A dream of patriotism.

''I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost is more than I can bear.''

Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.

Mel Gibson: Benjamin Martin

Films exist for lots of reasons but especially - to entertain as well as educate. In this regard, The Patriot does a fine job in thrilling us. The acting is excellent, and all the characters were well cast in their respective roles. The pacing was generally good, and I was never tired due to the unrelenting drama and action which unfolded. The battle scenes were exceptionally brutal, which must be typical of combat situations throughout history. Most war films depicting the American Revolution are fairly sanitized or rely upon drama and acting to carry the story. Not so with Patriot - I'm surprised they didn't try to depict the carnage that undoubtedly resulted from firing grapeshot or cannister shots.

Although realism is not typically a word I would choose for any film, I felt that the depiction of combat here was probably much more realistic. Many history books will try to teach us that warfare in the 18th century was a bit of a gentleman competition of sorts, where quarter was given if asked, and honour was observed in such matters as the beginning and end of conflict, prisoner exchanges, and the like. This may have sometimes been the case between fully professional forces like those of England and France, but such countries seem to have held a different opinion entirely of rebel forces. These were apparently regarded not only with disdain, but outright contempt. Afterall, those guilty of treason have traditionally been treated much more harshly than other enemies.

''You know, it's an ugly business doing one's duty... but just occasionally it's a real pleasure.''

With Patriot it seems to take this probability and run with it. The colonists who fought against England in the American Revolution were regarded as traitors, and were likely treated very harshly if captured or engaged in battle. The British in general were portrayed as pompous and at times villainous, but this is certainly not out of line for the way they undoubtedly felt about the rebels. Concurrently, I'm certain that the colonists who took part in the rebellion had a great deal of contempt for the British as well, but particularly for the Loyalists, or those colonists who remained loyal to and fought for Great Britain.

My criticisms revolve around the flow of the movie. There are many, many tragic scenes that were obviously a plot device to hammer home the horrors of war. I felt that one or two would have sufficed to make such a point, but instead we receive multiple such scenes. Some chopping would have definitely been appreciated.
Jason Isaacs makes for a wonderfully sadistic, villain whom loves being unmerciful and brutal, and the late Heath Ledger excels as Benjamins son. Mel Gibson replicates his hero role from Braveheart, and he really plays reluctant father turned war hero very well.
Overall, Patriot is an intense, interesting take on a theater of the American Revolution that is not often depicted in film. I would recommend it to those who appreciate the genre of historical drama, perfect costumes and for bloody climactic battles.

''Before this war is over, I'm going to kill you.''


8/10