Virtually every scene in, "Braveheart," prove that Gibson didn’t film a movie. In its stead, he presented a testament to the glory, dignity, heart and soul of the people of Scotland and their majestic heritage. To refer to Gibson’s masterpiece, therefore, as nothing more than a film is a ludicrous and completely inaccurate assumption. "Dumb and Dumber" is a movie. "Braveheart" is not. It is assuredly the soul of Scotland.

The messages provided throughout, "Braveheart," are remarkably clear and poignant. Knowing this to be true, I simply cannot fathom the dolts who pose the following questions regarding Gibson’s tour de force:

· Why were the battle scenes so gory?

· Oh, come on, very little of, "Braveheart," is based on fact, right?

· Where can I buy a, "Braveheart," 'T' shirt, one with Mel’s image on it?

· "Braveheart" has nothing to do with today’s Scotland?

. "Why spend so much time talking about the movie?

"I haven’t heard such comments," you might be saying. Well, I have and they cause me to become angry and disheartened when encountered. I’ve held my tongue until now, but am about to let those clowns have it.

Question:

Why were the battle scenes so gory?

Response:

Give me a break! When Sly Stallone blasts craters in various human bodies, few ask, "did he have to be so violent?" No, people stand in their seats and cheer him on. For those who do not patronize these sorts of films, some still ask why Braveheart was so bloody? Look, "Braveheart," as proved in various publications and books, is very realistic. The battles of Stirling Bridge and Falkirk, etc. took place and are well documented.

The combatants of these wars and others such as, "Culloden," (read John MacDonald’s exceptional work, "Bloody Culloden) didn’t slap each other in the face. They took out their swords, axes etc. and killed all who would defy them and brutalize their homeland. That’s the way it was then and that’s the way it is now when wars break out. Why, therefore, should Gibson have toned down the violence necessary to the portrayal of the truth in, "Braveheart?" If we’d been denied such realism, the story would have been flawed. It is that simple.

Question:

Very little of, "Braveheart," is based on fact, right?

Response:

Wrong. This is a sad question issued by those who either haven’t bothered to read the history of Scotland or simply have their own agenda regarding an analysis of, "Braveheart." As explained, to a very minor degree, in this column, most of what is presented in, "Braveheart," is absolutely accurate. One only has to view the exceptional material, regarding William Wallace and his fellow patriots (published by The Highlander Web Magazine and other firms) to understand the disappointing nature of the question, "very little of, "Braveheart," is based on fact, right?"

Question:

Where can I buy a, "Braveheart," 'T' shirt, preferably one with Mel’s image on it?

Response:

When visiting a recent presentation of the Highland Games in my area, I was stunned to see a veritable sea of, "Braveheart," items being hocked. The majority of which were of remarkably poor quality and emblazoned with, "cartoonish," drawings of Mel Gibson in full Highland attire. There was nothing dignified about these items of clothing, coffee cups and other wares. They were shabby and extremely cheap looking.

I was saddened by this uncomfortable vista due to the fact that many of the buyers of these objects and articles of clothing were only interested in, "wearing" Mel Gibson on their chests. They certainly were not saluting the glory of, "Braveheart." How do I know this? Because I stood around listening to the questions of the shoppers. Lines such as, "do you have one without the flag of Scotland on it? How about a tee shirt with Mel in a kilt, but no shirt?" On and on and on.

At the risk of causing some of you to forward nasty letters to me, I must admit that I did in fact purchase a, "Braveheart," oriented tee shirt, but one with a difference. Mine reads, "Scotland The Brave. Land Of My Heart Forever." The shirt does not sport an image of Mel Gibson nor is it cheesy in any manner. I admire Mr. Gibson for having brought the story of William Wallace to so many, but wearing a drawing of him on my body would not proclaim my respect for the magnificent gift of, "Braveheart."

As often as possible, I wear this article of clothing that does show my reverence and love for the country and people of Scotland. You see, the line, "Scotland The Brave. Land Of My Heart Forever," is the final verse of Scotland’s national anthem. I may not live there, but am proud to show my support for this most majestic of lands. I’ll not denigrate its beauty and history by wearing some shabby item of apparel.

Question:

"Braveheart" has nothing to do with today’s Scotland, so why spend so much time talking about it?

I’m going to bring this column to a close with a response to that question. It is of particular importance and deserves a heading of its own:

In August of 1305, Sir William Wallace of Elerslie was butchered by the repugnant criminals of the English justice system. Scotland was not free at the time. The vast majority of Scots echoed Wallace’s cries for freedom.

In August of 1996, Scotland is still not free and is ruled by the powers that be in England. The vast majority of Scots continue to echo Wallace’s cries for freedom.

"Braveheart" has everything to do with today’s Scotland and it is prayed that many more will come to realize this. Scotland is not free and although scores of its people struggle to achieve their independence from England, they do not meet their foes on the battlefields of blood and warfare. Oh, many Scots bleed, but in their hearts and with ballots. They mirror William Wallace's acts of unparalleled courage and dignity as they fight with words of glory and determination along a path that is so rightfully theirs to trod upon.

Today, the "SNP" is spearheading Scotland's inalienable right to determine its own future and by the grace of God, this land of the brave hearts will finally acheive its rightful destiny. Scotland's heart is free and she does have the courage to follow it.

The message of, "Braveheart" is alive and well in Scotland and indeed in the souls of so many Scots, worldwide. It is time that all recognize this triumph of the spirit.

Just as, "Braveheart" is not fiction, it must be realized that Scotland's right to live free is an inescapable fact and a God given right. This is, therefore, the legacy and true meaning of, "Braveheart."

If you would like to disuss this email Gary.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three