Review of The Patriot (2000) by Ian M — 26 Jun 2010

This is a heartwarming story about a family caught in the midst of the Revolutionary War in the United States, and the role of the South Carolina militia in the eventual defeat of the Red Coats.

The film tells the story of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a man who has regrets over his past and becomes a reluctant leader of the South Carolina militia. Focusing on the conflict between troops under the command of Cornwallis and Continental troops as well as militia members, this film has a lot of action - but the side plot of the Martin family shows how ordinary people were effected by this war which was fought in their yards and hometowns.

I found this film inspirational and really indicative of the times. Although Gibson's character wasn't fully committed to the cause at hand - he was thrust into picking sides by sheer proximity to the conflict. There was much debate between loyalists and rebels - within families and within the community and the film does a spectacular job of showing how things most certainly must have been.

Gibson is a fantastic actor and this is another example of his prowess, as for Ledger he does well in his role - and there is a lot of focus on him, but I think it was important for the development of the story. I would argue that this is probably the best movie about the Revolutionary War and is filled with drama, heartache and ecstasy - but those were the times.