Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mel Gibson's intense, bloody take on Scottish history.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Braveheart
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is highly praised for its storytelling, compelling themes of loyalty and freedom, and emotional depth, although many caution about its graphic violence, bloodshed, and brief sexual content, deeming it inappropriate for younger or sensitive viewers. While some argue that mature teens around 12-16 may handle the content, others strongly suggest pre-screening for any child due to its intense visuals and themes.
- graphic violence
- strong themes
- age recommendations
- emotional impact
- educational value
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 68 kid reviews
Kids say the film is an emotional and powerful depiction of bravery, freedom, and sacrifice, heavily centered around violence and graphic scenes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. While many praise the acting and storytelling, they point out the excessive bloodshed, torture, and brief nudity, leading to varied opinions on its appropriateness for teenagers, with recommendations ranging from ages 13 and up to 16 and older.
- emotional impact
- intense violence
- graphic scenes
- age recommendations
- strong themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BRAVEHEART is set in 13th century Scotland, a land oppressed by the English King Edward I (Patrick McGoohan), alias Longshanks, who hangs a group of Highlanders who are trying to negotiate a peace treaty. One of the victim's sons is William Wallace (Mel Gibson). When Longshanks makes it legal for British nobles to sexually abuse Scottish women, William's wife, Murron (Catherine McCormack), is killed by British soldiers. William proceeds to rally other angry Scots and an Irish brigade and stages a successful guerrilla war on the English. Ironically, William's goal of independence for Scotland might be thwarted by the region's own aristocrats, a well-treated bunch with investments in England.
Is It Any Good?
This gleefully violent, rousing film isn't for the faint of heart. But despite—or because of?—its gory beheadings, impalings, and blood sprays, Braveheart champions a cowboy mentality. In an iconic scene, William righteously roars "Freedom!", and it's impossible not to root for this unyielding underdog. Nor does the film lack substance; director-producer and star Gibson crafts a version of William Wallace's story that seems to pointedly note that heroes who don't back down or compromise their ethics don't often get their just reward in this life. That's a theme to ponder, but parents might emphasize to impressionable viewers that, while William Wallace did exist, they shouldn't put too much stock into this Hollywood-ified story of martyrdom. It's an enjoyable, action-filled epic, but it's not meant to be historically accurate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Braveheart portrays the concept of freedom. Do you agree with William's methods to achieve it? Are there other ways to work toward freedom, or is violence necessary?
William Wallace is a real figure, but much of the film is fictionalized for entertainment. How could you find out more about what really happened?
How are the women in Braveheart portrayed? Are they strong characters? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 29, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : September 29, 2000
- Cast : Mel Gibson , Sean Lawlor , Sophie Marceau
- Director : Mel Gibson
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History ( Biopic , War: Other ) , Royalty ( Kings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 178 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brutal medieval warfare
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Winner , Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 11, 2026
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