Braveheart is a 1995 American epic fictionalised historical drama film directed and produced by Mel Gibson, who portrays Sir William Wallace, a late-13th century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The film also stars Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Catherine McCormack and Angus Macfadyen. The story is inspired by Blind Harry's 15th century epic poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace and was adapted for the screen by Randall Wallace.
Theatrical release poster
Gibson (right) on set with 20th Century Fox executive Scott Neeson
Gibson's work on Braveheart earned him the Academy Award for Best Director.
Tom Church's controversial statue of Gibson as Wallace
Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson is an American actor and film director. He is known for his action hero roles, particularly his breakout role as Max Rockatansky in the first three films of the post-apocalyptic action series Mad Max and as Martin Riggs in the buddy cop action-comedy film series Lethal Weapon.
Gibson in 2016
Gibson in 1985
Gibson in 1990 at an Air America premiere
Gibson with Expendables co-star Sylvester Stallone (background) in 2014