As I write this, Gladiator is still enjoying its shower of praise. I recall with notable fondness a similar film to snag the Oscar for Best Picture, Braveheart. This is the true masterpiece of the genre (which might be medieval action/adventure or something). What makes Braveheart special? In many movies like this (for instance, Gladiator), the protagonist is only a hero because he suffers. In Braveheart, William Wallace is a hero because he fights against suffering. It is that simple fundament that sets Braveheart up to be a great film. Of course, there is more that makes Braveheart great. Mel Gibson's performance as Wallace is riveting, emotionally charged, and...real. He portrays his character with incredible conviction that makes the movie so much more powerful. His requisite hero speeches are inspiring yet plausible, and positively electric with passion. Sorry, Russell Crowe, but Gibson is the true medieval hero of contemporary cinema. Gibson also proves to be a fine director, with a keen eye for detail and a shrewd understanding of the emotional element of the story.
The battle scenes are fittingly gory, and do an excellent job portraying the chaos and brutality of the epoch's battlefield. But the emphasis here is not on the battles between the Scots and the English; this is an enduring story of love, ideals, and heroism. I've never cried watching a movie, but the heart-wrenching (and concurrently uplifting) finale brought me very close. Indeed, this movie sweeps you along for its epic story, and practically makes you another Scottish warrior. Along with the actors, you feel the soaring elation of victory and the profound anguish of defeat. Amazing.
One of my favorite movies of all time. I've used the designation idly before, but here it's certainly true.
