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Braveheart
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MPAA Rating: R
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Entertainment: +3
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Content: -2 1/2
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As a boy in 13th Century Scotland, William Wallace (Mel Gibson) sees his father and older brother killed by the English. Young Wallace is raised and educated by his uncle. King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan) wants to exterminate the Scots and extend the English domain. Wallace returns to his home after many years, and secretly marries Murron (Catherine McCormack). When English soldiers capture and kill Murron, Wallace dedicates his life to driving the English out of Scotland. Edward I plots to destroy Wallace, and sends Princess Isabelle (Sophie Marceau), his daughter-in-law, to act as his emissary. She becomes a secret ally of Wallace, warning him of Edward's plans. In two major battles, William leads the Scots against the heavily armored English. Thousands clash in these bloody conflicts. Although three hours long, BRAVEHEART is an exciting, passionate story of Wallace's heroic leadership in Scotland's fight for freedom.
The authentic but gruesome battles include sword stabbings, beheadings, heads smashed by mace, clubs, and axes, piercing arrows, men and horses impaled on pikes. Even treatment of battle wounds that are cauterized with a hot sword are horrific to watch. Savage assaults are non-stop between the Scots and the English. Other offensive elements seem almost insignificant. Taunting the English before a battle, the Scots raise their kilts, exposing themselves, but little can be seen from the distance. The Scots also bare their buttocks to the English. Sex is implied twice - once after Wallace and Murron are wed and later between him and the princess. Wallace reflects a strong religious belief as he has a priest bless his marriage and his troops before battles, and he prays for strength before he is tortured. One of his followers often talks to God aloud. There are a few unexpected obscenities and profanities, as well as some crudities of the times. Unfortunately, BRAVEHEART's authentic battle scenes demand a brave stomach.
Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Paramount Communications, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, NY, NY 10023-7780
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Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: Many (13) times - Mild 2, Moderate 11
Obscene Language: Few (4) times (f-word 2, s-word 2)
Profanity: Few (3) times - Regular (J, C 2)
Violence: Many times - Moderate and severe (hanging bodies, clubbings, stabbings, impalements, throats cut; beheading, disembowelment (off-screen); death by burning; shootings with arrows; high falls; wounds treated with hot oil; stretch on rack; attempted rape)
Sex: Implied twice (once with brief breast nudity)
Nudity: Few times (breast nudity once; male rear nudity; distant male frontal nudity)
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: Few times (lords have tenant maids on first night of marriage; leering looks; crude reference to men's genitals; sensual kiss)
Drugs: None
Other: Strong religious theme; Irishman talks to God aloud; Wallace prays for strength
Running Time:
Intended Audience: Adults & history buffs
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