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Braveheart is the 1995 movie based on the legendary life of William Wallace (1272-1305), still regarded as Scotland's greatest hero, patriot and warrior. He inherited a family motto, Pro Libertate ("For Freedom"), which turned out to be prophetic. He grew up while the cruel king of England, Edward I "Longshanks," was scheming to rule Scotland.
At the time many Scottish nobles were not so noble. In their greedy rivalries for titles and lands, they sought to appease Longshanks for favor and security, frequently at the expense of their Scottish countrymen. Their example was pride over principles, lust over liberty. Freedom is rarely free, and they were unwilling to risk anything.
But Wallace, a mere commoner but a "braveheart," outraged at English oppression and fired with a vision for freedom, led a revolution that, after his death, resulted in the liberation of Scotland.
In 1305 he was betrayed, captured, sentenced and tortured to death. In the movie, Wallace (portrayed by Mel Gibson) is repeatedly offered a more merciful quick death if he will pledge allegiance to the king of England or beg for mercy. As the torturer begins to disembowel him, Wallace in agony indicates he wants to speak. But instead of muttering "mercy," he shouts out his last word with all the strength he can muster—"Freedom!"
Freedom. Human beings in all places and all times have hungered for it. Yearning to breathe free. To feel free. To live free. To see their children born free. To be free physically, financially, mentally and spiritually. Many of history's most inspiring true stories are of people struggling for liberation from bondage, captivity, tyranny or enslavement—and often achieving it.
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