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Mr. Gibson,
You have accomplished your goal. I was left speechless after experiencing
your masterpiece, "Braveheart". I had long respected you and
your career choices , but this reaffirmed my opinion that you are the greatest
talent in film.
I want to wish you the best of luck on Oscar night. I have kept a scrapbook
on this film and am proud to have a record of your journey to the Academy
Awards. I carry a little piece of your portrail with me; and when I need
a bit more courage, sensitivity, loyalty, honor, or creativity I call on
it. You've woven a golden tapestry and each thread holds an insight into
life that I'll always remember.
Anonymous
Where do I start...
My name is Valli Ferrara and I'm 32 years old, single and proud to say that
I'm a very intelligent, successful career woman. My father is all Italian and
my mom is part Irish— absolutely not a spec of Scottish is me. So, my sudden
infatuation with Scotland has nothing to do with my family history, and
EVERYTHING to do with my reaction to the movie Braveheart!!!
Let me digress for a moment and tell you that since, I was a little girl I
have always had an affection for castles and old-world history which I
somehow associate with romance — I'm a true romantic at heart. Well, I do a
lot of reading — just the romance novels really — when I somehow narrowed my
choices to only those books with a Scottish hero. When I read all the Julie
Garwood novels in just 2 weeks time (she has a lot with Scots in them) I was
totally disappointed. Well, this movie certainly satisfied my lust for
romance, castles and history!!!
Unfortunately, I didn't see Braveheart in the theatre so I missed the "big
screen" effect. But somehow, watching Braveheart on a small tv screen was
just enough for me.
The following describes my reaction to the movie...
It was magical!!! The story of William Wallace, the characters, the music,
the actors, the scenery — it was all so captivating, so touching! My initial
reaction in the end of the movie was so profound that it has literally
changed my attitude, my emotions or better yet, it has changed the course of
my life!!! I
Well, after I watched the movie at a friends house I was speechless. I didn't
sleep that night and I went out the next day and bought the video for myself.
The famous speech "Sons of Scotland", the love scene with the princess of
England, Wallace telling Murrin that he loves her and always has, all the
battle scenes, the funeral of Murran, the beheading — just to name a few—I
was so emotional, romantic and touching!
But the ending killed me — I've only watched it in its entirety that one
time. I just can't bear to watch that torture scene again since I was
hysterical the first time! So when the video reaches that scene, I fast
foward to when he drops the cloth and Murrin is in the crowd in his dreams.
At that point, I have a smile on my face because it symbolizes true love and
I cry profusely because of his bravery.
I watch it over and over. To date, I have probably seen it over 100 times! (I
assure you I'm not a freak...when I'm getting ready to go out or I'm just
cleaning the house, I'll put the video on and let it play...that's how I've
watched it so much.) At this point, I have the words, the whole story,
completely memorized!!! I also have the soundtrack in my car and I constantly
play it— it's so relaxing and it puts me in a good mood.
I don't believe in the afterlife, the supernatural or any of that bull, but
because of my tight bond to Scotland and the story of William Wallace my
attitude has certainly changed. Sometimes I get this feeling that I've been
there, kind of like in a past life. Yes, it's odd and if you would have told
me a year ago that I would ever say something like this I would have called
you crazy!!! But, the feeling is there. Something about this movie just takes
over your emotions and it's wonderful. I've never been more passionate about
anything in my 32 years!
Even now that I've seen the movie so many times, I still get choked up and
all those wonderful feelings of passion, honor, love and bravery come back
every time. I think that my obsession for the movie and now for Scotland just
keeps growing stronger. And, when I needed more than the movie, I booked a
trip to Scotland and took a tour BY MYSELF!!!
My friends and family thought I was crazy for going to Scotland alone but I
really didn't want anyone with me. I couldn't explain it then and I can't now
but I do know that I just HAD TO GO TO SCOTLAND!
In my eyes, Scotland is heaven. My whole life, my attitude, everything has
changed since my trip! I can't wait to go back and I constantly tell people
that if I ever hit the lottery I'd move to Scotland for good!!!
I just can't get enough! I've been on eBay and bought signed photos of Mel
Gibson as William Wallace, along with the movie poster. I visit all the Mel
Gibson/Braveheart websites constancley and I am forever readign about
Scotland. And to get ready for my next trip to Scotland, I've established
friendships with people in Scotland via the internet.
I could go on and on about how much I love Braveheart but I fear that I still
wouldn't touch the surface and it's very hard to put my feelings into words.
So, I hoped you've enjoyed my story...my story about MY emotional
freedom..."What would you do without freedom?"
Valli
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