Remaking Medieval Heroism: Nationalism and Sexuality in Braveheart

Abstract

Mel Gibson's movie Braveheart tells the story of the life of William Wallace, one of Scodand's great national heroes. Originally released in the late spring of 1995, the film received predominandy glowing reviews, and later in the year enjoyed a second run in theatres as Paramount Studios began marketing the film for consideration in the many end-of-the-year awards shows. Early in 1996 Mel Gibson was honoured at the Golden Globe Awards as the year's Best Director, and in March of the same year, Braveheart won five Academy Awards, including another Best Director award for Gibson as well as the award for Best Motion Picture of the Year.