Patriot, The (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Ashamed of his own barbarity during the French & Indian War, peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) decided he would not participate in the American Revolution. His eldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger), however, enlisted mere minutes after South Carolina joined the fight! Benjamin changes his mind when his house is burned down & tragedy strikes his family. And in an act of revenge against the sadistic British commander Colonel Tavington (Jason Isaacs), Benjamin organizes Colonial militiamen into a guerilla unit to harass Cornwallis' army long enough to allow the French to storm in. 'The Patriot', directed by Roland Emmerich, is a thunderous spectacle. Yes, it has problems (too long, sketchy screenplay, pacing). But overall, you more than get your money's worth by watching it.
South Carolina, 1776: Benjamin Martin, once the 'Hero of Fort Wilderness', is a planter who's still haunted by his brutal past as a soldier in the French & Indian War. And he wants no part in any war with Britain; exclaiming, "This war will be fought not on some distant frontier but among us, among our homes". Unfortunately for him, he 2 eldest sons, Gabriel & Thomas (Ledger, Gregory Smith) are patriots and can't wait to go into battle against the Redcoats. When S.C. enters the war, Benjamin chooses not to fight for the Continental Army; wanting to protect his loved ones. But without permission, Gabriel signs up to fight. And in doing so, kicks-off a series of events which leads to his own family tragedy.
Seeking revenge against the man responsible for this tragedy (the evil Colonel Tavington), Benjamin enlists in the war, accepting a command from Colonel Harry Burwell (a stellar Chris Cooper) to lead the local makeshift militia (peasants, ministers, slaves, etc.) in guerilla-style attacks against British targets. In doing this, he'd have to leave behind his 5 other children with his sister-in-law (Joely Richardson) before walking off into bloody battle. Though he promised never to return to war, the family tragedy had instilled an inner rage in him, once again. Soon known as 'the ghost', Benjamin would become a one-track mind killing machine (on the Redcoats). And all who stood in his way would be best to step aside. Benjamin (and his militia) are fighting not only to bring independence to the 13 colonies, but to avenge his family (dead & alive). A steep price (in lives) will be paid. But a win against the Redcoats would be sweet.
On the positive side of things, 'The Patriot' has everything you want in an epic: scope, sweep, reversals of fortune, boldness, sentimentality, battles, blood, death, life, rousing music, political correctness, heroes vs. villains, the list goes on & on. It's an unabashed crowd-pleaser (though most historians will cringe at inaccuracies). Jason Isaacs makes for a brilliant & menacing villain; you hate him ... and that's how we're supposed to feel. Heath Ledger is admirable as the idealistic Gabriel. And Mel Gibson uses charisma & introspective nuances to bring out Benjamin Martin. Ben struggles to cope with his dark past, & Gibson does well make this 2-dimensional character a flawed but full-bodied human being. Supporting turns from Richardson & Tom Wilkinson are good, as well.
The Colonial sets, period costumes, cinematography, sound (guns, canons), & musical score are all great. There are also a number of proficiently-choreographed war sequences; great action & intensity. However, even with all these wonderful attributes, the film is not perfect. It's sometimes corny (with a slightly anachronistic screenplay). It could have been at least 20 minutes shorter. And it's riddled with cliches. i.e., the token black slave who doesn't mind working for the white family. It also has its share of manipulative moments; though, they didn't bother me (I cried like a baby when Benjamin's young daughter sees her daddy). Overall, 'The Patriot' offers a fictional, but engrossing story filled with interesting characters; and punctuated with lots of energy & verve. Now that's entertainment.
South Carolina, 1776: Benjamin Martin, once the 'Hero of Fort Wilderness', is a planter who's still haunted by his brutal past as a soldier in the French & Indian War. And he wants no part in any war with Britain; exclaiming, "This war will be fought not on some distant frontier but among us, among our homes". Unfortunately for him, he 2 eldest sons, Gabriel & Thomas (Ledger, Gregory Smith) are patriots and can't wait to go into battle against the Redcoats. When S.C. enters the war, Benjamin chooses not to fight for the Continental Army; wanting to protect his loved ones. But without permission, Gabriel signs up to fight. And in doing so, kicks-off a series of events which leads to his own family tragedy.
Seeking revenge against the man responsible for this tragedy (the evil Colonel Tavington), Benjamin enlists in the war, accepting a command from Colonel Harry Burwell (a stellar Chris Cooper) to lead the local makeshift militia (peasants, ministers, slaves, etc.) in guerilla-style attacks against British targets. In doing this, he'd have to leave behind his 5 other children with his sister-in-law (Joely Richardson) before walking off into bloody battle. Though he promised never to return to war, the family tragedy had instilled an inner rage in him, once again. Soon known as 'the ghost', Benjamin would become a one-track mind killing machine (on the Redcoats). And all who stood in his way would be best to step aside. Benjamin (and his militia) are fighting not only to bring independence to the 13 colonies, but to avenge his family (dead & alive). A steep price (in lives) will be paid. But a win against the Redcoats would be sweet.
On the positive side of things, 'The Patriot' has everything you want in an epic: scope, sweep, reversals of fortune, boldness, sentimentality, battles, blood, death, life, rousing music, political correctness, heroes vs. villains, the list goes on & on. It's an unabashed crowd-pleaser (though most historians will cringe at inaccuracies). Jason Isaacs makes for a brilliant & menacing villain; you hate him ... and that's how we're supposed to feel. Heath Ledger is admirable as the idealistic Gabriel. And Mel Gibson uses charisma & introspective nuances to bring out Benjamin Martin. Ben struggles to cope with his dark past, & Gibson does well make this 2-dimensional character a flawed but full-bodied human being. Supporting turns from Richardson & Tom Wilkinson are good, as well.
The Colonial sets, period costumes, cinematography, sound (guns, canons), & musical score are all great. There are also a number of proficiently-choreographed war sequences; great action & intensity. However, even with all these wonderful attributes, the film is not perfect. It's sometimes corny (with a slightly anachronistic screenplay). It could have been at least 20 minutes shorter. And it's riddled with cliches. i.e., the token black slave who doesn't mind working for the white family. It also has its share of manipulative moments; though, they didn't bother me (I cried like a baby when Benjamin's young daughter sees her daddy). Overall, 'The Patriot' offers a fictional, but engrossing story filled with interesting characters; and punctuated with lots of energy & verve. Now that's entertainment.