"That was the best film Ever!"     (Feb 1996)

Braveheart.  Brilliant.  If you haven’t already done so, watch it; it certainly affected me maybe it can do the same for you.

I saw this film in the cinema before anyone told me anything about it, so going in I had no thoughts one way or the other which could prejudice my reaction.  It is much more awe-inspiring and emotional not knowing what happens next, and allowing yourself to become immersed in the story as if part of the characters lives.  I was ready.

If you can’t watch the video now, read the book by Randall Wallace.  I am not going to do him the injustice of attempting to regurgitate his work, nor yourself, as his writing will make more enjoyable reading, and you are probably very busy reading plenty of these essays anyway!  The basic line of the story is that Scotland is under the tyrannous rule of Longshanks the King of England, and the nobles of Scotland are fighting among themselves as well as attempting to bargain with England.  A commoner called William Wallace leads a rebellion and succeeds in beating the English for the first time in hundreds of years.  Thereon follows the story of his loyal men, the traitorous nobles, and the English.  I won’t spoil the ending for you !

From this film, which I say is an incredible  portrayal of reality (my mum disagrees!), I learnt, or more probably, came to a fuller understanding of the ideals, attitudes and beliefs that have been forming within me.  I saw what honour really is.  I saw courage and strength behind clear and passionate eyes.  I saw unquenchable faith in action, right past the point of death.  It is this point especially that I want to focus upon. 

How often do we see even a small act of faith today?  I was trying to think of an example, but couldn’t; either you have faith - and that has is all encompassing - or you don’t.   William Wallace endured a torturous death uttering only a single word, “FREEDOM!”.  If he were to have asked for mercy or had cried out, then his captors would have broken him, he would have been untrue to himself, his beliefs, and those whom he had led.  He stood firm for what he believed, he urged, and with great charisma led many people.  Some, as he said, died in battle, but all went on to win something they had never had - freedom, and a land of their own.  Do you stand with that same radicalness for what you believe in?  Do I? 

This film changed my outlook on life, faith, friendship and attributes to be sought after.  I want to be as radical in my faith as Wallace was in his.

            I don’t want to be an academic - I want to be honourable.

                  I don’t want to be rich               - I want to be compassionate.

                I don’t want to famous      - I want to be courageous.

                I don’t want to live till I’m 164  - I want to be loyal.

                I don’t want Claudia Schiffer     - I want to be strong.

                I don’t want to be Bill Gates      - I want to be wise.

                I don’t want everything              - I want to be the best I can be.

I have seen the film three times now, and will buy it when it becomes available.  It is not possible to learn too much from the example William Wallace sets.  How he acted with girls was another fine example of an honourable man. 

Yes it’s hard to believe it is just a film.  One last thing, I nearly forgot - it was fun as well!