching you adore their courtship knowing what was coming.

Rich Mcclure

Love watching you two together. Robin Hood with Kevin Costner would be a good one for you guys to watch :)

Serge Joncas

I think I prefer Braveheart but after the past couple years I find the patriot to be SO inspiring. Definitely a great movie and if you like one you're almost definitely gonna like the other.

My_Cousin_Mose

Im a History buff , cant watch Braveheart .

Mike Lipke

This is like looking at that Raphael painting. Two angels in the same frame.

Rich Mcclure

I dropped everything to watch it immediately once I saw it was posted. Such a great movie. Couldn’t care less that their were inaccuracies. Another awesome reaction, and hope to see Carly more in the future.

Cole Jennett

If only things were that simple. Keep in mind it wasn't the Scottish people who willingly decided to support the 'Act of Union' it was a relatively small group of nobles that saw it as a way to make capital. It was actually deeply unpopular for the general Scottish populous. Mainly because of the turbulent past the Scots have experienced with the English. The Darien Scheme was indeed a disaster from its inception however make no mistake England had a hand in that also by blocking important Scottish trade routes. Be it by military force or economic hardship, England wanted their troublesome neighbors under the thumb for many years before the union was even realized.

MrCAL

Holy moly I forgot how emotional that movie was! Gonna need to go watch a comedy after that! Enjoyed the reaction with Carly and hope she is recovering well from her surgery!

Josh Phillips

I've been waiting since I subscribed for this reaction!!! And I'm with Carly on this-NOT the greatest love story ever told its not even close.

My_Cousin_Mose

Well, in film...having a 12 yr old would look rather...MAP like and I don't think that would go over well with anyone.

GamerGal8684

Its historical inaccuracy has caused problems for the UK. Nationalist movements grew after the film's release, and now threaten the Union. In reality Scotland willingly joined the current Act of Union largely because they bankrupted themselves in a failed attempt to set up a colony in South America (The Darien Scheme). Yet some would rather it be framed by this earlier inaccurate story. Thanks a lot Mel Gibson.

Rich Campbell

Wonderful movie, the soundtrack by James Horner!!!😍 , confirmation for Mel Gibson (director) after "the man without a face" (I recommend it Cassie). Good reaction with Carly, after that you can see Predator 😂

Grégory Gautier

Dances With Wolves is right there with this in my estimation

Andrew Hogan

This is an enjoyable action movie, I only wish they had changed the names and factionalized it. It’s been roundly criticized for years by those in the know as one of the most historically inaccurate movies ever made. And this isn’t the only time Mel Gibson has done this with “based on a true story.” He has a habit of not letting any factual material get in the way of a good storyline.

Bob McFadden

It is an Epic movie!

David

I'm a big film score buff, and James Horner's music here is phenomenal. So beautiful, and very innovative use of the pipes with orchestra. At the Oscars that year he was nominated for both this and Apollo 13 - two of the best scores of his career - alongside John Williams' dark and challenging Nixon and a lovely score by Patrick Doyle (HP and the Goblet of Fire) for Pride & Prejudice. ...And ALL FOUR OF THEM LOST to some trite little Italian romcom nobody remembers. Outrage!

Robin T

I agree 100% . The best thing about this film is by far the Cinematography and Costume design. I loved it the first time when I saw it when it came out on VHS, but it has lost much of its luster, in no small part due to Mel Gibson himself being a world class A**hole. He loves to make historical epics with very little evidence or facts, and putting himself in the main roles. For me I will stick to his Lethal Weapons and Mad Max movies.

Damien beatty

FREEEDDDOOOOOOOOMMM!!!

MatthewBrown74m

Not a big fan of Braveheart myself, it's OK but there is probably more I dislike than like about it. I have no major issue with it driving a dump truck through historical fact, plenty of films have done the same, bad accents annoy me more than bad history (looking at you, Mel). I just find the characters one dimensional and the plot totally predictable. One thing it really has going for it, Scotland and my home country of Ireland look absolutely stunning. Great job, DOP. Glad you guys enjoyed it though:)

Jay

FYI. The Princess was actually only about 12 during these events. A lot of liberties were taken in this movie, but still a great movie. Its a shame they have to change history to serve their story.

Brian McGovern

Braveheart is by far and away the best war film made. It set a benchmark for many other films such as Gladiator ( a rebel fighting against a power to avenge family..) Gibson swept the Oscars w this one. I would very much agree w others on here. If you like this one you will like The Patriot. It was one of Heath Ledger’s first films.

GamerGal8684

Such a good movie though it is very historically inaccurate.

Patrick Toscano

Normally I just watch the reactions on YT as I've seen most of the movies you're watching already, but I will, for the first time, rewatch this film with you with some buttered popcorn!

Stephen Lewis

I'll be glad when NG gets back to movie reactions instead of these tv shows I don't have access to.

Stephen Lewis

Well if some one was gonna get me to watch a Mel Gibson movie again it was gonna be Cassie or Natalie Gold…

djKENTO

Mel Gibson is an Incredible director. Very underutilized in Hollywood, understandably. Looking forward to his sequel to passion of Christ. Cassie should do Apocalypto

Sahitya

Very much looking forward to this reaction! If you enjoyed this movie, I highly recommend the Mel Gibson 2000 Revolutionary War epic, The Patriot!

David Crabtree

Braveheart is a great movie, it's on my most rewatchable movies list. Nice t-shirt Cassie 😉

G

This is an awesome one, happy you saw it

Dustin Nelson