Probably one of the five best films I have ever seen and I have seen a lot. This is peak Mel Gibson. Both as a director and protagonist.
I am a sucker for historical epics, and this was made before huge battles were green screened and CGI'ed, so imagine a Cecil B. DeMille film with thousands of extras on real locations.
The acting from the lead and supporting cast, the cinematography, the wonderful score by late James Horner - 'Braveheart' deserved every Oscar.
It hits all the right emotional beats and the pacing during its three hour runtime is perfect. You will not look at your watch a single time. It's THAT intense.
Today, in 2023, we only really have one director left, who can take on a similar project: 86 year-old Ridley Scott ('Gladiator', 'Kingdom of Heaven', 'Napoleon' (soon to be released).
What a shame. When the superhero frenzy dies out, there will hopefully be room for more epic historic movies.
I am a sucker for historical epics, and this was made before huge battles were green screened and CGI'ed, so imagine a Cecil B. DeMille film with thousands of extras on real locations.
The acting from the lead and supporting cast, the cinematography, the wonderful score by late James Horner - 'Braveheart' deserved every Oscar.
It hits all the right emotional beats and the pacing during its three hour runtime is perfect. You will not look at your watch a single time. It's THAT intense.
Today, in 2023, we only really have one director left, who can take on a similar project: 86 year-old Ridley Scott ('Gladiator', 'Kingdom of Heaven', 'Napoleon' (soon to be released).
What a shame. When the superhero frenzy dies out, there will hopefully be room for more epic historic movies.