Braveheart, directed by Mel Gibson, is undoubtedly a captivating film that has resonated with audiences for years. However, when it comes to historical accuracy, the movie falls significantly short. In fact, many historians and experts consider it to be one of the least accurate historical movies ever made.
One of the most glaring inaccuracies in Braveheart is the portrayal of William Wallace, the film’s central character. While Wallace was indeed a real historical figure and a Scottish knight who fought against English domination, the movie takes great liberties with his character and story. For example, the film depicts Wallace as a commoner, when in reality, he was a member of the Scottish nobility. Additionally, Braveheart portrays Wallace as leading a rebellion solely for the sake of Scottish independence, ignoring the complex political landscape of the time.
Another major historical inaccuracy is the portrayal of King Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks. In the film, Edward is depicted as a ruthless and tyrannical ruler, whereas historical records suggest a more nuanced and complex character. While Edward I did carry out brutal actions during his reign, Braveheart exaggerates and distorts these actions for dramatic effect.
Furthermore, the movie takes significant liberties with the timeline of events. It compresses years of historical happenings into a short period, creating a distorted sense of chronology. For example, the film suggests that Wallace’s rebellion and subsequent defeat at the Battle of Falkirk happened within a short timeframe, when in reality, they were separated by several years.
Braveheart also misrepresents various aspects of Scottish society and culture during the 1300s. The film portrays the Scots as a united and homogeneous group, when in reality, there were significant divisions among the Scottish nobility. Moreover, the movie depicts the Scots wearing distinctive blue face paint, which has no historical basis and is simply a Hollywood invention.
In contrast to Braveheart, Outlaw King, directed by David Mackenzie, presents a more accurate portrayal of Scotland in the 1300s. While it is not without its own inaccuracies, the film pays closer attention to historical details and tries to present a more nuanced and realistic depiction of the time period. It delves into the political complexities of the Scottish nobility and their relationship with England, providing a more accurate representation of the historical context.
While Braveheart may be an entertaining and visually stunning film, it falls short in terms of historical accuracy. It takes numerous liberties with the characters, events, and cultural aspects of Scotland in the 1300s. On the other hand, Outlaw King makes a more concerted effort to portray the historical reality, though it is not without its own inaccuracies. When it comes to accurately depicting Scotland in the 1300s, Outlaw King is the more reliable choice.