PROUD to be an American!. Review on The Patriot Movie

“The Patriot” - R -

“The Patriot”, starring Mel Gibson, reflects back on The American Revolution. The story starts in 1776 and the British Army, the “redcoats”, are invading South Carolina. Benjamin Martin (Gibson), is a widower with 7 children. He is opposed to this war and refuses to fight in it. His eldest son, Gabriel (played by Heath Ledger), is off to join the war against his father’s wishes.

When there is a battle close to Martin’s home, he takes in the injured men and gives them care. The Colonial of the British Army, Col. William Tavington (John Issacs), finds out and burns his home and kills his next eldest son, Thomas. It is then that Martin starts an Army militia along with his son Gabriel. They soon refer to Martin as “the ghost” because he seems to move at the speed of light and beat the British at their own game. The British is, of course, anxious to find out who “the ghost’ is and stop him. The militia is awaiting help from the French and must hold off the British until they arrive. That could take years.

The movie spans 5 years of the American Revolutionary War. There is no mention of the real life leaders in this war such as, Paul Revere, General George Washington or Benedict Arnold, but I believed that this movie showed just what it was like to have lived back then.

I’ve never been much of a history buff, but this movie left me wanting to know the whole story of The American Revolution. “The Patriot” had a little of everything in it. A love story, suspense, surprise and it made me cry.

Mel Gibson was outstanding as the militia leader. He gave the type of performance you come to expect from him. Heath Ledger (10 Things I hate about you), gave a riveting performance as the oldest son, Gabriel. I image it will lead to a long career for him. Chris Cooper (Col. Burwell) was great as a leader in the movie and a friend. You may know him from “American Beauty” or “Me, Myself and Irene.” Tom Wilkinson (from “The Full Monty”) played Gen. Cornwallis of the British Army. This film was written by Robert Rodat and directed by Roland Emmerich. “The Patriot” was filmed entirely in South Carolina and used information obtained by The Smithsonian Institute for it’s historical references.

At the end of this movie my first thought was that I was Proud to be an American! And in this

time of being extremely PROUD of America, I recommend you rent this film. Be forewarned

though, it does have some bloody battle scenes.

Enjoy!

2001 KAC