Did you see the Patriot? It was baaaaaad! Brave Heart is one long big torture scene that proves that "Mel can take it like a man!". He has not made a decent film in years.
I thought Braveheart was quite a good movie including both his acting and directing.
Mel's acting in Gallipoli and The Year of Living Dangerously (admittedly older movies) prove that he is quite capable of being a good actor in the right vehicle. Also liked him in Ransom, Conspiracy Theory, The Man without a Face, and Signs.
I saw Braveheart and The Passion. Both were excellent.