Movie Title
The movie was marketed as the story of William Wallace; throughout, other central characters refer to his courage, and literally the bravery he finds in his heart. This suggests that he is the somewhat eponymous protagonist; in fact, the name "Braveheart" actually refers to Robert the Bruce, who states during a scene with his own father that he wishes he was as brave of heart as Wallace.
Wallace's Place in History
Because he is the main character in the film, Wallace's importance in the history of Scotland is emphasized; in fact, it is also completely exaggerated. Although he was a fine rouser of supporters and both demonstrated and inspired great courage, his importance was greater off the battlefield than on it and his influence rose exponentially after his death.
Wearing of Kilts
The Scottish armies, especially those led by Wallace, are all distinguishable by the kilts that they are wearing. This is a key part of the film, yet at the time of Wallace and Robert the Bruce, no Scotsmen actually wore a belted plaid fabric that became known worldwide as the kilt. This did not occur until at least five hundred years after Wallace and Robert the Bruce, yet it is a fundamental element of the film that attaches Wallace proudly to his roots.
Stirling Bridge
The Battle of Stirling Bridge is the key conflict in the film, between the Scots and the English. The original battle took place at the Bridge; the film, however, depicts a battle clearly identified as having taken place at the site of a bridge with no actual bridge in sight.
English "Occupation" of Scotland
Many of Wallace's stirring speeches center around the English occupation of Scotland and the fact that he, and his countrymen, have never experienced freedom from the English; however, England only took possession of Scotland the year before Wallace started the rebellion. Prior to this, Scotland and England had been two separate countries, both with individual kings of their own.
