ABOUT THE MOVIE

Braveheart is the partly historical, partly mythological story of William Wallace (Mel Gibson, who also directed), a Scottish commoner who led a rebellion to gain his country's freedom during the 13th century.

When cruel English king Edward The Longshanks gives the English nobility "Prima Nocta" -- the right to take all new Scottish brides on their wedding night -- it is the latest of the Scots' long list of grievances against their English invaders. With a full-scale revolution on the minds of many, all the Scots lack is a strong leader to lead the uprising.

As a young boy, Wallace lost his father and brother to battles with the English, and when yet another one of his loved ones is killed, Wallace decides to begin his own quest to make Scotland free once and for all. Uniting the various Scottish clans in a courageous defense of their country, Wallace soon becomes a legend among his people.

Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.