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Braveheart is a historical drama that follows William Wallace, a Scottish warrior leading his people against the English. From a content farmer to a courageous rebel leader against King Edward I of England, Wallace's trip is shown in the film. With its huge battles and emotional narrative, which enthralled viewers, this epic tale of freedom and resistance became a timeless classic in movie history.
The official synopsis states,
Tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I (Peter Hanly) after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers. Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that is stronger than any English army.
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The Braveheart soundtrack adds to the film’s emotional depth. James Horner wrote the music, which the London Symphony Orchestra performed with strong orchestral compositions and eerie tunes.
Wallace's trip gains layers of emotional depth from the soundtrack, which highlights pivotal events in the movie with its soul-stirring music. A unique element of the film, James Horner's score was nominated for several honors.
This page investigates the Braveheart soundtrack: a comprehensive guide to every song in the film, dissecting every track, its importance, and where it best fits within the movie.
Braveheart Soundtrack: A Definitive Guide
1. Main Title
The Main Title introduces the themes of love, loss, and freedom. It captures the spirit of William Wallace’s journey and sets the tone for the entire movie. The soft bagpipes and orchestral arrangement evoke the raw emotion of the Scottish landscape.
2. A Gift of a Thistle
This track is a tender moment in the film, marking Wallace’s love for Murron. It features gentle bagpipes and a soft melody, symbolizing innocence and love. The track lasts only 1:38, yet leaves a lasting impact.
3. Wallace Courts Murron
At 4:25, this track reflects Wallace's deepening relationship with Murron. The music is soft and romantic, underlining their connection amidst the chaos around them.
4. The Secret Wedding
This Braveheart track accompanies Wallace and Murron’s private wedding. With a length of 6:33, the music is quiet yet filled with emotion, representing their secret bond away from the violence of the world.
5. Attack on Murron
This is a darker piece, reflecting the tragedy of Murron’s death. At 3:00, the music grows intense, marking the turning point that drives Wallace to take revenge on the English forces.
6. Revenge
The Revenge track is 6:24 long, capturing the ferocity of Wallace’s retaliation. The intense orchestration reflects his grief-fueled anger as he leads the Scottish people into battle.
7. Murron’s Burial
This short track (2:14) is melancholic and somber, highlighting the sorrow of Wallace as he lays Murron to rest. The music is deeply emotional, a quiet moment amidst the chaos of war.
8. Making Plans / Gathering the Clans
This 1:52 track is the soundtrack for Wallace uniting the Scottish clans. The music is triumphant yet cautious, reflecting the hopes and risks of their uprising.
9. Sons of Scotland
At 6:20, this Braveheart track embodies the spirit of Scottish nationalism. It plays during Wallace’s rousing speeches, motivating the Scottish people to fight for their freedom.
10. The Battle of Stirling
This 5:57 piece is filled with tension and action. The music captures the intensity and brutality of the battle, highlighting the stakes involved in this historic conflict.
11. For the Love of a Princess
This beautiful 4:07 track represents Wallace’s love for Princess Isabelle. It contrasts the violence of the war with their tender, forbidden connection.
12. Falkirk
At 4:04, Falkirk mirrors the emotional betrayal Wallace experiences in this battle. The track underscores the pain of defeat and loss.
13. Betrayal & Desolation
This 7:48 piece reflects the betrayal Wallace faces and his emotional turmoil. The slow build-up of music adds to the heartbreak as he realizes the depth of his loss.
14. Mornay’s Dream
Mornay’s Dream, at 1:16, is a short yet impactful track. The music evokes the haunting realization of betrayal that looms over Wallace.
15. The Legend Spreads
This 1:09 Braveheart track reflects Wallace’s rising fame. As his legend grows, so does the hope for freedom among the Scottish people.
16. The Princess Pleads for Wallace’s Life
This 3:38 piece is deeply emotional, as Princess Isabelle begs for Wallace’s life. The music carries the weight of her plea, filled with sorrow and desperation.
17. Freedom / The Execution / Bannockburn
At 7:24, this Braveheart track is in the climax of the film. It plays during Wallace’s execution and the final battle of Bannockburn. The music builds to Wallace’s final cry of "Freedom!" before leading into the triumphant tone of Bannockburn’s victory.
18. End Credits
The End Credits track, lasting 7:15, ties all the musical themes of the movie together. It gives a final, emotional reflection on Wallace’s journey and his ultimate sacrifice for Scotland’s freedom.
Songs Not in the Movie
A notable omission is Croí Cróga by Clannad, which was intended to be the film’s theme song. Although not used in the movie, the track still holds significance for fans of Braveheart. Clannad later released the song in their album Lore.
Production and direction
Mel Gibson, who also features as Scottish hero William Wallace, directed and produced Braveheart, a 1995 historical war drama. Wallace is followed in the movie leading a revolt against English rule during the First War of Scottish Independence.
The film became a critical and financial triumph thanks in large part to its sweeping war scenes, emotional depth, and superb performances. Gibson's directing brought him an Academy Award for Best Director; the movie also won Best Picture among other honors.
The dramatic highs and lows of the film are expertly captured in the Braveheart soundtrack. Every tune on one of the most remarkable soundtracks in movie history is painstakingly crafted to further William Wallace's plot. This soundtrack is still enjoyed by listeners today and is a critical success thanks in large part to James Horner's talent and the ageless orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra.
