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Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson
Born Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson - 3 January 1956, in Peekskill, New York - and raised in Australia. Alcohol, and wrestling with addiction, has framed his life and career so far: turning up haggard and hung-over to the Mad Max audition landed Gibson his big break in 1979; spouting off at LA freeway cops in July 2006 landed him in a storm of anti-Semitic controversy.

Little denying the power of the man as a box-office draw though. He’s been a bankable leading man in the 80s (The Year Of Living Dangerously, Lethal Weapon, Tequila Sunrise), the 90s (Maverick, Ransom, Payback) and the 00s (The Patriot, What Women Want, We Were Soldiers).

And ventures behind the camera haven’t been half-bad either: Braveheart, The Passion Of The Christ, Apocalypto – all compelling, visceral and rather bloody affairs, the tartan-flavoured one yielding a Best Director Oscar.

Wise words: "Hollywood is a factory. You have to realise that you are working in a factory and you're part of the mechanism. If you break down, you'll be replaced."


News | What members say | Filmography

Mel Gibson - news / articles


  • Gibson praises political impact of Braveheart - 1 November 2009
    -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 the Scottish Parliament a


  • Gibson's son helping the poor in Africa - 19 October 2009
    -Mel Gibson's son Will is dealing with his parents' divorce by throwing himself into charity work in Africa.- -Gibson announced earlier this year (09) that his 28-year marriage to wife Robyn was over and it later emerged the actor was dating Russian singer Oksana Gr


  • Gibson and girlfriend have not discussed marriage - 13 August 2009
    -Mel Gibson and his pregnant girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva have yet to decide if they will marry, the Russian singer has revealed in a new U.S. interview.- -Speaking on air for the first time since her romance with the Lethal Weapon star was revealed, Grigorieva insi

Mel Gibson - what members say


  • Maverick
  • Maverick review by A customer from GLASGOW
    Rated - 5 stars Great Movie !!! 16 July 2005
    ...A 1990's Western comedy featuring Mel Gibson, Maverick was a breath of fresh air when first appeared in theaters. The film doesn't take itself so seriously as many films ...  
  • Lethal Weapon 4
  • Lethal Weapon 4 review by A customer from London
    Rated - 3 stars The Last and probably the second best ! 7 July 2004
    ...r Lethal Weapon 1, With the moody almost suicidal 'loose cannon cop ' played by Mel Gibson ? Well that caracter died along time ago , now he is happy with a women how has...  
  • Lethal Weapon 3
  • Lethal Weapon 3 review by from CAERNARFON
    Rated - 4 stars 22 March 2004
    ...Mel Gibson is great in this, he is funny and I have watched all of these. I enjoy watching them again when they come on tv!...  

Mel Gibson - filmography


  • Edge of Darkness (2010)
    Starring: Danny Huston,  Mel Gibson,  Ray Winstone
    Director: Martin Campbell
    Certificate: Certificate: TBC
    As homicide detective Thomas Craven investigates the death of his activist daughter, he uncovers not only her secret life, but a corporate cover-up and government collusion that attracts an agent tasked with cleaning up the evidence.
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 55% from 4 members
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  • Signs on DVD (2002)
    Starring: Joaquin Phoenix,  Mel Gibson,  Cherry Jones
    Director: M. Night Shyamalan
    Certificate: Certificate: 12
    It's contaminated. That's what pint-sized Bo (Abigail Breslin) says about every glass of water that she tries to drink, then rejects. This is just one in a long list of strange occurrences that are changing the lives of the Hess family. Things go awry when Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) and his brother, ..read more »
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 60% from 22,403 members
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  • We Were Soldiers on DVD (2002)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Madeline Stowe,  Greg Kinnear
    Director: Randall Wallace
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    In 1965, 400 American troops faced an ambush by 2,000 enemy troops in the Ia Drang Valley (also known as the Valley of Death), in one of the most gruesome fights of the Vietnam War. WE WERE SOLDIERS is a detailed recreation of this true story--of the strategies, obstacles, and human cost faced by ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 69% from 9,526 members
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  • What Women Want on DVD (2000)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Helen Hunt,  Marisa Tomei
    Director: Nancy Meyers
    Certificate: Certificate: 12
    Director, writer, and producer Nancy Meyers's (THE PARENT TRAP) sophomore directorial effort is a lively screwball fantasy featuring Mel Gibson in his first romantic comedy. Gibson plays Nick Marshall, a high-flying chauvinistic Chicago advertising executive who, like his musical idol, Frank ..read more »
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 64% from 15,639 members
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  • The Patriot on DVD (2000)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Joely Richardson,  Heath Ledger
    Director: Roland Emmerich
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    Mel Gibson stars in this action-packed historical drama from the director of INDEPENDENCE DAY and GODZILLA. Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, an unassuming man who is forced to join the American Revolution when the British threaten to take his farm away from him. Together with his patriotic son, ..read more »
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 64% from 9,903 members
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  • Million Dollar Hotel on DVD (2000)
    Starring: Jeremy Davies,  Milla Jovovich,  Mel Gibson
    Director: Wim Wenders
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    Wim Wender's THE MILLION DOLLAR HOTEL is a well-filmed movie set in a majestic, dilapidated hotel on the outskirts of Hollywood. The opener shows Tom Tom (Jeremy Davies), the eccentric, slightly retarded, skateboard-riding narrator, wandering in slow motion at daybreak on the roof of the hotel, as ..read more »
    Rate this: 2.5 stars out of 5 48% from 1,332 member
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  • Tequila Sunrise on DVD (1998)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Michelle Pfeiffer,  Kurt Russell
    Director: Robert Towne
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    A former drug dealer trying to leave the business once and for all comes up against his best friend, a narcotics cop. Also caught in the net of suspicion is the beautiful restaurant owner with whom they're both in love. Academy Award Nominations: Best Cinematography.
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 59% from 2,709 members
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  • Payback on DVD (1998)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  James Coburn,  Gregg Henry
    Director: Brian Helgeland
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    Mel Gibson plays Porter, a ruthless criminal, who is gunned down by his wife and friend after they rob an Oriental gang. When Porter survives the attack, he makes it his mission to exact revenge on his friend, who has used the robbery money to buy his way into a powerful syndicate. Added to the mix ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 67% from 11,116 members
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  • Payback - BLU-RAY Version (1998)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  James Coburn,  Gregg Henry
    Director: Brian Helgeland
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    Mel Gibson plays Porter, a ruthless criminal, who is gunned down by his wife and friend after they rob an Oriental gang. When Porter survives the attack, he makes it his mission to exact revenge on his friend, who has used the robbery money to buy his way into a powerful syndicate. Added to the mix ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 71% from 148 members
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  • Braveheart - BLU-RAY Version (1995)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Angus Macfadyen,  Sophie Marceau
    Director: Mel Gibson
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    Mel Gibson directs and stars in this Academy Award-winning epic based on the life of legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero William Wallace. Returning to his homeland following the death of an heirless king, Wallace (Mel Gibson) finds the political landscape precarious. Edward the Longshanks, ..read more »
    Rate this: 4 stars out of 5 80% from 143 members
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  • Pocahontas on DVD (1995)
    Starring: Irene Bedard,  Mel Gibson,  Linda Hunt
    Director: Eric Goldberg,  Mike Gabriel
    Certificate: Certificate: U
    Pocahontas (Irene Bedard) is the daughter of Algonquin chief Powhatan (Russell Means), who promises her in marriage to Kocoum, a brave whom she doesn't love. Pocahontas would rather wander in the forest, communing with nature and her animal pals, Meeko, a raccoon, and the hummingbird Flit. When ..read more »
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 63% from 6,965 members
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  • Braveheart on DVD (1995)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Sophie Marceau,  Patrick McGoohan
    Director: Mel Gibson
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    In the late 13th century, William Wallace returns to Scotland after living away from his homeland for many years. The king of Scotland has died without an heir and the king of England, a ruthless pagan known as Edward the Longshanks, has seized the throne. Wallace becomes the leader of a ramshackle ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 71% from 30,652 members
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  • Maverick on DVD (1994)
    Starring: Jodie Foster,  Mel Gibson,  James Garner
    Director: Richard Donner
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    An updating of the classic Western TV series "Maverick," this comic oater finds our fast-talking, hard-gambling hero surviving many adventures while trying to come up with enough money to play in a high-stakes poker game. Penned by William Goldman with music by Randy Newman. Academy Award ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 67% from 6,922 members
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  • Forever Young on DVD (1992)
    Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis,  Mel Gibson,  Elijah Wood
    Director: Steve Miner
    Certificate: Certificate: PG
    A test pilot loses his true love so he volunteers to become cryogenically frozen for an experiment. Many years later a group of young boys stumble across his frozen capsule and revive him. He befriends the boy's mother and learns that his old sweetheart is still alive. Can they be reunited after so ..read more »
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 59% from 6,429 members
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  • Lethal Weapon 3 on DVD (1992)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Danny Glover,  Rene Russo
    Director: Richard Donner
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    In the third LETHAL WEAPON film, L.A. police detectives Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) track down an ex-cop who has been smuggling guns out of impound and back to gangs on the street. Days away from retirement, Murtaugh is reluctantly pushed into action by Riggs. The two are joined ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 67% from 17,619 members
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  • Hamlet on DVD (1990)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Glenn Close,  Alan Bates
    Director: Franco Zeffirelli
    Certificate: Certificate: PG
    Acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli teamed with Mel Gibson for this energetic, earthy adaptation of the classic Shakespeare tragedy. From study abroad, the young Prince of Denmark returns home to find his mother has married his uncle, and his father's ghost is urging him to action; but what action?..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 65% from 1,134 member
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  • Lethal Weapon 2 on DVD (1989)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Danny Glover,  Joss Ackland
    Director: Richard Donner
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    In Richard Donner's sequel to LETHAL WEAPON, Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is still the family man. Riggs (Mel Gibson) is still the daredevil, but now he counts the odds before bucking them. This time, the two cops must protect Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), an accountant who has laundered a half billion dollars ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 69% from 18,327 members
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  • Lethal Weapon - HD DVD Version (1987)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Danny Glover
    Director: Richard Donner
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    In Richard Donner's thrilling blockbuster, two tough Los Angeles cops--suicidal Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and family man Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover)--are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case involving a massive international crime ring which has its roots in Vietnam--a place they're both ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 73% from 323 members
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  • Lethal Weapon on DVD (1987)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Danny Glover,  Gary Busey
    Director: Richard Donner
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    In Richard Donner's thrilling blockbuster, two tough Los Angeles cops--suicidal Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and family man Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover)--are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case involving a massive international crime ring which has its roots in Vietnam--a place they're both ..read more »
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 72% from 23,046 members
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  • The Bounty on DVD (1984)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Anthony Hopkins,  Edward Fox
    Director: Roger Donaldson
    Certificate: Certificate: 15
    The familiar story of Captain Bligh, whose cruelty leads to a mutiny on his ship. This version follows both the efforts of Fletcher Christian to get his men beyond the reach of British retribution, and the epic voyage of Captain Bligh to get his loyalists safely to East Timor in a tiny lifeboat.
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 63% from 2,243 members
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  • Mrs. Soffel (1984)
    Starring: Diane Keaton,  Mel Gibson
    Director: Gillian Armstrong
    Certificate: Certificate: TBC
    Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1901, this drama depicts a true story that shocked contemporary society. Kate Soffel is a warden's wife so full of Christian values that she regularly visits her husband's jail, handing out bibles and attempting to reform the convicts. But Ed Biddle, a rather ..read more »
    Rate this: 2.5 stars out of 5 50% from 26 members
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  • Gallipoli on DVD (1982)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Mark Lee,  Bill Hunter
    Director: Peter Weir
    Certificate: Certificate: PG
    A profound study of the friendship of two young Australian men caught up in the murderous First World War. Set on the Turkish front in 1915, this film effectively combines history and drama.
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 68% from 3,424 members
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  • Mad Max 2 - Road Warrior on DVD (1981)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Virginia Hey,  Bruce Spence
    Director: George Miller
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    In this rugged sequel to MAD MAX, our titular hero comes to the aid of a small band of survivors struggling to protect their oil supply from savage, mohawked marauders. Set in the Australian Outback, the film boasts some spectacular set pieces, and plays out like a post-apocalyptic western.
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 67% from 9,457 members
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  • Mad Max 2 - The Road Warrior - HD DVD Ve... (1981)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Virginia Hey,  Bruce Spence
    Director: George Miller
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    In this rugged sequel to MAD MAX, our titular hero comes to the aid of a small band of survivors struggling to protect their oil supply from savage, mohawked marauders. Set in the Australian Outback, the film boasts some spectacular set pieces, and plays out like a post-apocalyptic western.
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 72% from 182 members
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  • Mad Max on DVD (1979)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Joanne Samuel,  Steven Bisley
    Director: George Miller
    Certificate: Certificate: 18
    Rebel bikers combat the police in a bleak post-nuclear future where the highways are bloody battlegrounds. When a gang of motorcyclists brutally murder a policeman's family he becomes Mad Max, avenger of the highways. Sequel: "The Road Warrior."
    Rate this: 3.5 stars out of 5 65% from 13,116 members
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  • Tim on DVD (1979)
    Starring: Mel Gibson,  Piper Laurie,  Deborah Kennedy
    Director: Michael Pate
    Certificate: Certificate: PG
    A handsome, mentally retarded young man shares an intimate relationship with an attractive businesswoman in her mid-40's. When the question of marriage eventually arises, they both suddenly realize the seriousness of their friendship. Based on the novel by Colleen McCollough.
    Rate this: 3 stars out of 5 59% from 456 members
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Mel Gibson facts

5 most recent films

Edge of Darkness - 3.0 stars
Apocalypto - BLU-RAY Version - 4.0 stars
Apocalypto - 3.5 stars
Who Killed The Electric Car? - 3.0 stars
The Passion Of The Christ - 3.0 stars

5 highest-rated films

Braveheart - BLU-RAY Version - 4.0 stars
Lethal Weapon - BLU-RAY Version - 4.0 stars
Apocalypto - BLU-RAY Version - 4.0 stars
We Were Soldiers - BLU-RAY Version - 3.5 stars
Apocalypto - 3.5 stars

5 lowest-rated films

Mrs. Soffel - 2.5 stars
Edge of Darkness - 3.0 stars
Sullivans - 3.0 stars
Summer City - 2.0 stars
The Singing Detective - 2.0 stars

Most frequent co-stars

Patrick McGoohan - 10 times - show films
Angus Macfadyen - 10 times - show films
Sophie Marceau - 10 times - show films
Catherine McCormack - 10 times - show films
Danny Glover - 6 times - show films

Most frequent directors

Richard Donner - 8 times - show films
George Miller - 5 times - show films
Eric Goldberg - 3 times - show films
Mike Gabriel - 3 times - show films
Randall Wallace - 2 times - show films