The film begins with Wallace as a boy (
James Robinson). His father Malcolm (
Sean Lawlor) is part of the Scottish resistance to the English army, and is killed by the English in battle. Young Wallace is taken in by his uncle Argyle (
Brian Cox), who teaches the boy to read, write, and fight. Many years later, Wallace returns to his home in Scotland, and although at first reluctant, is tempted into fighting the English when they capture and murder his wife Murron (
Catherine McCormack). Wallace inspires his Scottish countrymen, and leads them into epic battles where they defeat the English even though they are greatly outnumbered. The battlefield, however, is not the only fight Wallace faces, as his own countrymen in the Scottish government have financial interests in maintaining the English occupation.