The Patriot
"A Thunderous Spectacle...The Patriot Packs A Wallop." -Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE
In the emotionally-charged adventure The Patriot, Academy Award-winner Mel Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin, a reluctant hero who is swept into the American Revolution when the war reaches his home and threatens his family.
A hero of the fierce French and Indian conflict, Martin had renounced fighting forever to raise his family in peace. But when the British arrive at his South Carolina home and endanger what he holds most dear, Martin takes up arms alongside his idealistic patriot son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger of 10 Things I Hate About You), and leads a brave rebel Militia into the battle against a relentless and overwhelming English army. In the process, he discovers the only way to protect his family is to fight for a young nation's freedom.
Member Reviews
History Took A Holiday - revsdd
Hmmmm. Set in 1776 in South Carolina. There's a war going on. Names like Cornwallis and Washington are included. Sounds like a movie about the American Revolution. Too bad there's almost nothing here about the American Revolution.
This is an overhyped, jingoistic example of American film-making at its very worst! Remember the "Evil Empire" Ronald Reagan spoke about in the 1980's? Folks, the Soviet Union looks positively angelic compared to the demonized British portrayed here. OK. I know that Americans routinely portray the British as being a lot worse than they really were (elsewise, how would they justify the rebellion, which had nothing really to do with "freedom" properly defined and everything to do with taxes?) But this was ridiculous. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when Ben Martin (Mel Gibson) comes running out of his burning house looking vaguely like an 18th century Rambo. Or when little Susan (Skye McComb Bartusiak) cries out in anguish "Papa! Papa! I'll say anything you want! Just don't go, papa!" And I loved the beginning, as the "mailman" delivers the package to the black woman at Martin's house and politely smiles and responds "you're welcome," to her "thank you." This is South Carolina in 1776. I doubt a white man would have been so polite. Of course there's a lot of violence, and the nasty old British kill a whole lot of innocent people. Blah blah blah! By the way, this has to have been one of Mel Gibson's sorrier performances. He came across as wooden to me all the way through.
What frightens me is that a lot of Americans are going to watch this and actually think that they learned something about the American Revolution! It's just terrible.Lovely Film - hilkayaker
I love this movie. Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, what more could you ask for?!?! Jason Issacs does a great bad guy, he creeps me out. Very heartfelt story, bit of a tear jerker at times and certainly not for the faint hearted with all the gory scenes. Susan always makes me cry! Would definately recomend it!If you appreciate great movies, this has to be in your collection - JCasey
I can't believe that as of this moment only one person has written a review on this fantastic movie. If you liked Braveheart, you will love this one too. Great story that everyone will enjoy. Great, well defined actors. There is the main story line and several sub story lines/conflicts between 2 or more characters that will really make you think.
Member Reviews
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History Took A Holiday - revsdd
Hmmmm. Set in 1776 in South Carolina. There's a war going on. Names like Cornwallis and Washington are included. Sounds like a movie about the American Revolution. Too bad there's almost nothing here about the American Revolution.
This is an overhyped, ...Lovely Film - hilkayaker
I love this movie. Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, what more could you ask for?!?! Jason Issacs does a great bad guy, he creeps me out. Very heartfelt story, bit of a tear jerker at times and certainly not for the faint hearted with all the gory scenes. Susan ...If you appreciate great movies, this has to be in your collection - JCasey
I can't believe that as of this moment only one person has written a review on this fantastic movie. If you liked Braveheart, you will love this one too. Great story that everyone will enjoy. Great, well defined actors. There is the main story line and several ...