Essay Questions

Why was Wallace so disappointed in Robert Bruce's betrayal?

Nobody likes to feel betrayed; however, Robert Bruce's betrayal of him was more than just the breaking of a word, or the going behind his back. Wallace had believed in Robert. He believed him to be a man similar to himself; a man of courage, belief and honesty. He is not only betrayed by Robert, but he also feels betrayed by his own judgement, which is far more difficult to come to terms with.

He also feels that Robert has betrayed their people, in that he was pretending to be part of a Scotland that was free, and pretending to be a supporter of independence for his "subjects". Instead, he has been scheming with the other side, the side that wants to subjugate them and bring them in line with British rule. This is also very hard for Wallace to accept because he prides himself on being a man of the people, and had believed Robert to be the same.

Critics were scathing about the film's historical accuracy - or lack of it. What are some of the more glaring fictionalizations?

The main misconception perpetuated by the movie is that the "Brave Heart" in the title is William Wallace. It is actually a reference to Robert the Bruce, known in Scottish history for his bravery and courage. Another inaccuracy highlighted by critics is the fact that the armies fighting at the Battle of Stirling Bridge did not appear to actually be anywhere near a bridge at all.

However, the most common complaint about the historical accuracy of the film is that it is basically a fictional action adventure movie presented in an almost "theme park" kind of way, with a central casting, kilted Scotsman running amok in the Highlands inspiring his countrymen against the big, bad English, and demanding freedom from a tyranny that never existed in the first place.

The characters in the film are basically accurate; however, many of their interactions with each other are not; for example, there is no proof or even historical suggestion that Princess Isabella was working with Wallace, or that she had a romantic relationship with him. Then there is the matter of the kilt; the kilt was not worn in the way the movie depicts, but more importantly, it was not worn at all until five hundred years later, and the tartan pattern was entirely wrong; each kilt is made from a tartan fabric that represents each Scottish clan, and the kilt sported by Wallace was not representative of his ancestry.

Despite the historical inaccuracy of the movie, it is still considered to be an historical film, and in fact might have played a significant role in creating an "un-history" amongst movie goers who were convinced that the events unfolding before them on the screen were an accurate representation of the facts.