The Historical Inaccuracies of Braveheart: A Product of Ignorance and Simplification

Braveheart is one of the most iconic historical films of the 1990s, but it is also one of the most heavily criticized for its glaring historical inaccuracies. While many people consider it an entertaining and thrilling portrayal of William Wallace's fight for Scottish freedom, the movie has been criticized for its flagrant disregard of historical facts. These inaccuracies aren't necessarily the result of deliberate distortions or artistic license but rather reflect the naivety and ignorance of the filmmakers. In their attempt to create a compelling narrative, the filmmakers oversimplified the complexities of history, relying on widely accepted myths, clichés, and a lack of thorough research.

One of the most glaring inaccuracies in Braveheart is the depiction of Wallace and his men wearing kilts. The modern Scottish kilt, which has become a symbol of Scottish identity, did not exist in the 13th century. In fact, the kilt as we know it today was developed in the 16th or 17th century, centuries after Wallace's death. Scots in Wallace's time would have worn more practical medieval clothing like tunics, cloaks, and leggings. The use of kilts in the film likely reflects a modern misunderstanding of Scottish culture or an oversimplified attempt to convey a distinct "Scottish" image to the audience, despite its inaccuracy for the period.

Another major inaccuracy is the movie's portrayal of Edward I, who is depicted as a cruel and sadistic tyrant. While Edward I was indeed a ruthless and ambitious king, the film takes significant liberties with his character, reducing him to a one-dimensional villain. The real Edward I was a skilled military leader and a politically savvy ruler, whose actions were driven by a desire to maintain English control over Scotland. His character in the film, however, is exaggerated for dramatic effect, turning him into an almost cartoonish villain. This oversimplification of historical figures and events is a common problem in historical epics, where nuance and complexity are sacrificed in favor of a clearer, more engaging narrative.

The movie also portrays Wallace as a romantic figure who fought for the abstract concept of freedom. The famous "freedom" speech that Wallace delivers before battle is entirely fictional, with no historical record to suggest he ever made such a speech. In reality, the concept of personal freedom as we understand it today did not exist in the 13th century. Wallace was likely motivated by a desire to restore King John Balliol's rule and to seek revenge against the English for the wrongs they committed against his people. His fight was not about fighting for a modern, democratic notion of "freedom," but rather about challenging foreign control over Scottish lands and restoring a deposed monarch. This dramatic alteration of Wallace's motivations is a clear example of how filmmakers prioritize emotional impact over historical accuracy.

One of the most egregious fabrications in Braveheart is the romantic relationship between Wallace and Princess Isabella of France. The film suggests that Wallace and Isabella had an affair, even though Isabella was a child when Wallace was executed in 1305. In reality, Isabella did not marry Edward II until several years after Wallace’s death, and there is no evidence that she ever met Wallace in person. This completely fictional storyline serves to add drama and a romantic subplot to the film but has no basis in historical fact.

Additionally, the Battle of Stirling Bridge, one of Wallace's greatest victories, is depicted inaccurately. In the movie, the battle takes place on a large, open field, and the strategic importance of the Stirling Bridge is entirely ignored. In truth, Wallace's forces won the battle by using the narrowness of the bridge to their advantage, outmaneuvering the English. The filmmakers chose to omit this key detail, likely to create a more conventional and cinematic battle scene. This choice further exemplifies the filmmakers’ lack of attention to historical detail and their preference for visual spectacle over authenticity.

Another significant historical inaccuracy involves Robert the Bruce, who is portrayed as a traitor to Wallace before eventually joining the rebellion. While it's true that Robert the Bruce initially swore allegiance to Edward I, the film simplifies his character and actions. In reality, Robert the Bruce's political motivations were more complex than the movie suggests. He switched sides multiple times, and while he eventually became a key figure in the Scottish resistance, his relationship with Wallace was likely much more complicated and pragmatic than the film implies.

These inaccuracies point to a larger issue within historical filmmaking, particularly in films like Braveheart. Rather than focusing on accurate historical portrayal, filmmakers often prioritize emotional resonance and dramatic storytelling. The themes of heroism, freedom, and resistance against tyranny are universal and resonate with modern audiences, which is why filmmakers often simplify or alter the historical details to better fit these narrative themes. The filmmakers relied on widely accepted myths about Wallace and Scottish history, as well as clichés of the heroic underdog and the tyrannical oppressor, to craft a story that would be emotionally impactful, even if it strayed far from the truth.

The lack of historical research or consultation is another factor contributing to the film’s inaccuracies. Filmmakers may not have consulted experts or historians thoroughly, choosing instead to rely on popular myths or their own interpretations of history. Even when historians are consulted, the filmmakers often prefer to stick to their own narrative vision, even if it conflicts with historical facts. This results in a portrayal of history that, while entertaining, is deeply misleading. Rather than intentionally distorting history for the sake of artistic license, Braveheart reflects the filmmakers’ ignorance of the period and their prioritization of an emotionally driven story over historical accuracy.

In conclusion, Braveheart is a film that, while undeniably entertaining, falls short when it comes to historical accuracy. Its portrayal of the 13th century, William Wallace, and key historical events is riddled with inaccuracies, many of which stem from ignorance rather than deliberate distortion. The film’s use of modern myths, simplified characters, and clichéd narratives about freedom and heroism has led to widespread misconceptions about the real events of the Scottish Wars of Independence. While it is a film designed for emotional impact rather than historical precision, Braveheart nonetheless serves as a reminder of the dangers of oversimplifying and romanticizing history for the sake of storytelling.

That said, as a filmmaker myself, I can still appreciate the undeniable visual strength of the movie. Despite its historical shortcomings, Braveheart features superb cinematography that effectively captures the grandeur of the Scottish landscape, blending it seamlessly with the emotional intensity of the story. The epic battle scenes are nothing short of breathtaking, bringing to life the chaos and intensity of medieval warfare with an energy that has become iconic in modern cinema. The soundtrack, with its stirring score, elevates the film’s emotional power, perfectly complementing the imagery and themes. While its historical inaccuracies are hard to ignore, the film’s artistic and cinematic achievements, particularly in terms of visual storytelling, remain impressive and continue to leave a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.