Review of The Patriot (2000) by J W — 16 Jul 2013

The film takes place during the American Revolution and tells the story of how an average farmer and single father won the freedom for his own country. Benjamin Martin played by Mel Gibson who has fought bravely in the French-Indian wars but since the death of his wife, he has renounced violence and is quietly tending his crops, raising his seven children alone.

In 1776, Benjamin's oldest son Gabriel played by the late Heath Ledger goes out to battle against the British and returns seriously wounded with Lord General Cornwallis played by Tom Wilkinson calling for his arrest.

A skirmish breaks out on Benjamin's plantation causing his second oldest son Thomas to be murdered and Gabriel is captured by Col. Tavington played by Jason Isaacs who sentences Gabriel to be hung.

Benjamin sets aside his vow of pacifism and rescues Gabriel with the help of Harry Burwell played by Chris Cooper. The film is loosely adapted from the true story of Francis Marion and was filmed in South Carolina.

While the film proves that you don't need so much to show that your movie is dark but this film follows the patriotic mood of Independence Day by being so overly melodramatic. I know so many people hated that movie for the same reason but I absolutely love that movie.

I like this movie but not that much for that same reason. The Patriot gets a weak 8/10.