As the World Turns

Throughout Scottish history from the time of Wallace’s execution, the Wallace myth has inspired the people and lost none of its potency. In 1995 and the years to come this myth has been given a giant boost by “Braveheart” and its international success. Rather than simply being a movie, “Braveheart” also addressed wider political and historical issues. It proved that popular films, rather than being passively consumed as a set of images and narratives, can lead into serious debate about sustaining national identities and progressive forms of nationalism. It may be read in very different ways, it can be read in varied historical and political contexts. But, in the end, this movie about a Scottish hero is just a good story. Pure entertainment.