The Patriot (Extended Cut)
Relive this spectacular epic starring Academy-Award-winner Mel Gibson (1995 Best Director, Braveheart) and Heath Ledger (Lords of Dogtown) in this all-new, digitally remastered, Extended Cut that features an extra 10 minutes added back into the film! The Extended Cut also includes three special featurettes, storyboard comparisons, photo galleries, and more.
In a picture that "has everything you want in an epic" (Time), Mel Gibson delivers "a powerful and effective performance" (Roger Ebert) as former war hero Benjamin Martin, who has renounced fighting forever - until the Revolutionary War arrives at his front door. Faced with the harsh reality of fighting to protect those he loves, Martin takes up arms and commands a brave rebel militia in fierce battles against the well-armed English army, fighting for his family - and his young nation's freedom.
Member Reviews
Ridiculously Biased, but Still Entertaining - MovieProf
It is certainly true that the British committed atrocities during the American Revolution: no doubt innocent people were caught in the wrong place and wrong time and were killed. But this is true of any war. It is also true of any war that both sides commit atrocities. Unfortunately, the American brutalities, though not completely absent, are cleverly and conspicuously glossed over in this nonetheless rousing epic from director Roland Emmerich.
The film chronicles the war years through the eyes of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a widowed farmer of several children. Martin has a dark past, which finally surfaces in the later stages of the film: years before, he was in a party that raided a French post and mutilated its occupants. Though hailed as a hero, he has long been ashamed of his past, and when war breaks out with the British years later, his pacifist ways are clearly in evidence, and he refuses to fight. However, when his eldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger) signs up with the American rebels, Martin is incensed. Ultimately, it is the presence of a British platoon on his farm that pushes him over the edge, and he once again raises the sword.
“The Patriot” is overly biased, so much so that it can easily come across as ridiculous. Certainly the British were not impressed with it upon its initial release. However, if one gets beyond the pro-American propaganda and allows the movie to do what it does quite well—entertain—then one will likely not be disappointed. All the elements of a successful epic are present here: massive battles, betrayal, death of loved ones, a love affair—there’s lots here to find entertaining. Just don’t assume that all British soldiers were bad and all Americans were good. That’s just plain silly.Great Movie - kstar0327
I thought this was a great movie about the American Civil war. A great movie for all those who like war movies or Mel Gibson. A long movie so you need to have time to watch it. Great battle scenes and makes you feel for all those who lost and perished during this time........Another... - Dakos
3 hour movie - wow. It was a nice epic but one thing I would like to know is if this Benjamin Martin did in fact exist. The role seemed real enough and the anguish that Gibson puts in the role more that makes up for any other shortcomings it had. Tom Wilkinson as the British Redcoat Cornwallace was very good as well.
Member Reviews
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Ridiculously Biased, but Still Entertaining - MovieProf
It is certainly true that the British committed atrocities during the American Revolution: no doubt innocent people were caught in the wrong place and wrong time and were killed. But this is true of any war. It is also true of any war that both sides commit ...Great Movie - kstar0327
I thought this was a great movie about the American Civil war. A great movie for all those who like war movies or Mel Gibson. A long movie so you need to have time to watch it. Great battle scenes and makes you feel for all those who lost and perished during ...Another... - Dakos
3 hour movie - wow. It was a nice epic but one thing I would like to know is if this Benjamin Martin did in fact exist. The role seemed real enough and the anguish that Gibson puts in the role more that makes up for any other shortcomings it had. Tom Wilkinson ...