Celts, Mohicans, and Anglo-Saxons

Posted by Elaine on October 28, 1997 at 20:34:57:

In Reply to: Re: Thanks posted by Tom Kilbane on October 28, 1997 at 19:54:28:

"Braveheart" I felt the film had a chance to be truly great but it was dumbed down in order to attract a summer movie audience. I loved it as story of a man's and a nation's struggle against tyranny but its faults were glaring enough that it did not acheive the position as one of all my all time favorites. LOTM has its faults too but they did not deflect from my enjoyment. That ridiculous, stupid, made-up phony romance between Wallace and the Princess just annoyed me so much. What was the purpose? It undercut his "timeless" love for his dead wife and cheesy lines like "You remind me of her" does not repair the damage! I see the only purpose for this inexplicable plot device was an attempt to keep female viewers interested in what was basically a "blood and guts" adventure movie.

Tom,
Regarding "Braveheart", an excellent movie IMO... I agree with you about the Wallace/Princess Isabella relationship. Yes, it was historically inaccurate ( he was dead before Isabella arrived in England), as were a few other details. That aside, the film was a great, stirring, Celtic -blood elevating tribute. Armed resistance against oppressive Norman royalty; very inspirational. However loose Gibson played with a few facts, it was based upon a book written by a Wallace Clan member. So... I think the purpose behind the fairy tale was to slap the English in the face. Particularly stinging was the suggestion that the future Prince Edward lll was not "of your line".
It was a well delivered Scottish insult. Think of it that way and it may not irk you so. You can almost see it as a small victory.

And you're right about The Last of the Mohicans. Despite its own transgressions against facts, which were also minor, it did not detract from the quality of this great film. Had Mann actually included those ridiculous scenes between Alice and Uncas, it'd have been a different story. But he didn't; and that makes LOTM the winner...
E

Follow Ups:

• Re: Celts, Mohicans, and Anglo-Saxons Tom Kilbane 21:20:05 10/30/97 (5)
  • Re: Celts, Mohicans, and Anglo-Saxons John 04:09:42 11/01/97 (2)
    • Re: Celts, Mohicans, and Anglo-Saxons Neuromancer 05:27:39 11/01/97 (0)
    • Re: Celts ... continued John 05:04:13 11/01/97 (0)
  • Re: Celts, Mohicans, and Anglo-Saxons Mike Zeares 04:17:55 10/31/97 (0)
  • Re: Celts, Mohicans, and Anglo-Saxons Elaine 21:49:14 10/30/97 (0)

Post a Followup

Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Subject : 

Comments:
:  "Braveheart" I felt the film had a chance to be truly great but it was dumbed down in order to attract a summer movie audience.  I loved it as story of a man's and a nation's struggle against tyranny but its faults were glaring enough that it did not acheive the position as one of all my all time favorites.  LOTM has its faults too but they did not deflect from my enjoyment.  That ridiculous, stupid, made-up phony romance between Wallace and the Princess just annoyed me so much.  What was the purpose?  It undercut his "timeless" love for his dead wife and cheesy lines like "You remind me of her" does not repair the damage!  I see the only purpose for this inexplicable plot device was an attempt to keep female viewers interested in what was basically a "blood and guts" adventure movie.

: Tom,
: Regarding "Braveheart", an excellent movie IMO... I agree with you about the Wallace/Princess Isabella relationship. Yes, it was historically inaccurate ( he was dead before Isabella arrived in England), as were a few other details. That aside, the film was a great, stirring, Celtic -blood elevating tribute. Armed resistance against oppressive Norman royalty; very inspirational. However loose Gibson played with a few facts, it was based upon a book written by a Wallace Clan member. So... I think the purpose behind the fairy tale was to slap the English in the face. Particularly stinging was the suggestion that the future Prince Edward lll was not "of your line".
: It was a well delivered Scottish insult. Think of it that way and it may not irk you so. You can almost see it as a small victory.

: And you're right about The Last of the Mohicans. Despite its own transgressions against facts, which were also minor, it did not detract from the quality of this great film. Had Mann actually included those ridiculous scenes between Alice and Uncas, it'd have been a different story. But he didn't; and that makes LOTM the winner...
: E


Optional Link URL:  
Link Title:         
Optional Image URL: