Overview

In the year 1280, Edward I of England, often referred to as "Longshanks," annexes Scotland after the passing of the Scottish king who left no successor. Young William Wallace witnesses the consequences of Longshanks' brutal treatment of several Scottish nobles, and subsequently, he loses his father and brother when they oppose the English forces. He departs his home to be brought up by his uncle, Argyll.

As time progresses, Longshanks allocates land and privileges to his loyal noblemen in Scotland, including the controversial right of jus primae noctis, while his son weds a French princess named Isabelle. Meanwhile, a mature Wallace returns to Scotland and secretly marries his childhood companion, Murron MacClannough. Shortly thereafter, Wallace heroically rescues Murron from an English soldier, but she is later captured and executed. In revenge, Wallace leads the local population to oust the garrison, igniting a rebellion that quickly gains momentum. Longshanks instructs his son to put an end to Wallace while he conducts a campaign in France. Wallace achieves a significant victory against the prince's army at Stirling and then marches into England, pillaging York. He also encounters Robert the Bruce, a rival for the Scottish crown.

Upon returning to England, Longshanks dispatches Isabelle to engage Wallace as a diversion from his military maneuvers. During their meeting, Isabelle becomes captivated by Wallace and alerts him to Longshanks’ intentions. Wallace faces Longshanks at the Battle of Falkirk. However, during the confrontation, nobles Mornay and Lochlan retreat after being bribed by Longshanks, leading to an overwhelming defeat for Wallace's forces. Wallace later learns that Robert the Bruce has allied himself with Longshanks. After aiding Wallace's escape, Robert pledges not to side with the wrong cause again. Wallace exacts revenge on Mornay and Lochlan for their treachery and thwarts an assassination attempt with Isabelle’s assistance. They share a night together, while Longshanks’ health begins to deteriorate.