Gibson Praises Political Impact of Braveheart

3 weeks ago 31st Oct 06:30

Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is convinced his hit 1995 movie Braveheart paved the way for devolution in Scotland - insisting the movie helped bring about political change.

The U.K. government handed autonomy to the country in 1998, forming theScottish Parliament and allowing the Scots to handle their own affairs on matters including education, environment and healthcare.

On the way to the premiere in Scotland the crowd was 50-deep and I couldn't believe there was so much feeling and fervour about the subject

Gibson is adamant Braveheart, which was released two years before a referendum in the country on the subject of devolution, helped Scotland's quest for independence.

He says, "I became really aware of what a piece of art could do to change things. Scotland had received partial autonomy, but I think the film started the ball rolling on some stuff. On the way to the premiere in Scotland the crowd was 50-deep and I couldn't believe there was so much feeling and fervour about the subject. It hit a chord, definitely".