Maximus.

So, I'll admit I never saw Braveheart in the movie theaters. I have seen it a number of times on a large screen in the dark, but never in a theater. So my opinions may be biased, but I like Gladiator more than Braveheart. Why?

I'm glad you asked. It's because the hero in Gladiator is a leader. Maximus is a magnificent leader and he takes, wears, & embodies that mantle well. You look at William Wallace, while possessing many leadership characters he kind of brushes them off in a Reaganesque "Aw shucks" manner. He doesn't actively drink the cup destiny has filled for him.

I'll agree, perhaps he couldn't have. I mean, no one would have followed a highlander perhaps. Obviously, or at least the movie wants you to believe, Robert The Bruce could have and should have taken the real role of a leader for the film. But still, something is to be said about William Wallces willingness to be martyr. That is, it's not, in my opinion, a way to lead.

[edit]
Here is an interesting thing I cam across while Googling character's names. Yes, I forgot.

http://www.leaderu.com/humanities/braveheart.html
[/end edit]

No doubt, a leader should be willing in thought and action to fall for the people they lead, but you better be fighting for the team until the bitter end and beyond. Wallace gives up too early in my opinion.

In the same way Aragon grows to be a great leader in the Trilogy of the Rings. However, his presence is not that strong in my opinion. He lacks the definite sense of being.

End random musings about leadership.